ED&INEWS
Your quarterly equality, diversity and inclusion newsletter
LEARN FROM HISTORY, CHANGE THE FUTURE!
The theme for our February 2023 newsletter is LGBTQIA+ history. This month we are focusing on understanding more about LGBTQIA+ history and the issues currently facing this community. Despite a steady increase in social acceptance of LGBTQIA+ relationships, and a steady increase in the percentage of the population who identify as part of this community we understand that major prejudices still remain. In this issue we are going to suggest ways that together we can bring about actionable changes within our respective personal and work environments to support members of the community even further.
IN THIS ISSUE:
FREE LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES
HOW TO PROMOTE LGBTQIA+ INCLUSION
THE LATEST EDI NEWS AND UPDATES
6 LGBTQ FIGURES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
DISCOVER WHEN YOUR LOCAL PRIDE EVENT IS IN 2023
FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE TWO ED&I NEWSLETTER
© Apprenticeship Connect February 2023
LGBTQIA+ HISTORY THE LAST 75 YEARS:
February marks LGBTQIA+ History Month in the UK. This months provides us with a chance to continue to educate ourselves on LGBTQIA+ issues, history and culture whilst also celebrating the unbelievable courage, bravery and hardwork that LGBTQIA+ activists have made to provide those within the community today with greater freedom, rights and representation.
This year marks 20 years since Section 28, the law that banned “promotion of homosexuality” in the UK, was repealed Since then The Equality Act has also come into force protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation
or gender re-assignement and same sex marriage has also become legal.
While progress is being made we still have a way to go, with parts of the community still under attack; we must come together to keep moving forward!
We still have major hurdles to overcome such as the practical implementation of the ban of conversion therapy (more on page 5) and the increased risk of exclusion in representation and law of our transgender friends and family
ED&I NEWSLETTER © Apprenticeship Connect February 2023
CLICK TO TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LGBTQIA+ TIMELINE
6 LGBTQIA+ FIGURES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
To celebrate LGBTQIA+ history month we wanted to celebrate some of the trailblazing people who have left their mark on the world, giving people today more confidence, freedom and legislative rights to be themselves.
These activists follow a long line of people who dedicated their lives to changing the way the world sees members of their community. And the fight for equality is far from over
HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE INCREDIBLE LGBTQIA+ ACTIVISTS
MARSHA P. JOHNSON
CLICK
RUPAUL CHARLES
BILLIE JEAN KING
HARVEY MILK
AUDRE LORDE
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LARRY KRAMER
HOW CAN WE PROMOTE LGBTQIA+ INCLUSION AT WORK?
CREATE INCLUSIVE POLICY
For employers, making sure all your policies are LGBTQ+ inclusive (for example your policies on parental leave, adoption, and pensions) is crucial for setting the guidelines on how to be more inclusive and avoid discrimination in your organisation.
LISTING YOUR PRONOUNS
Adding pronouns in email signatures, on social media profiles, and stating them in meetings is a great way for everyone to normalise not assuming someone's gender. This helps trans and non-binary people feel more comfortable to state theirs.
USE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
Gender-neutral language avoids bias towards a particular gender Using ‘they’ instead of ‘he/she’ in contracts or general communication when a persons gender identity is unknown is a good step towards this.
OPEN DISCUSSIONS
Settings up/being a part of an LGBTQIA+ networking group can be a powerful way for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to identify and improve upon issues affecting LGBTQ+ colleagues.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE WAYS TO PROMOTE INCLUSION ED&I NEWSLETTER
THERAPY BROUGHT BACK!
Plans to ban gay conversion therapy in England and Wales was announced by the government towards the end of January this year.
Conversion therapy refers to the practice of trying to stop or suppress an individuals gender or sexual identity using talking therapies, prayer or often violent means
Previous plans to ban conversion therapy were scrapped by the government, before being reinstated on the back of widespread anger. However, the plans did not include a ban on practices aimed at transgender people The government now says it will ban all forms of conversion therapy in England and Wales - including those targeting transgender people.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan says more details will be published soon.
To read more about what conversion therapy is and the proposed measures been taken click here
A FEW DATES DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
FEBRUARY
LGBTQIA+ History Month
International Epilepsy Day
Nirvana Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Maha Shivratri
Lailat al-Miraj
Ash Wednesday - Lent begins
MARCH
Self Harm Awareness Day
Employee Appreciation Day
International Women's Day
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Ramadan Begins
World Bipolar Day
International Transgender Day of Visibility
APRIL
Stress Awareness Month
World Autism Awareness Day
World Health Day
Parkinsons Awareness Week
Eid al-Fitr
MS Awareness Week
International Lesbian Visibility Day
FOR A FULL GUIDE DOWNLOAD OUR CALENDAR HERE
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RESOURCES
On the next page, you will find resources that will help support your own, your colleagues or your classmates understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes resources for how to approach conversations if you feel like you may be gay, bi, transgender or non-binary as well as mental health advice and support if you or someone close to you may be suffering as a result of insecurities relating to sexuality or sexual identity. DOWNLOAD HERE
LGBTQIA+ GUIDE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
These guides from FFLAG will help you support and understand someone close to you who may be coming to terms with their sexuality It will help you understand their emotions and be able to talk confidently and empathetically about the topic with them.
ED&I NEWSLETTER © Apprenticeship Connect February 2023
Take a look at all the 180+ prides taking place this year It's a great way to spend a weekend with your friends and family and show your love and support for the community
LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH
Take a look at leading mental health charity Mind's resources on how to best support someone who may be struggling with their
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