Lexi Perry-Weston

Tell us your story:

"I've worked in finance my whole working life. Before joining Starling in 2022, I worked at Co-operative Bank as a Collections Agent. I now work as a Complaints Handler, which involves much more investigation and collaboration with the wider business.

Shortly after joining Starling, I put myself forward as co-chairs of Starling's LGBTQIA employee-led advocacy group 'Bend the Bank'. I have since led organising company representation at 4 Pride events in 4 cities.

I have also been an active communicator on the group's messaging platform to raise visibility of and awareness around minority groups, and encourage people who might not realise the power of their voice.

As a trans woman I've always felt under-represented. So I've made it my goal to make sure that trans people feel seen. As part of this I've been sharing regular stories of trans people in a series called 'Trans Thursdays'. I want to use this as a springboard to help people to share their own stories. I always make sure I signpost to support where appropriate.

Through this series, I've interacted with people across our organisation and supported people in talking about their lived experience.

We've also done similar things when celebrating Non-Binary Week and Bisexual Week, we shared personal stories to help make sure that we are genuine and authentic.

It's very easy for people to complete performative action, but I want to make sure I help embrace real change for queer people so that Pride is not just something that feels shallow, or concentrated only in certain departments.

I truly believe in giving people a platform to speak with an authentic voice and I'll always try and make that happen to support positive change. After all, love always wins."

Impact:

"I've covered this a bit in the previous section, but part of my frustration in my professional life was the performative nature of most LGBTQIA organisations. When people faced real challenges, there was often a lack of support or, in some cases I faced, outright discrimination.

I don't want any of my colleagues - present or future - to experience this.

I've been very passionately looking at ways I can highlight the inequalities that happen in the work place and how trans people are impacted in banking (as this is something that directly impacts myself). At the same time, I'm encouraging of colleagues to use their voice to raise any similar concerns and show that they are supported to do so.

I hope in the future to have more tangible evidence of what has changed, because I work hard every day to be the change I want to see."

Advice:

"FinTech is such a new and evolving sector. There is a lot of room to be heard compared to more legacy sectors. This means we have a real chance to instigate change in areas that were historically stagnant or reluctant to change.

You can make a real difference, as long as you allow yourself to be heard."