work with Pride 2017 (wwP^*1) was held at the Keidanren Kaikan on Wednesday October 11. wwP is an annual event designed to provide information on creating workplaces where members of the LGBT^*2 community can be themselves as they go about their duties. This year's wwP was the sixth such event and was marked by active discussions on the difficulties facing LGBT employees who come out in the Japanese workplace, and the importance of creating a sustainable, inclusive in-company environment. The Pride Index rates the initiatives adopted by companies and other entities that support the LGBT community. At the Pride Index 2017 ceremony, Sony group companies were awarded 12 gold ratings, one silver rating, and five bronze ratings.

The award ceremony

work with Pride 2017

This year's wwP comprised two parts, a main session and a sub-session.

Main Session

This consisted of a keynote speech on global trends, and a panel discussion involving concerned parties, followed by the announcement of the results of Pride Index 2017 rankings of corporate initiatives concerning LGBT. The panel discussion was entitled 'Thoughts on International Coming Out Day' and the discussion covered two themes, one each from global and domestic perspectives: 'Learning from Global Trends -- Coming Out? Or Not?' and 'Coming out in the Japanese Workplace Today.'

Session on 'Learning from Global Trends -- Coming Out? Or Not?'

Panelist Tristan Higgins, Director of Sony Electronics Inc.'s law department, spoke on 'Why is coming out difficult?' Referring to her own experiences, she explained how the ability to be herself in the workplace was beneficial both for herself and for the company.

Session on 'Coming out in the Japanese Workplace Today.'

Three people spoke about coming out in the Japanese workplace. The first said that it is important that companies consider not just the short-term results but continue the activities for the benefit of subsequent generations. The second said that allies play a vital role whether you come out or not, and that it is vital to engage in activities on the assumption that some people are unable to come out. The third noted that since individual situations and thinking differ, there is no such thing as a measure that fits all cases. It is therefore necessary to continue with a variety of measures.

During the panel discussion

Sub-session

The discussion and exchange of views focused on four themes: 'Same Sex Partnership Schemes,' 'Taking Transgender Persons into Consideration,' 'Sexual Orientation Gender Identity (SOGI) harassment,' and 'Creating An In-house Climate (networks of allies, concerned parties)'

At the sub-session

Sony Group company ratings in the 2017 Pride Index

<Gold>

Sony Corporation / Sony Visual Products Inc. / Sony Video & Sound Products Inc. / Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation / Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc. / Sony Storage Media Manufacturing Corporation / Sony Marketing Inc. / Sony Regional Sales (Japan) Inc. / Sony Consumer Sales (Japan) Inc. / Sony Mobile Communications Inc. / Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. / FeliCa Networks, Inc.

<Silver>

Sony Global Manufacturing & Operations Corporation

<Bronze>

Sony PCL Inc. / Sony Global Solutions Inc. / Sony Storage Media Manufacturing Corporation. / Sony Energy Devices Corporation