People Blog

Jun 17, 2025
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Pride is about visibility, acceptance and the freedom to live fully as who we are. At FREENOW, we’re celebrating by sharing the voices of our LGBTQ+ colleagues: not just their identities, but their experiences, stories and everyday realities.

This time we chatted with Konstantinos Iordanidis, or Dinos, our Customer Care Agent based in Thessaloniki, Greece. A former football player, active in the theatrical acting community and proud advocate for kindness, Dinos opened up about what inclusion means to him and how he's found belonging by simply being himself!

Hi Konstantinos! First we’d like to know you better! Tell us about yourself and your role at FREENOW.

My name is Konstantinos (Dinos to my friends). I live in the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, Greece. I'm a former football player—sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm also an active amateur theatrical actor, a pet lover (I used to have a dog), and I live by the motto: "Kindness will save the world."

For the past three years, I’ve been working at FREENOW as a Customer Care Agent.

What are a few things that bring you joy or energy outside of work?

I love spending time on myself. The gym and the theatrical lab are especially important to me. I also make sure to spend as much time as possible with the people I love, both family and friends. Travelling is another passion of mine; I enjoy discovering new places and meeting new people.

What does Inclusion and Belonging mean to you, both in and outside of work?

Inclusion, to me, means being visible, having a voice, and being able to express your opinions equally alongside everyone else. It’s about living in a space where there are no invisible barriers between us, where we are free to interact, connect, and live our lives without fear of being hurt, silenced, or underestimated. Inclusion creates the conditions that allow you to truly be yourself.

Belonging is the feeling that comes when you can fully be who you are—speak, act, and feel without second-guessing yourself or suppressing your thoughts out of fear of judgment or rejection. It’s knowing that you are accepted, just as you are.

I've fought hard throughout my life to create inclusive and safe spaces—especially among my family, friends, and at work. And as a result, the sense of belonging I feel in those spaces continues to grow stronger every day.

Have there been moments at FREENOW where you felt especially included or seen?

Yes, there have definitely been moments at FREENOW where I felt included and seen. I’ve always been open with my closest colleagues, and I never felt like I was treated differently. I’ve always approached my work simply as a human being doing my best, and that’s exactly how I’ve been received. I never felt invisible. Instead, I felt recognized and valued, just like everyone else. That sense of equality and mutual respect has made a big difference in how comfortable and connected I feel here.

What do you think companies can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but all year round?

I’ve never felt the need to be treated differently or “special” because of who I am. What matters most to me is being part of a team where no one makes me feel less than equal. I believe companies can create safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community—not just during Pride Month, but all year—by focusing on education, open communication and consistent guidance. When everyone is informed and aware, it helps build an environment where all people feel safe, respected, and truly included every day.

What’s one thing you’d like people to take away from your story?

If there’s one thing I’d like people to take away from my story, it’s that life is full of ups and downs, good moments and difficult ones. There’s no magic wand that fixes everything, but the real magic lies within us. It starts with accepting who we are and learning to love ourselves. From there, we can begin to build trust with the people who truly care about us and create safe spaces where we feel free to be our true selves. These spaces don’t appear overnight—they grow slowly, day by day—and with them, our strength and confidence grow too. Loving yourself is the first and most important step on that journey.

Thank you, Konstantinos, for sharing your story with such honesty and heart. Your reflections remind us that inclusion isn’t just a policy or a statement. It’s something we build through everyday actions, mutual respect and the courage to be ourselves.

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