A bank that has committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion donated $10,000 to a charity that supports the LGBT community.

Clarien Bank handed over the funds to OutBermuda last week.

The company said that a number of initiatives will be introduced in October “to increase awareness, enable open and honest communication among its staff and further drive accountability throughout the organisation”.

Michael DeCouto, the bank’s chief digital and marketing officer, said: “Diversity and inclusion is of the utmost importance to us at Clarien and we continue to implement policies and a robust framework that embrace and support equality in the workplace for our employees, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

“We are honoured to support OutBermuda with a $10,000 donation and believe in the incredible work they do to educate residents on the importance of diversity and inclusion for all people.

“This is a particularly exciting time in the island’s history as many local residents and visitors prepare to celebrate the inaugural Bermuda Pride parade tomorrow.

“Throughout Hamilton, a growing number of businesses have shown their backing of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda and Clarien is no exception.

“We encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take time out to learn more about OutBermuda and the essential work they’re doing to better Bermuda.”

The charity aims to raise awareness about issues in the LGBTQ community such as workplace inclusiveness, bullying in schools and unequal treatment under the law.

Zakiya Johnson Lord, an OutBermuda board member, said: “We are deeply grateful to Clarien Bank for their generous support for OutBermuda’s mission.

“Through our work, we believe that every single LGBTQ person in Bermuda deserves love, dignity and equality in life.

“These funds not only help support our critical programming, but help to build a better and more accepting Bermuda for all of us.”