Hear how Pride at Uber Japan are making an impact

We’re dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community to live an open and authentic life, to love whomever and however they want, and to feel empowered to speak their truth. Internally at Uber, we’re committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone is equal and able to be their authentic selves.

In celebration of our first year participating in Tokyo Rainbow Pride, we caught up with some of the Japan members of Pride at Uber, our Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) to learn about their experience and hear what Pride means to them.

What does Pride mean to you?
“To me, Pride means being a part of a wonderful global community. The friendships I am developing through our Pride ERG deeply enrich my professional life and make my experience at Uber more meaningful. One of the primary reasons I love working at Uber is that it is important to me to work in an environment where everyone can just be themselves. Being a member of the Pride ERG means that I can actively help create a pleasant and affirming work environment where people don’t feel they have to hide who they are.”

How does Uber create an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees?
“Our Pride ERG is an important employee-led organization that aims to enhance LGBTQIA+ visibility within Uber, increase employee engagement and awareness around LGBTQIA+ issues, and act as a resource to help Uber achieve its DEI and business objectives. However, we are just one part of a large ecosystem inside Uber cultivating LGBTQIA+ inclusion. We also collaborate with leading LGBTQIA+ organizations, such as Out & Equal in the United States, Pride Circle in India, and Pride House in Japan to conduct meaningful community engagement. Each region where we operate has different legal and social nuances that have to be considered, but we are working hard to identify areas where we can continue to make improvements that will benefit LGBTQIA+ employees and the community.”

Why did you join the Pride at Uber ERG?
“I want everyone at Uber Japan to know they can talk about the people who they honestly love, without having to worry if someone will judge them. This can only happen if people get used to talking and hearing about LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as visually seeing and knowing that Uber as a company is a safe space for everyone. Providing that psychological safety enables the whole company to thrive.”

How can people make an impact this month (and all year) to support their communities?
“The smallest things can make others feel accepted. Perhaps change your email signature to say, “Proud LQBTQ+ Ally”. Place a rainbow sticker on your laptop to provide a visual. Stop yourself from saying “guys” when addressing a group. Share an article on social media addressing something good about a story related to the community. All of these things will create impact and awareness in ways that you wouldn’t believe!” 

Why did you join the Pride at Uber Japan ERG? 
“At a previous workplace, I often felt not respected as a young woman and it was really tough to feel like I had to prove myself every day. That experience opened my eyes to want to help create an environment where everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive!”

What is the vision of Pride at Uber Japan?
“I would love to see us coming up with more new and creative ways to build on how we support the community, leveraging the unique characteristics of Uber’s business, our visibility and the broad touch point that Uber has with Japanese society.”

Why did you join the Pride at Uber Japan group? 
“Many of my friends are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and I have heard about their happiness and the challenges they face. I joined the group because I wanted to be able to support our employees to have a happier working life, and create a welcoming environment at Uber for new joiners.” 

What else do you think Uber can do for Pride awareness? 
“We just started the local group last year so we can do more for Pride awareness. We can have more allies, knowledge sharing sessions, and events to discuss what we do in the Pride ERG with all employees. We are looking for what we can do to make life better at Uber.”

What does Pride mean to you?
“Pride is being able to live the way you are and love how you want without having to care or be affected by others’ views. Particularly Pride month is a time where we can all gather to be unapologetically authentic and meet other people who have gone through similar hurdles in their lives. Hopefully in the future the influence will grow to the point where we don’t need a specific event to raise awareness and consideration.”

What is the vision of Pride at Uber Japan?
“At Uber, we aim to grow knowledge and understanding of Pride both internally and externally. We acknowledge that there is always room to grow, and we hope that Pride will soon no longer be a topic of ignorance or confusion, and be one of open discussion and thoughtful understanding. We will help to transform the company from the inside out to make it an LGBTQIA+ friendly environment not only opportunity-wise but also on an individual interaction level.”

How do you celebrate Pride? 
“Being authentic and connecting with others.”

How can people make an impact this month to support their communities?
“Listen and take action. There are still a lot of voices that aren’t heard or misunderstood. Listen to our stories. Everyone’s experience is different and unique but I believe listening to our stories can help people understand what challenges we have and take action.”

Why did you join the Pride at Uber Japan ERG? 
“No one should feel discriminated against or isolated because of who they are. I want to help create an environment where everyone can be their authentic self.”

How does Uber create an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees?
“Raising awareness for those not part of the LGBTQIA+ or ally community to create a safe environment for everyone.”

Why is Pride important?
“To me, it’s all about equality. Pride matters because everyone should have the right to be themselves without fear of judgment or mistreatment. Celebrating Pride is a chance for people to be seen and accepted for who they truly are. As an ally, I’m committed to working towards a world where everyone feels accepted and comfortable in their own skin.” 

How can people make an impact this month to support their communities?
“During Pride month and all year around, we can make a positive impact by using our voices to support and uplift our LGBTQIA+ community. One way is to educate ourselves. Attending Pride parades, showing support through social media, or simply having conversations with those around us. Imagine being a minority and searching for a sense of belonging – what would you want others to do? Let’s start the conversation there!”

We Do the right thing. Period. Everyone is equally welcomed and heard at Uber. Our goal is not to just create a diverse work environment, but a genuine community where employees can feel proud to be who they are. Our Pride ERG participating in the annual Tokyo Rainbow Parade is one of many ways we truly Build with heart.

Interested in joining us? Explore our open roles in Japan →