Why we’re proud supporters of Pride
Inclusion isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s an essential part of how we attract and retain great talent so we can deliver on our goal – to ensure the energy transition works for everyone. And our support for Pride is a key part of how we embrace, celebrate and stand up for inclusion, every single day.
Every June, Pride arrives with a familiar palette of colour, celebration, and community. But behind the flags and festivities lies a deeper truth: Pride has always been more than a party.
Pride is a protest, a demand for dignity, and an ongoing act of courage. We believe that telling these stories — and listening to them — is how change happens.
Pride is not a one-off, month-long event. It’s a commitment to inclusion in all its forms, and to building a workplace where everyone belongs. We celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ colleagues, not only through words, but through our actions —inclusive policies, creating a safe working environment, and recognising that the fight for equality must continue.
Visibility and vulnerability
This Pride Month, we’re proud to share the voices and stories of people across our E.ON community — including LGBTQ+ colleagues, allies, and advocates. Among them is Rose Ruggiero, a trans woman who speaks openly about the balance between visibility and vulnerability. Because Pride is, at its heart, about people — how we show up, stand together, and keep pushing for a more inclusive and just world.
Rose, a Senior Customer Advisor, supports business clients with their energy accounts, handling complex and escalated issues. Speaking to us about her experiences, Rose reflects: "There was a time when people like me were almost invisible. Now we're highly visible—but often misrepresented. What once felt like progress can now feel like exposure."
For Rose, being a trans woman in 2025 means constantly navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for her — or worse, actively works against her. She reminds us that Pride is not just about celebration, it’s about survival.
“It’s hard to celebrate when even allies falter,” she reflects. “When you feel simultaneously scrutinised and strangely alone.” But Rose doesn’t speak from a place of defeat. She speaks from strength. With hope and clarity, she points to the progress made — and the people making it possible.
“This is the most socially inclusive time we’ve ever known,” she affirms. “I can show up to work fully as myself. I don’t have to hide.”
She credits the inclusive culture at E.ON, including our award-winning Pride network, as a vital source of affirmation. Our support of Birmingham and Nottingham Pride, and our efforts to build equity into everyday culture, are part of that commitment.
For Rose, Pride is a continuation of a legacy: “The first Pride wasn’t a parade — it was a riot. That legacy is something we carry forward. Every moment of visibility is still an act of resistance. Pride, to me, is not just a celebration. It’s a chance to pause. To be seen. To stand with others who know what it means to live at the margins — and to demand better.”
Marching towards the future
Supporting Pride is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion and equality. While the LGBTQ+ community still faces real challenges, we stand in solidarity, recognising that the path to equality requires continued effort. Pride is not only a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, allyship, and progress.
E.ON was also named the best place to work for young people in the UK by The Sunday Times, highlighting our inclusive, forward-thinking, and purpose-driven culture.