HarperCollins' LGBTQ+ network launches Instagram account

Pride at HC, the LGBTQ+ employee network at HarperCollins UK, has launched its first social media account on Instagram (@prideathc).

The account will be focused on sharing network activity, promoting inclusivity and diversity in publishing, and highlighting key LGBTQ+ titles published by the various divisions of HarperCollins.

Pride at HC was founded two years ago, with internal activity including regular network meetings, book clubs, socials, giveaways, and company-wide newsletters for LGBTQ+ History Month and Pride Month.  

In 2023, Pride at HC participated in the Pride in London march for the first time and the network appeared in The Bookseller and Publishing Post, as well as a collaboration with fellow LGBTQ+ networks on a major cross-publisher industry event.

Rory Codd and Lexi Bickell, co-chairs, said: “We are delighted with the response to Pride at HC so far, both from our colleagues internally and our peers across the wider publishing industry. In 2024, we want to continue working towards creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace, while also promoting the diversity at the heart of our publishing.”

They added: “Our hope is that building a social media presence will allow the network to share HarperCollins’ LGBTQ+ books as widely as possible.”

John Athanasiou, head of people at HarperCollins, said: “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community the network serves, and its executive ambassador, I’m proud of what Pride at HC have achieved in a short time. The network offers great energy in helping HarperCollins continue to make the company an open and inclusive workplace, and this new Instagram channel can only help broaden their message.”