Bringing PRIDE+ to Germany: “It deserves a place here too”
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
PRIDE+ has been a trusted network within ABN AMRO for many years. Since this year, it has also been active in Germany. Sarah Vornhagen brought the network for LGBTIQ+ inclusion our German subsidiary. Why? “Pride deserves a place within our organisation here too.”
Congratulations on this milestone. What have you achieved so far?
“We just started in May, so we are only in baby shoes yet. But we have already taken some great steps. We joined Frankfurt Christopher Street Day, the annual Pride event in Germany and Switzerland. And soon we will organise our first PRIDE+ get-together.”
It is 2026. Shouldn’t this network have been here sooner?
“Absolutely. When I started here three years ago, I immediately noticed that there were no activities around LGBTIQ+ inclusion. In the Netherlands, PRIDE+ is very visible. Other banks in Frankfurt also actively take part in Pride events. I felt that PRIDE+ deserved a place within our organisation too. When the Dutch board got in touch about becoming more active internationally as well, I immediately seized that opportunity.”
Why is that important to you?
“As a teenager, I already knew I was bisexual. Still, it took years before I truly felt confident enough to be myself. At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, I went through a difficult period. I divorced my husband and came out as lesbian. At first, I wanted to keep that private. But I realised that hiding part of yourself takes a lot of energy. An inclusive working environment really helps. When we give attention to Pride, people feel more freedom to be themselves.”
What does that kind of working environment do for someone?
“I do not fit the standard image that some people have of a bank employee. I have tattoos, piercings and a strong personality. That is exactly why it meant so much that my colleagues saw me for who I am. Their support gave me more self-confidence. Not only at work, but outside work as well.”
Why does visibility still matter?
“There are still moments when people wonder how much of themselves they can show. For example, during a job interview or in a professional environment. Sometimes a single comment is enough to make you question whether you should keep something to yourself. I hope future generations will no longer feel that doubt. That nobody has to worry how they talk about a partner, family or personal life.”
What do you hope for PRIDE+ in Germany?
“I hope the network keeps growing and becomes just as established within the organisation as it is in the Netherlands. I will soon be leaving ABN AMRO, and I hope that PRIDE+ will still make an impact in a few years’ time. That colleagues will continue to connect, support and inspire each other. Because in the end, everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves.”
At ABN AMRO, we believe that our differences make us stronger. That is why we work to create a place where everyone feels welcome. Where you can have a voice. And where you can be yourself. For us, Pride is more than just visibility. It shows what we stand for: a bank and employer for everyone.