12/06/2026
Pride Month | The Power of Allyship and Belonging
As part of our Pride Month celebrations and Pride Teammate Resource Group (TRG) takeover, we’re proud to share a personal perspective from Graham Kelsall, Managing Director of our 3XD team in the North West.
Graham reflects on how workplace attitudes have evolved during his career, and why visible allyship and supportive communities matter more than ever.
“Born in 1969, I grew up at a time when there was little visibility or understanding of what it meant to be LGBTQIA+. I knew I was ‘different’, but didn’t have the confidence to fully understand or express it.
Early in my career, working in a very traditional environment, I kept that part of myself firmly hidden. At one point, a remark made in a team setting made it clear that being open about who I was could come at a cost. It reinforced a feeling that many will recognise - being alone, unsupported, and unsure who you could trust.
But alongside those challenges, there were moments that made a lasting difference. A friend who stood by me without judgement. A colleague who quietly shared their own experience. Those early acts of allyship created a sense of connection and support when it was needed most.
Over time, I’ve seen real progress. Workplaces have evolved, conversations have opened up, and inclusion is more visible and intentional. But that progress doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through people, policies and communities working together.
That’s why initiatives like our Pride TRG are so important. They create space for teammates to connect, support one another, and influence positive change. Most importantly, they help ensure that no one feels they have to hide who they are, and that every individual feels valued, respected and able to be themselves at work.”
Thank you, Graham, for sharing your story and for highlighting both how far we’ve come, and the role we all play in continuing to build an inclusive environment.
At Brown & Brown, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and where allyship is visible every day.