In support of the advancement of human rights for LGBT+ people, Scotiabank TT has embarked on an advertisement campaign featuring people in the local community.
The multi-channel campaign, which was launched in mid June, features Scotia employees, members of the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, and others) community and allies.
“When I can focus on opportunities instead of barriers, when I can celebrate who I love just like everyone else, when I know/feel like I belong, I can be my whole self,” is the message narrated by members of the community.
Football player and LGBT+ activist Kenwyne Jones concludes by saying, “Inclusion begins with all of us. We all need to embrace and respect each other because when everyone can be their whole self, we all thrive.”
Viewable on local television stations, Instagram and Facebook, the ad has generated many positive responses. Related ads are also available in the print media.
Commenting on Instagram, duaneswift said, “Never thought I’d ever see something like this in TT from a corporation. Great work.”
Le_nel congratulated the bank for being a leader and building inclusivity, koonztara said they respected and admired the stance and message, and gabzwil was impressed by the bank’s progressivess, saying it was necessary for TT.
Kezdband said, “Thank you @scotiatt for providing a safe space to be myself!”
[caption id="attachment_899695" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A screenshot from Scotiaban's LGBTQ+ ad campaign. -[/caption]
Cindy Mohammed, Scotiabank’s communications and corporate social responsibility manager, told Business Day the campaign promotes the bank’s commitment to “building an inclusive work place and fostering communities where LGBT+ people can thrive.” Scotiabank TT is a subsidiary of Canada's Bank of Nova Scotia.
The bank has also donated to the LGBT+ human rights NGO Outright Action International, and collaborated with PrideTT for its Generation Gap initiative. The initiative is a holistic youth development programme that offers structured character, professional development, and mentorship to 30 participants between the ages of 17 and 25.
Gayle Pazos, senior vice president and managing director of Scotiabank TT, said, “We support all groups in the community, including the LGBT+. We are deeply committed to supporting our communities and believe that the long-term success of our bank and the world around us are fundamentally connected.
“Between 2020 and 2021, we demonstrated our continued commitment by investing in projects focussed on community and youth development, education, health and environmental sustainability, impacting the lives of approximately 78,000 individuals and 50,000 youth through our work with 600 NGOs, schools and communities.”
One important step in providing this support is employee awareness and training.
Mohammed said the bank has several resources on diversity, inclusion and belonging avai
