Residing on Gadigal land (Surry Hills), Kate Reuvers is Senior Customer Product Manager for 10 Play. Kate goes by she/her pronouns and identifies as gay. She says: “Lots of people would say I’m a lesbian, but I prefer gay.”
What does Wear It Purple Day mean to you?
To me, Wear It Purple Day is an opportunity to show the amazing youth of today that they are great and matter, no matter who they are or how they identify!
This year’s Wear It Purple theme is “Start the conversation and keep it going”. What are some tips on how we can keep the conversation going?
Being visible and approachable is important. I’ve had a few lovely experiences where colleagues have approached me for advice and support. One was a recruiter at a work lunch, he pulled me aside to discuss his daughter who just came out as non-binary.
Visibility comes in many forms – it’s easier if you have a partner because you can drop in names. But there are lots of other ways in the corporate world, for both LGBTQIA+ and allies to be visible and supportive. From lanyards to pronoun pins to updating your email signature with your chosen pronouns!
I believe we also have an LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group launching soon, which will be a great place for the LGBTQIA+ community and our wonderful allies to help further improve diversity and inclusion!
You’ve got great friendships at 10 ViacomCBS. How important is having colleagues that you can turn to?
It is so important to have people to turn to at work, particularly if you’re struggling with who you are.
Not everyone has a safe space at home, but how great is it that we can create a safe space at work, where people can feel accepted for who they are.
One story resonates with me where a colleague, who I didn’t know very well at the time, was struggling with their sexuality and approached me to talk. We ended up building a really great friendship, and they now know they always have someone to talk to if they need it.
If you were to appear on one show across the ViacomCBS family, what would it be?
Hmm. It would have to be the current season of Australian Survivor on Channel 10 – due to my love for Hayley! Sadly, she has a boyfriend, but we can dream.
Check out Kate’s special Wear It Purple short Lego story:
