2025 Shortlisted nominee
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY NETWORK AWARD
B.proud UK, the first regional chapter of Booking.com’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, has grown from a grassroots initiative into a powerful movement for inclusion. Founded by UK-based colleagues and led by Lewis Bell, the network began with small gatherings that prioritised trust and psychological safety. Today, B.proud UK is a visible part of life at Manchester campus—establishing the first-ever ERG Hub, advocating for gender-neutral toilets, and opening office spaces to grassroots LGBTQ+ groups affected by venue closures. With creativity from designer Alice and financial stewardship from Benji, the network has delivered impactful campaigns, inclusive events, and over 200 hours of volunteering. Its work has shaped Booking.com policies, strengthened intersectionality across ERGs, and provided a blueprint for other regional B.proud chapters worldwide. B.proud UK stands as a model of how empathy, visibility, and lived experience can embed inclusion into workplace culture and beyond.
