Understanding the conflict between Culture vs Humanity

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Hend Halim, an HR professional who grew up in Egypt and has lived in Holland and the UK, to explore the tension between cultural norms and shared humanity.

Hend reflects on how early cultural messaging shaped her understanding of LGBTQ+ people, and how education and direct relationships challenged stereotypes. She describes learning to separate morality and character from sexuality or gender identity, and why exposure and dialogue are essential for changing deeply held assumptions.

The conversation also looks at how law, privilege, and workplace culture affect people’s safety and inclusion, including examples of how LGBTQ+ people can face very different outcomes depending on social status. Hend discusses being an ally in practice, the realities of discrimination in supposedly tolerant environments, and simple ideas organisations can use to help employees connect across difference.

They also touch on wider societal context, including Black Lives Matter and colonial history, and how current events such as COVID-19 may shift working practices and expectations in ways that could improve flexibility and inclusion.