Laurel: As we come to the end of Pride month 2025 we wanted to seize the opportunity to celebrate stories, increase visibility and encourage inclusion within professional environments. 

To help us do that I’m joined by recruitment legend and pride advocat Francesca Marchesi. 

Fran, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. To begin, would you be happy to share a bit about your personal journey and what Pride means to you this year?

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Fran: Pride for me is about visibility, courage, and community. I came out around 13 years ago, and at the time I was really nervous. I worried how it might impact how I was seen professionally. But since then, it’s become a core part of how I’ve lead teams and support others in business. I married my wife in 2023, and that was a huge personal milestone but also a reminder that love and authenticity shouldn’t be things we have to hide in the workplace. Pride this year is about helping others feel safe to show up as they are not just in June, but every day.

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Laurel: What was your experience like coming out, both personally and in the context of your career?

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Fran: Coming out was something I built up in my head. I remember messaging a few friends at work in a group chat, saying, “I’ve been nervous to tell you this, but I’m gay.” And honestly no one batted an eyelid. The fear was all mine, not something they had said or done. But I’ve also experienced the opposite: comments like “Fran will wear a suit because she’s gay.” People think they’re joking but it’s not funny. It’s a microaggression. So, while I’ve had positive experiences, I’ve also learned that part of being out means calling out those things with professionalism and compassion because that’s how we change the culture.

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Laurel: We work in the property sector, which is often fast-paced and people-driven - how has navigating your identity played out in that kind of environment?

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Fran:  It’s definitely been a journey. Property is such a people-first industry, and while it hasn’t always been known for its diversity, I’ve actually seen a real shift. I’ve had incredible support from people I’ve worked with whether that’s through private messages, public comments on my LinkedIn, or conversations at events where people have thanked me for being visible. That said, there have been moments that reminded me there’s still work to do, like when the colleague who once joked, “Fran will wear a suit because she’s gay.” It might have seemed harmless to them, but assumptions like that are still rooted in stereotypes. Being visible, speaking openly, and challenging those comments in a kind but clear way is how we help move the industry forward. I’ve found that when you show up authentically, you often give others permission to do the same.

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Laurel: What has being out at work meant to you? Has it changed how you show up in your role?

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Fran: Massively. When you’re not hiding parts of yourself, you show up with more energy, more clarity, more connection. Being out means I lead with empathy. It’s helped me build stronger teams and better relationships with clients. It also means people know where I stand I wear Pride bands so others know I’m a safe person to speak to. Visibility builds trust.

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Laurel: Were there moments where being open about your LGBTQ+ identity felt empowering or moments when it felt more complicated?

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Fran: Both. Being open is empowering when you’re surrounded by allies or when someone says, “Thank you, I feel less alone.” But it’s complicated when you hear a comment or a joke that makes you feel ‘othered.’ That’s when you realise visibility also comes with responsibility to educate, to challenge, and to protect your own peace at the same time.

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​Laurel: Do you feel that sharing your story has helped others around you feel safer or more seen?

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Fran: I hope so and from the messages I’ve had, I think it has. Sometimes it’s as small as someone saying, “Thank you for speaking up,” or “You’ve made me feel I can be myself here too.” or “You matter”. That makes everything worth it.

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Laurel: What kind of support - formal or informal - has made the biggest difference to you at work as an LGBTQ+ person?

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​Fran: Informal things often make the biggest difference, leaders who genuinely listen, teammates who don’t assume, companies that don’t just change their logo for Pride but back it up with inclusive policy. And the small acts: asking pronouns, respecting names, celebrating queer milestones like weddings or anniversaries, they matter.

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Laurel:What does real allyship look like to you, in practice—not just in Pride month but year-round?

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Fran:  It’s not performative. It’s not loud for the sake of optics. It’s thoughtful. It’s calling out casual homophobia when no one queer is in the room. It’s inclusive hiring, inclusive benefits, and inclusive leadership. And it’s consistency, allyship isn’tjust for Pride month. It’sin the everyday behaviours.

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Laurel: For LGBTQ+ folks who might still be unsure about being open at work, what advice or reassurance would you offer them?

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Fran: Start with what feels right for you. You don’t owe your story to anyone — but know that when you’re ready, there is strength in your truth. And more people will support you than you think. Your queerness is not a liability, it’s a part of you, your leadership, your empathy, your power.

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Laurel: Why is it important to you to speak up and share your story during Pride?

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Fran: Because I didn’t always feel safe to. And if sharing mine helps even one person feel less alone or more confident to bring their full self to work, then it’s worth it. Stories change culture.

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Laurel: What can businesses( like ours)  do to actively create inclusive, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ people at all levels?

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Fran:  Hire queer people into leadership. Make space for their voices. Embed inclusion into policy and culture — not just events. Create feedback loops where people feel safe to raise issues. And most of all, listen. You don’t have to have lived it to understand it, but you do have to be open to learning.

One of the most powerful moments I’ve experienced recently was when Russell, our MD, asked me one-on-one, “What can we do more of to be supportive this pride month?” That question alone meant everything. He didn’t need to have the perfect words, just asking showed allyship in action. It was a genuine willingness to be educated, and it created space for an honest conversation.

Sometimes the most meaningful change starts with a simple question and the willingness to listen to the answer. That’s what real inclusion looks like.

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Laurel: Fran, thank you so much for sharing your story with such openness. Hearing about your journey, both the challenges and the moments of joy, has been a powerful reminder of why visibility and allyship matter so deeply.

As we wrap up Pride Month, your words leave us with something far more lasting than a celebration - they leave us with a call to keep showing up for one another, to lead with empathy, and to make space for every person to be fully themselves, every day of the year.

With love and support to all in our LGBTQ+ community - this month and always.

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