For more than 26 years, the GARE! association has been working within the SNCF Group to promote LGBT+ inclusion, combat discrimination, and support both employees and managers in addressing everyday workplace challenges. In an interview published by HelloWork, GARE! President Ali Louni reflects on the association’s history, its achievements, and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Founded in 2000 following the introduction of France’s PACS civil partnership legislation, GARE! was created to ensure equal rights for railway employees. Since then, the association has become a recognized partner of the SNCF Group, focusing on four main areas: improving internal policies, raising awareness, communication, and providing individual support for employees facing discrimination or gender transition-related issues.
The interview also highlights several major achievements, including the creation of an equal parental leave scheme extending parental rights in situations not covered by French law, as well as the implementation of the preferred name policy for transgender employees before their legal name change. These initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and respectful workplace.
Beyond policy changes, GARE! delivers dozens of awareness initiatives every year through diversity forums, webinars, in-person training sessions, and tailored support for teams facing specific situations. The association also works closely with managers, providing practical guidance to help foster respectful and inclusive working environments.
Ali Louni concludes by emphasizing that while significant progress has been made, true inclusion is built through everyday conversations, education, and human interaction. This remains the mission that GARE! continues to pursue alongside employees, passengers, and partners committed to equality and inclusion.