Utrecht, Netherlands – May 24, 2024 – Connection will be the central theme at Utrecht Pride on Saturday, June 1st. The sense of connection is not self-evident for everyone in the queer community, while it is precisely so important to combat loneliness. Vodafone is therefore introducing a powerful symbol of togetherness today: the Belong(r)ing. This ring symbolizes an invitation to come together during Pride and to show that the person is open to connection.
The Risk of Loneliness
Research by Movisie shows that people in the LGBTQIA+ community are more at risk of feeling lonely. A lack of social support and acceptance can lead to feelings of isolation, which is why Pride, as the day of the LGBTQIA+ community, is an ideal moment to connect with each other. It is an invitation to everyone to be themselves and to come together in love and pride.
Calling for Connection
Vodafone therefore believes it is important to stimulate those connections within the community and to make connection tangible this year during Pride. With the ring as a symbol of togetherness, Vodafone wants to make it easier for people to come to Pride. By wearing the ring, visitors to Pride show that they are open to a chat and new connections. With the striking design by Utrecht queer designer Jade Hermans, everyone can see that wearers are open to new connections and celebrating Pride together. With this, Vodafone is saying: U Belong, I Belong, We Belong.
Fleur van Beem, Executive Director Strategy, Insights & Digital Transformation at VodafoneZiggo and SLT sponsor of the internal Queers Connected network, emphasizes: “No one in the community should feel alone, but still an above-average number of people in the community struggle with this. We are trying to tackle this internally ourselves, among other things, with our Queers Connected network. With the Belong(r)ing, we are also bringing the connection that we are trying to stimulate internally to the rest of the queer community. Fun and progress with every connection is at the heart of our business, so I am proud that Vodafone is doing something for the community in this way and making connection tangible.”
Jade Hermans, Utrecht designer of the Belong(r)ing and a member of the queer community, explains why she was happy to work on this: “Being able to give something back to my community during Pride, the time of year when we are the center of attention, was a no-brainer for me. A ring is already the symbol of connection, but with my design I like to help people take the first step in making a connection and meeting each other.”
Robert Kalff, chairman of Utrecht Pride, gives his perspective on the initiative: “The theme U Belong of Utrecht Pride this year was chosen to ensure that no one doubts anymore to feel at home at our Pride. We think it is wonderful that Vodafone wants to contribute to this in this tangible way and testifies to our beautiful collaboration.”
During Pride, various well-known members of the community will be present on the station square in Utrecht to connect and convey the idea behind the ring. They will be handing out the rings, together with VodafoneZiggo employees.
Not only during Pride Month, but throughout the year VodafoneZiggo works for an inclusive society and a positive working environment for queer colleagues. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the broadest sense is integrated into the business strategy of VodafoneZiggo. LGBTQIA+ inclusivity is an inseparable part of this.”
Key takeaways:
- Vodafone is introducing the Belong(r)ing, a ring that symbolizes connection and openness to new connections, at Utrecht Pride.
- The company is committed to creating an inclusive society and a positive working environment for queer colleagues.
- Pride is an important moment to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate diversity.