The CEO of Chester Zoo claimed he was once advised not to hire gay or black people.
Jamie Christon, who is gay himself, recalled how only a few years ago he was invited to a black-tie dinner. There, he was approached by a stranger who said “I hope you don’t employ black or gay people”. At first the 50-year-old thought it was a “very crude joke” but quickly realised it wasn’t and the comment was in fact of a serious nature.
Jamie, who is originally from Yorkshire, told the ECHO he still “kicks” himself for not calling them out. In a state of shock, Jamie explained he didn’t know what to say but remembers leaving the event early because of the comment.
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He said: “I was quite shocked by it and very taken back, this was only a few years ago. I didn’t expect it or didn’t know this person, I had just met them. I made my position quite clear and it's fair to say we didn’t interact after that. It made me realise there is still homophobia out there in the community albeit somewhat diluted than what it was some years ago.”
Jamie, who joined Chester Zoo in 2013, explained how if anything it made him work harder towards “striving for inclusion, equality and diversity” at the zoo. He added: “We employ over 700 people here at the moment and we have people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and this is something we have always and are keen to push forward.”
This summer, 76 of the team from Chester Zoo marched through the city at Chester Pride making them the biggest organisation there waving “the flag at the front”. Jamie believes if the zoo sector can be a role model for success, openness and acceptance within the community, then it can help tackle the “outdated and old-fashioned” organisations that still exist.
He said: “I’m such a people person and the most important thing for me about an organisation is the people who work there. Without good people working for you, it makes work a lot harder. An inclusive nature that includes and respects everyone as individuals and human beings is for the better. It doesn’t make a difference that I am gay. We have a number of people here who are senior directors and who are gay.”
Chester Zoo prides itself on having a culture team who pushes forward an inclusive environment. In addition to this, the company also has an employment engagement officer and a youth board that spearhead inclusivity.
Jamie came out as gay nearly two decades ago when he was 32 years old - a time when he said the world was a "very different" place compared to how it is now.
He added: "It was pretty tough, being gay wasn't as open as it is now. Many organisations didn't have equality, inclusion and diversity on their agenda like they do today. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world. Growing up in a conservative environment didn't help me come out but as well as that it wasn't as accepted or talked about as it is now."
Thankfully, Jamie and his partner, who were both working for the same organisation, were supported by their employer as they navigated life and learnt to live as their authentic selves. Having first-hand experience of the impact a supportive employer can have Jamie works to ensure his employees feel the same acceptance he did when he first came out.
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