LVMH · May 17, 2023 LVMH marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia by announcing partnership with Le Refuge Foundation and confirming commitments to[...]

In conjunction with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17, LVMH has reiterated its formal commitments to promoting an inclusive environment where all of the Group's employees, partners and customers feel accepted, respected and represented.

LVMH has long been actively committed to non-discrimination and respect for each person's individuality, supporting LGBTI+ people in particular through front-line initiatives. The Group's partnership with Le Refuge is thus a natural choice. Le Refuge Foundation combats discrimination against the LGBTI+ community and provides housing and support for young LGBTI+ people who face isolation because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As part of this partnership, LVMH will expand support for people welcomed by Le Refuge through a range of concrete initiatives in conjunction with the LVMH Métiers d'Excellence program.

"I am very pleased to announce that we are expanding our partnership with Le Refuge Foundation, a key actor in fighting discrimination against young adults in the LGBTI+ community. Our goal is to help these vulnerable young people rediscover their potential thanks to the incredible ecosystem of the LVMH Group's 280 Métiers d'Excellence, and offer them inspiring career opportunities that enable them to thrive independently,"says Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH Group Executive Vice President Human Resources and Synergies.

"We are delighted and honored by this prestigious collaboration with LVMH. The partnership between the Foundation and the LVMH's Métier d'Excellence will allow the young people supported by Le Refuge to regain self-confidence after being rejected by their families. Through this shared engagement, LVMH demonstrates a real belief in the importance of fighting LGBTphobia. On behalf of the Foundation I want to thank LVMH for its support for Le Refuge as we celebrate our 20th anniversary," says Pacôme Rupin, Director of Le Refuge.

LVMH Métiers d'Excellence is dedicated to preserving and passing on unique skills practiced at LVMH Maisons across the globe. For over a year, it has worked with Le Refuge to enable young people from the LGBTI+ community to join the Institut des Métiers d'Excellence LVMH work/study vocational training program. This scheme helps develop the employability of young generations and people seeking reskilling, bringing them an opportunity to join one of the Group's 280 creative, craft and customer experience professions.

During the second edition of the You and ME tour in 2022, LVMH invited young people from Le Refuge to discover the Group's different métiers, along with the training opportunities available via the LVMH Institut des Métiers d'Excellence. On this occasion, they met Ouïssem Belgacem - a former international football player and author of the autobiographical memoir "Adieu ma honte"("Farewell To Shame"), in which he recounts the challenges of assuming his homosexuality in the world of football - who shared his testimony and gave them advice on how to fully express their talent and potential in a professional milieu.

Two of the young people supported by the Foundation were subsequently selected to join the Institut des Métiers d'Excellence and have begun their work/study training at Christian Dior Couture and the Bon Marché.

Building on this successful collaboration with the association, the Group is proud to announce that it will extend its collaboration with Le Refuge from September 2023 to help LGBTI+ youth get back on a path to training and employment. Together, the partners will support them in choosing a vocation through a range of actions:

• Discovery sessions presenting LVMH Group's skilled métiers, as well as the training opportunities available via the Institut des Métiers d'Excellence LVMH.
  
• Young people interested in these professions and training courses will have access to the online job coaching platform "La Prépa You and ME", designed to help candidates better prepare their application for a Métier d'Excellence at an LVMH Maison.
  
• Meetings with experts from different métiers, as well as human resources specialists from LVMH Maisons during the You and ME 2024 tour.
  
• Candidates will also be mentored by LVMH Group staff throughout their recruitment process.