In 2020 Microsoft was thrilled to donate to RainbowYOUTH as part of an international pride campaign. Microsoft has proudly been incorporating inclusive design practices in our products, and in our advocacy for rainbow people worldwide.
Our rainbow employee resource group, Global LGBTQI+ Employees and Allies at Microsoft (GLEAM), has a strong chapter here in New Zealand, and we are incredibly proud to work closely with RainbowYOUTH to advance rainbow inclusion.
RainbowYOUTH is a charitable organisation that was established in 1989. They are here to work with queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex youth, their friends, whānau and wider communities to ensure Aotearoa is a place where all young people can thrive.
Stephen Lines, Microsoft New Zealand GLEAM committee member, said: “Microsoft fundamentally believes in the importance of living and working as one’s authentic self. To be able to wake up each day, go to work, or be in society without the fear or shame of hiding oneself is critically important to a progressive society. As a technology company, we believe we have a role to play in providing a platform to enable those voices previously unheard, and empower those previously held back, to live full and fulfilling lives. Likewise, we have seen RainbowYOUTH as an important platform and resource for young rainbow people in Aotearoa to build confidence in who they are and connect as a community. The mission statements of both our organisations are to empower people, and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve through this partnership.”
For more details about how RainbowYOUTH have used Microsoft’s donation, and all of the great work they do for youth in Aotearoa, see their 2021 annual report: https://ry.org.nz/our-annual-reports-1