Celebrating Queer Language: Our Pride Journey at Zalando

Celebrating Queer Language: Our Pride Journey at Zalando

This Pride, we're thrilled to invite you on a journey into the vibrant world of queer language, celebrating the power of words to connect, express, and empower. At Zalando, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. This commitment is at the heart of our LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group's "Celebrating Queer Language" campaign, which beautifully complements our global Mother Tongue initiative.

Mother Tongue: A Global Celebration of Queer Expression

Our global Mother Tongue campaign explores the rich tapestry of spoken and unspoken language within queer communities. It delves into the distinctive, witty, and meaningful expressions that have shaped queer history and contemporary pop culture. From inside jokes to powerful affirmations, these words reflect shared experiences and nurture a profound sense of pride and belonging. Just as fashion serves as a powerful form of expression, language too allows for authenticity, joy, and self-defined identity. Watch the videos here: https://en.zalando.de/releases/54hY8YS9HFUPUWuyGZTskl/?_rfl=de

Bringing it Home: Our Living Mural and Candid Conversations

Inspired by this global celebration, we launched our "Celebrating Queer Language" project right here at Zalando. The centrepiece? A dynamic, physical mural in our reception area, which has become a living, evolving representation of the queer community's language and experiences, contributed to by our very own employees.

To give these words personal context and stories, we've conducted a series of candid interviews, hosted by Violet O'Brien. In these conversations, our colleagues share the personal significance of the words they've chosen, offering unique insights into their journeys and understanding of queer language.

Dive into the Stories: Watch Our Employee Videos

We've captured these powerful conversations in a series of videos, and we're excited to share them with you. Each video offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences and perspectives within our Zalando community.

Foundational Words and Community Building

In our first video, we hear from Adans as he explores the multifaceted meaning of "Werk," a term synonymous with effort and excellence within the queer community. Matthew shares the profound importance of "Chosen Family," highlighting the bonds of love and support that extend beyond biological ties. Finally, Diane discusses "Employee Resource Groups," showcasing how these internal networks foster inclusion and support at Zalando.

Unpacking History and Modern Expression

Our second video delves deeper into the cultural nuances of queer language. Israel sheds light on the historical context and evolution of "Cruising," offering a glimpse into a significant part of queer history. Louis brings the contemporary flair with "Slay," a powerful affirmation of confidence and success. And Vithu energises us with "Yaas," an enthusiastic expression of approval and excitement.

Allyship, Acceptance, and Empowerment

In our final video, we explore words that embody support and self-acceptance. Alexis, shares a perspective on "Allyship" and its crucial role in building inclusive environments. Violet embraces the positivity of "Dolls," explaining how this word, used by the trans community and allies, has beautifully shaped the discourse into a space of endearment and acceptance. And Tyler reinforces the dedication and impact behind "Werk," showcasing how it translates into tangible action.