CGI’s Gareth Hewson on Section 28, Pride and why progress can’t be taken for granted

“What we have achieved can easily be taken away again. We need to build work environments where everyone feels safe to be themselves, in every country of the world.” myGwork spoke with Gareth Hewson from CGI about growing up in a small Welsh town, his career journey and finding his place in the LGBTQ+ community later in life. Gareth explains how he moved from retail and call centres into tech and now facilities, sharing how getting involved with CGI’s LGBT+ & Allies network committee became a highlight of his career. He also reflects on the progress made in diversity and inclusion, why there’s still work to do and his volunteer work supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Hi Gareth! Could you tell me a bit about your background and career journey leading up to your current position at CGI?

I have had the opportunity to work in many roles in the lead up to my current position. I’ve previously worked in retail, hospitality and call centres. I started CGI working on the Service Desk, then went into a Technical Specialist role on the desk followed by Application Support. I have now undertaken a complete career change as a Facilities Specialist, still with CGI.

Can you tell me a bit about your childhood – where did you grow up; did you have any hobbies?

I grew up in a small town in Wales with three sisters and one brother. My parents separated when I was 12 and, shortly after leaving, my dad stopped all contact with us.  It was a nice place to grow up, although at times the community wasn’t always as inclusive as it could have been. I often felt different, even if I didn’t yet understand why. I had a strong interest in IT, but I also spent lots of time socialising with friends.

I did not come out until later in life. Growing up in a small town, during the time of Section 28 and AIDS-related fear, I was scared and it did not always feel safe to be yourself. When I moved to Cardiff, I made LGBT+ friends and almost had two lives for a long time. I was scared to tell my family, which was crazy as they are all extremely supportive of LGBTQ+ people. My sister who is 6 years older than me has become a massive LGBTQ+ ally.

When I joined CGI, I signed up for the LGBT+ & Allies network and later joined the committee to support inclusion. It felt like I had lots of time to make up for.

What has been a standout moment in your career so far?

As part of the CGI LGBT+ & Allies network, I organised CGI’s participation in at the Pride in London parade. It was amazing seeing so much joy. Work achievements are great, but this will always be the standout to me. We are proud to support and sponsor local Pride events, LGBTQ+ charities and to raise awareness where we can.

At CGI, we actively work on building a culture of inclusion by creating opportunities to learn, supporting one another and creating a safe space for everyone. Respect is one of the core values at CGI.

I also volunteer in my personal time for a charity called Journey, where I provide 1-2-1 support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Throughout your career, have you noticed any developments in attitudes towards the importance of diversity and inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion efforts have grown so much over the past 20 years and I feel very privileged to be able to support it. It does, however, make me sad to see other organisations pulling Pride sponsorships and cutting back on DEI initiatives. We have just made amazing steps forward; we cannot go backwards now.

What immediate improvements would you like to see being made for LGBTQ+ equality in the future – both in the workplace, and wider society?

We all need to have a better understanding of each other – taking the time to listen, learn and appreciate different backgrounds and experiences. The LGBTQ+ community and allies in particular need to come together and support each other more than ever. What we have achieved can easily be taken away again. We need to build work environments where everyone feels safe to be themselves, in every country of the world.

CGI is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities at CGI.