A Pragmatic Dreamer: Diogo’s Early Life and Inspiration

Diogo, often described as a “pragmatic dreamer,” has not only set high goals but consistently worked to achieve them. Born in Porto, he started his advocacy early, driven by a deep passion for human rights. One of his most significant early challenges was not getting into university on his first attempt. But instead of letting this define him, Diogo used this as fuel for his ambition, eventually earning an international MBA and a postgraduate degree in LGBT tourism. (discover more about Diogo Vieira da Silva here).

Throughout his career, Diogo has worked with various organizations, both in Portugal and abroad, such as bringing the It Gets Better project to the country. This initiative, one of the largest online collections of positive stories for the LGBT community, provides support and resources for young people facing challenges in their identities.

Diogo’s work has spanned multiple spheres, from organizing the Porto Pride event to launching associations supporting LGBT businesses and rights. His diverse portfolio has one common theme: bringing people together to celebrate their differences and foster inclusivity.

Porto Pride: A Symbol of Unity and Celebration

One of Diogo’s most significant achievements has been his involvement in Porto Pride, an event first organized in 2001. Porto Pride is much more than a parade. It’s a gathering of diverse communities, where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate identity, culture, and unity. Diogo emphasizes that events like Pride are not about segregation but about congregation. They provide a safe and open space where people are not forced to attend but choose to come together, united by a common cause.

Through conferences, exhibitions, and artistic performances, Porto Pride highlights the power of individuality. Diogo’s leadership since 2019 has ensured that the event remains free and open to the public, reflecting its core mission of inclusivity. Interestingly, the Pride event has also had a significant economic impact on the region, attracting international visitors who now mark the dates in advance to attend.

Overcoming Adversity to Build Inclusive Spaces

While the success of events like Porto Pride is inspiring, Diogo also sheds light on the challenges that come with organizing such large-scale, inclusive events. He notes that despite the event’s significant cultural and economic contributions, it still receives zero public funding. Porto Pride relies entirely on private donations and corporate sponsors who believe in the cause.

The struggle for inclusivity extends beyond events to the workplace. Diogo points out that many companies still don’t understand the cost of discrimination. According to the World Bank, the economic impact of discrimination globally is comparable to the GDP of India—a staggering figure. Beyond economic loss, companies lose out on creativity, innovation, and productivity when they fail to foster inclusive environments.

The Cost of Non-Inclusion: A Missed Opportunity

One of the most eye-opening insights Diogo shares is the impact of non-inclusion on both the economy and individuals. Studies show that as many as two-thirds of LGBT employees hide their identity at work, fearing discrimination. This results in reduced productivity and engagement. Diogo stresses that creating an environment where people can be themselves is crucial, not only for their well-being but also for organizational success.

In today’s global economy, talent retention is a hot topic. Organizations that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) perform better, innovate more, and are more resilient. This isn’t just theory—it’s backed by data from leading consulting firms like Deloitte and McKinsey, which regularly publish reports on the benefits of inclusive workplaces.

What Leaders and Organizations Can Do

Diogo advocates for leaders and organizations to take actionable steps toward fostering a more inclusive culture. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making. While many leaders claim their organizations are inclusive, few have the data to back it up. Diogo advises companies to conduct internal audits to assess their diversity levels genuinely.

He also points out that Human Resources (HR) departments play a vital role in this process. However, HR is often underappreciated and underutilized in driving strategic initiatives like DEI. In forward-thinking organizations, the HR director should have a seat at the board table, helping shape the company’s culture from the top.

Visibility and Representation Matter

A key takeaway from Diogo’s journey is the importance of visibility and representation. Whether in a Pride event or the workplace, people need to feel seen and valued. Diogo often hears the misconception that discussions around sexual orientation are “too personal” for the workplace. But, as he points out, this is about identity, not privacy. Just as people freely talk about their weekend plans with their families, LGBT employees should feel safe sharing their lives without fear of judgment.

Diversity isn’t just about skin color or gender. It encompasses a wide range of experiences and perspectives that can drive innovation. Diogo urges companies to celebrate not only visible diversity but also invisible differences, such as cognitive diversity or sexual orientation, which can bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the table.

The Future of Inclusion

Diogo’s work exemplifies the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and included. Whether in organizing Porto Pride or advising companies on diversity, his message remains the same: inclusion benefits everyone. As companies and communities strive for innovation, they must also embrace the diversity that fuels it.

For businesses, fostering an inclusive environment is not only the right thing to do; it’s also a smart strategy for long-term success. By valuing diversity in all its forms, companies can unlock untapped potential, driving creativity, collaboration, and growth.

You can watch the full episode on Youtube, on the link below.

Check the 2nd episode of Epicast With Monica Costeira about The Power of Empathy.