When Did Meta Start Taking Tips from James Bond Villains?
You know the type—sitting in their lairs, pulling levers that disrupt the world while insisting it’s all for the greater good. That’s how Meta’s recent rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies feels. Except this time, it’s not some fictional doomsday device in play. It’s the livelihoods, safety, and dignity of real people—especially women and LGBTQ+ communities—being quietly sidelined.
I grew up in an Irish Catholic family where the women were nothing short of heroes. My mum, aunties, and gran balanced full-time jobs in the NHS and education with full-time jobs at home, running households, raising kids, and holding everything together. They showed me what resilience looks like: real, salt-of-the-earth strength that kept the world turning, often without thanks or recognition.
But as a closeted gay man in that world, life was hard. I spent years hiding who I was, and by the time I entered the professional world, that fear had taken root. I’ve faced workplace homophobia—sometimes blatant, sometimes cloaked as “banter.” It chipped away at my confidence and left me questioning where, or even if, I belonged. More than once, I turned down opportunities—not because I lacked ambition or ability, but because I was too exhausted from trying to fit in where I wasn’t welcome.
That’s why DEI policies aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re lifelines. They allow people to show up as their true selves, free from fear of exclusion or hostility. And when a company as powerful as Meta steps back from those commitments, it sends a chilling message: inclusion is optional. But here’s the truth—it isn’t. It’s essential.
Why Meta’s Actions Matter
Meta’s recent policy shifts are more than an internal decision—they set the tone for countless others. This isn’t just about metrics or corporate image; it’s about lives. DEI policies create fairness, belonging, and visibility. They empower people to thrive in environments where they feel safe and valued. Rolling them back tells vulnerable communities that their progress can be ripped away on a whim.
I’ve seen the transformative power of inclusion when done right. It’s not about handouts or box-ticking. It’s about giving people what they need to succeed. And when companies like Meta undermine that, the ripple effects are immense.
As someone who leads a charity supporting women and LGBTQ+ people, this hits especially hard. We rely on platforms like Meta’s to connect with the people we serve. For many, these platforms are lifelines—a place to find support, advocacy, and community. When these companies deprioritize inclusion, it’s not just disappointing—it’s dangerous.
What Comes Next?
We’ll keep using these platforms for now because the need is too great. But that doesn’t mean staying silent. We’ll continue speaking up, calling it out, and demanding better.
Meta may have pulled a lever, but it’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t disrupt the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve. If you care about fairness, belonging, and visibility, now’s the time to act. Support organizations that fight for inclusion. Hold companies accountable for their decisions. And above all, remember this: inclusion isn’t optional—it’s essential.