At AB InBev we are powered by great people. Our ‘FutureMakers’ series tells the stories of colleagues who are always looking forward and dreaming bigger to make a meaningful impact on the world. Today, meet François Lizotte, Project Manager – Pricing at Labatt Breweries in Canada, and chair of the company’s PRISM 2SLGBTQI+ employee resource group (ERG).
Can you share a bit about your role as the chair of PRISM?
PRISM was created to encourage everyone at Labatt to live their life as
their authentic self. As the chair, I’m always finding ways to bring
our 2SLGBTQI+ community together by empowering everyone to be their
true selves at work regardless of their
sexual orientation,
gender identity
and
gender expression.
Just as important is advising on opportunities for further improving education and dialogue for all colleagues regardless of their role, function and location. As a gay French Canadian, I know my personal experiences as a person from minority groups can help our organization continue to create a future with more cheers.
“I think it’s fair to say I love engaging with people around a cold
beer, especially when it’s with a brand like Bud Light and a brewer
that’s been supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada for almost 30
years,” said François. [Photo credit: Jesse Blight]
Labatt is considered one of Canada’s best employers, particularly when
it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. Was there a pivotal moment
where you saw that commitment in action?
In PRISM’s first year, we invited all colleagues to march in the
Toronto Pride Parade. To our surprise we maxed out our attendance
capacity very quickly since so many wanted to be part of the moment.
People from all functions and roles came with their family, chosen
family and friends to show their support to the 2SLGBTQI+ people. It
made me so happy and proud to see this simple invitation getting all
that interest. And best of all is seeing how that’s been sustained ever
since.
What do you think organizations need to do to foster a truly inclusive
environment?
Inclusivity needs diversity and diversity needs inclusivity. I believe
you can only have one if you also foster the other. In that sense,
bringing diverse people from different walks of life together to share
their own experiences at work and beyond can expand one’s perspective
and understanding of certain aspects of life. And the same can be said
on how having an inclusive mindset can drive diversity.
François (right) speaking at a ‘Start Proud’ panel discussion on the
challenges faced by trans people in the workplace. [Photo credit:
Alexandra Quigley]
What’s your advice for people who want to be more inclusive?
E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N! Every day we hear or read about something that we
might not know what it means. We must further our collective knowledge
by educating ourselves. Let’s call it the “PRISM Challenge: Learn.
Think. Share.” I encourage everyone to challenge themselves to learn
about a topic they wouldn't normally research. Think of what you
learned and its importance for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Reach out to
your colleagues, friends and family and have a conversation about it.
What’s next for PRISM?
At Labatt, PRISM wants to encourage dialogue with more functions in
more locations. We hope that by engaging with more people, we can help
create a more welcoming workplace for everyone.
Canada may be our main focus as an ERG, but that doesn’t mean we can’t invite everyone to the party. Over the last few years, we’ve built out extensive materials for AB InBev employees globally where we share news stories about and for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, collected recordings of past events and curated lists of entertaining and educational books, movies, documentaries and podcasts. While the PRISM journey in Canada is not necessarily the same as in Belgium or South Africa, we believe in making our content and resources as available as possible to everyone in our global organization.
“It was exciting to be able to celebrate at Pride Toronto with my
chosen family after two years of cancelled events due to the COVID-19
pandemic.” [Photo credit: François Lizotte]
At AB InBev, our purpose is to ‘dream big to create a future with more
cheers’. What is your big dream when it comes to diversity, equity and
inclusion?
How much time do you have?! There’s so much I dream about! But I do
dream that as a gay man I can travel the world with who I want without
having to fear for my own safety. We are fortunate in Canada that
sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are not a
reason for prosecution, but it isn’t the same everywhere. While
same-sex relationships were decriminalized in Canada more than 50 years
ago, it’s still a crime in 69 countries. I also would love for all our
colleagues, wherever they are in the world, to feel comfortable and
empowered to be themselves and achieve their full potential.
Any final thoughts?
Sylvia Rivera, a prominent trans rights activist with the Gay
Liberation Front in New York that led to the creation of Pride as we
know it once said: “We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of
who we are.” We know there are many of us queer people out there. The
person sitting next to you on the train to work, the colleague you chat
with at the coffee machine or even your child, we all deserve to be
seen and acknowledged. Everyone should engage with people of the
2SLGBTQI+ community and welcome them in your lives. And based on
recent data
in Canada, there are, indeed, many of us out there!
Learn more about how Labatt Breweries is building an inclusive, empowered and equitable future in Canada .