Rounding off Pride Month 2026, Mia Pedlow, customer services representative at OneFamily, speaks to Health & Protection about discovering how the traditionally conservative financial services sector is now more open to conversations about diversity, the role of challenging unconscious bias in fostering inclusive cultures, and why her employer’s inclusive dress policy enables her to show up authentically in the workplace.
What have been your own experiences with regard to attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities in the sector?
As a lesbian working in financial services, my experience of attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities has been positive.
I’ve been at OneFamily for almost three years and I feel fortunate to have joined such a welcoming company early on in my career. I’ve always felt respected by colleagues and management, there is an embedded culture of inclusivity.
A simple example that means a lot to me is our inclusive dress policy. It allows people to express themselves while still feeling confident and professional at work, without the pressure to fit into traditional gender norms.
I feel most comfortable in clothing that may be considered more masculine and I have never felt any pressure to conform to more feminine expectations. Being able to dress in a way that reflects who I am has really helped build my confidence at work.
Our Proudly@ employee network has given me a space to connect with LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies, share our experiences and support one another.
We also get involved in events and volunteering with local charities, like packing sexual health kits for Pride with the Terrence Higgins Trust. We’ve had a really positive reaction from people across the business.
How have attitudes evolved in the sector?
Financial services have traditionally been seen as more conservative, but now there is much greater visibility and more open honest conversations around diversity.
I only entered the sector in 2024, so I can’t speak from personal experience about how things have changed over a longer period but I’m aware of how far we’ve come.
I’m grateful to have joined the industry when organisations today are proactive in how they approach inclusion.
There’s a strong focus on creating welcoming environments through things like networks and campaigns that promote awareness and support for the community.
At OneFamily, our LGBTQ+ network plays a key role in building connections and visibility. We’re supported by colleagues from across the business.
We’ve sponsored Brighton & Hove Pride for more than 10 years, each year we mark it by decorating the office and hosting events.
Pride feels like something everyone can get involved in, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages allies to join in the celebrations.
What is the sector doing well and where does it need to up its game?
In terms of what the sector is doing well, there has been strong progress, with organisations showing their commitment through policy changes. Some of the most impactful improvements can be the simplest ones, like using more inclusive neutral language, which can help people feel seen and respected.
Building on that progress, there’s now an opportunity to make inclusion feel more embedded in everyday working life and reflected at every level of an organisation. Continuing to challenge unconscious bias and improving representation will be essential to making that happen.
Another positive development is the influence of employee networks across the sector. It’s been encouraging to see networks like Proudly@ involved in shaping policies such as our support for transitioning colleagues.
Bringing in lived experience helps ensure these policies are meaningful and work for the people they’re there for.
There’s also been a shift towards more support for trans and non-binary colleagues, alongside greater awareness across the industry. Keeping that momentum going through education and open conversations will be key to maintaining progress.
Do you feel encouraged and enabled to bring your whole self to work?
I do feel encouraged to bring my whole self to work. I’ve never felt excluded or different to anyone else.
In everyday conversations with colleagues, discussing my girlfriend has always felt natural, it has never been treated as anything out of the ordinary. It’s not treated as something that needs explaining.
Being able to choose how I dress is another important part of that. It means I can show up as myself without feeling the need to change or hide any aspect of who I am, which has really helped my confidence.
That sense of ease comes from the wider culture at OneFamily. People are listened to, supported and inclusion is taken seriously. I also feel confident that if something didn’t feel right, I could speak up and my colleagues would do the same.
Having a supportive team around me makes a huge difference and it creates an environment where being yourself isn’t something you have to worry about.
