Issue 25 Respect Magazine

Respect Magazine : February 2014

M

A

G

A

Z

I

@CoopRespectLGBT | www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

We’re Number 1 We celebrate being named the most lesbian, gay and bisexual friendly retailer in the UK for the 5th consecutive year

N

E № 25 | February 2014

+PLUS WE SUPPORT OUR LGBT BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN RUSSIA. DO YOU? EVAN DAVIS INTERVIEW STUDENT PRIDE MORE FROM OUR RESPECT ‘LOVED BY YOU’ AWARDS SAM DICKINSON COMING OUT STORIES TWITTER TIPS

The inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 1 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop (LGBT) network for

Respect Magazine : February 2014

L>CC:G D; I=: G:HE:8I ÈAdkZY Wn ndjÉ 7dd` d[ i]Z NZVg '%&(

È6c VaiZgcViZan WgjiVa VcY WZVji^[ja hidgn VWdji adkZ VcY WZadc\^c\ ^c V k^k^Yan XdckZnZY jcYZgldgaYÉ

È6 _ZlZa"Wdm d[ V cdkZaÉ HVgV] LViZgh

B:IGD

4HE 0ALACE OF #URIOSITIES FOLLOWS THE FATES OF %VE @4HE ,ION &ACED 'IRL AND !BEL @4HE &LAYED -AN WHO SOAR TO FAME AS PERFORMERS IN 0ROFESSOR *OSIAH !RRONER S @0ALACE OF #URIOSITIES 3ET IN 6ICTORIAN ,ONDON THIS LUMINOUS AND BEWITCHING DEBUT IS A PROFOUND LOVE STORY LURKING IN THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT IS PERCEIVED AS HUMAN 2OSIE 'ARLAND S SECOND NOVEL 6IXEN WILL BE PUBLISHED BY 4HE "OROUGH 0RESS IN *UNE

2 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Inside this issue

Welcome to our Respect Magazine. The monthly magazine for the UK’s most LGBT friendly retailer, The Co-operative. It’s another jam packed issue, produced for you by our team of volunteers.

You can expect lots of Respect 15-17 member features and stories, community news, we reveal the two winners of the ‘Respect ‘Loved by You’ Moment of 2013’ award, an update on what our Charity of the Year ‘The Albert Kennedy Trust’ has been up to and the inspiring coming out speech from actress Ellen Page. Plus lots more!

10

Respect’s Fundraising Officer We meet the Student Pride Anna Hanson lets us know team and find out more more about fundraising about the event

22 We talk role models with Dragon’s Den presenter Evan Davis

Up and coming singer Sam Dickinson lets us know more about his musical ambitions. He was shortlisted for two ‘Loved by You’ awards!

18-19

6-8 We support our LGBT bothers and sisters in Russia. Do you? #SSHHI

26

34-43

Networking events around the UK. A bit of sushi and cocktails. Yes please.

It’s all about the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We find out about St Mungo’s too.

3 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

An introduction from the Co-Chair of the Respect network

Thomas Anderson A lot has happened since our last issue at the beginning of January and in this, our 25th issue, we share much of this.

Stonewall announced last month that The Co-operative ranked 3rd in their 2014 Workplace Equality Index and we were the No1 private sector employer for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

We are overjoyed by this news and you can read more about this in our ‘Stonewall WEI Special Feature’. Respect was also named a ‘Star Performer Network Group’ for the 4th consecutive year. We couldn’t have done all of this without our hundreds of active members who contribute greatly to everything we do. Thank you.

In the last month we have also proudly supported our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia with our #SSHHI poster campaign,

inspired by Pride House Manchester. The engagement has blown us all away. There’s still time to join us - see pages 6, 7 and 8.

As if The Co-operative could get any more LGBT friendly, to celebrate LGBT History Month, influenced by Respect, the Co-op logo has been changed to include the pride flag. This can be viewed at www.co-operative.coop until the end of Feb. This is another packed issue and includes many inspiring coming out stories from our members that we hope will offer some reassurance to those who are thinking about coming out or are struggling with this.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading this issue that is 100% put together by our volunteer members in their own time.

Thomas Anderson Respect network Co-Chair & George House Trust Ambassador thomas.anderson@co-operative.coop - @thomasinmanc

WIN! Get the song that means the most to you played on The Co-operative Food radio listened to by over 20 million people in our 3,000+ stores all over the UK every week You can enter our competition to win some fab foody goodies and also have your chosen song played on The Co-operative Food radio in our Food stores

Become a member of Respect Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be LGBT. If you support the Group’s approach to valuing individuality and want to see, hear and read about life and work from an alternative perspective, why not sign up and become a member.

Let’s keep connected Twitter - Over 8,650 followers and growing @CoopRespectLGBT Website www.co-operative.coop/ respectlgbt Email respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Respect magazine issuu.com/cooprespectlgbt Feedback & Contributions We welcome all feedback about the magazine so please send this our way. And if you’d like to contribute to the magazine, please get in touch too.

Advertise in Respect If you would like to reach thousands of people every month and advertise in the Respect Magazine, please get in touch with us.

all over the UK (it must be suitable for all the family to listen to).

All you have to do is share your memorable song that reminds you of the best time in your life when you grew up, maybe started going out, your first job, or your first boyfriend/girlfriend. Just drop us an email to respectLGBT@co-operative.coop by 9th March 2014. Good luck everyone!

4 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Careers Visit our careers portal at www.co-operative.jobs and you'll see why we are ranked highly in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

Respect Magazine : February 2014 Our ‘Here for you Our huge billboard on Canal St over

this Pride’ coupons

Manchester Pride 2013

Some of of our engaging branding we used at Pride events all over the UK

We’ve been shortlisted for two prestigious ‘Out In The City & g3 Magazine Readers’ Awards’ What a way to start our 2014!

innovative branding and

We are proud to announce that

marketing initiatives.

we’ve been shortlisted for two ‘Out In The City & g3’ magazine

These included billboards, magazine adverts, store

‘Readers’ Awards’ - dubbed the

branding, huge vibrant parade entries, banners, t-shirts, event

Gay Oscar’s.

The categories are ‘Network of the Year’, the award we won last year, and ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’. This is

sponsorship, coupons, an ice cream van and so much more.

Our presence at Pride events was huge. Bigger than ever.

for our massive ‘Making history with Pride’ campaign last

We are very proud to have been recognised in these two

summer that saw us smiling with

categories. Big thanks to everyone that has supported us

Pride all over the UK and showcasing our unique and

and to all the Co-op business areas for making it all possible.

Please vote for us!

Voting is now open and we would really appreciate your support.

Please spread the word and vote for us!

>>>> Vote at www.outg3awards.co.uk/g3-voting-form-2014.html 5 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Our Pride ice cream van

Making history with Pride

Respect Magazine : February 2014

The Pride House Manchester team have done Manchester proud!

We introduced you to Pride House Manchester in the last issue of Respect.

The team have gone all out to make Manchester’s support of our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia as visible as possible, and to engage with as many people, in lots of different ways.

We went along to the opening event at Canal St in Manchester on 7th February and we were amazed to see over 1,000 other people turn up to show their support, including many Respect members. Thanks for your support.

The atmosphere was electric and we all joined hands and circled Canal St in solidarity and showed our pride.

Strangers, holding hands, amazing. The team did a great job and the snow (fake granted) blowing over the iconic street really created quite a moment. Well done to all involved.

The snow was falling

Join us in supporting our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia.

Let’s all hold hands in solidarity Pride House International (PHI) announced its Same-Sex Hand-Holding Initiative, a campaign which comes in response to Russian anti-gay laws introduced back in June 2013. The campaign calls on athletes, staff, media, officials, spectators, sponsors, vendors, and fans – to take every opportunity to hold hands with a person of the same sex.

“The very first thing the members of the Pride House International coalition did was to ask our Russian counterparts for their leadership on our campaign,” said Lou Englefield, Director of Pride Sports UK and PHI coordinator.

“Any response, no matter how wellmeaning, would be inappropriate without the input of LGBT sportspeople in Russia”.

Konstanin Yablotskiy from the Russian LGBT Sports Federation is part of Pride House International, and was instrumental in conceptualizing the Same-Sex HandHolding Initiative.

More info and events at www.pridehousemcr.com Twitter - @PrideHouseMCR

Yablotskiy said: “Long after the 2014 Olympics, we in Russia will continue to live under this horrible law. For a few weeks we have the opportunity to bring the attention of the world to the situation in Russia. The Same-Sex Hand-Holding Initiative enables everyone to get involved with a simple yet iconic gesture. We know from gestures like Usain Bolt’s lightning stance the impact of such images that are simple, replicable, and identifiable”.

Respect is delighted to be supporting the campaign and on these pages you’ll see lots of photo’s of our ‘Friends of Respect’ showing their support. We invite all of our members to join us too and send us your photo’s. You can take your photo with friends, family members and colleagues you don’t need to be LGBT or in a relationship with the person you are holding hands with.

Let’s send a message of solidarity to our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia.

Email respectLGBT@co-operative.coop to request the poster 6 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Tweet us your photo’s to @CoopRespectLGBT using the hashtag #SSHHI 7 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Some of our ‘Friends of Respect’ supporting our campaign

The ‘Rainy City Roller Girls’ showing their support

More pics in the next issue of ‘Respect’

Come along to Bright Night and shine with pride Ruth Overton, Head of Communications at LGBT mental health charity PACE lets Respect know a bit more about the charity and the event.

‘Like staying physically fit and well, keeping good mental health is

important too – we all have times

London is an opportunity for PACE to

when that can be hard and that’s

raise essential funds that will help to

where PACE can help. We aim to create safe spaces where LGBT

keep vital PACE services going during 2014. With Comedian Jen

people can get some support, either face to face or online. Whether it’s

Brister, a charity auction and a great swing set from our fabulous Patron

about how to negotiate better

Mr Will Young, it’s going to be a

relationships; coming out; managing your own mental health; dealing with

sparkling night! So get your tickets and help support PACE, you might

domestic abuse; mental health advocacy; youth counselling – our

need us one day too …………’

counselling, groupwork and advocacy services have seen LGBT people coming to us for nearly 30 years.

Recent funding cuts have had an

Details about the Bright Light event can be found on the advert on the opposite page. Check it out!

Find out more about the charity at www.pacehealth.org.uk

impact and our Bright Night event in

TICKET OFFER:

PACE has introduced a special limited promotional code which can be

redeemed with: LTDPACEPROMO when booking on Eventbrite. This will give you 30% off the ticket price, in the spirit of accessibility. So what are you waiting for!

8 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

WILL YOUNG

JEN BRISTER

AUCTION THURSDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2014

www.bright-night.eventbright.co.uk

9 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

We meet the man with the big voice

@SamDickinson samdickinsononline.com Hi Sam. We hope 2014 has gotten off to a great start. Did you make any New Year resolutions?

I never usually make New Year Resolutions but this year I thought I'd give it a go and see how I get on! My first was to say I'm going to play a hell of a lot more live shows this year and go to cities I've never performed in before! I've already started on that one with a new tour coming up in March and April as well as a one later in the year too. I'm keeping the summer free to try and get festival and pride bookings. I like to be kept busy and introduce people to this style of music, it's so infectious. My second resolution was to go and see more of the world, it's such an interesting place. First stop, this October, South Africa. A place close to my heart.

2013 ended well for you when you came second in both the album and song of the year categories in our ‘Loved by You’ awards. How did it feel to receive so many nominations in the public vote?

I couldn't actually believe I'd been nominated so it was a bit of a shock when I got contacted about it. The thing is, when you go and make an album, you're unsigned, no label, no manger, struggling to finance it, the last thing you

Sam Dickinson

expect is to get nominated for it. I genuinely didn't expect to win it or even come close, people really got behind it and to come second in both categories was something I was really proud of. I

order to make sure I don't bankrupt myself. I want to do London this year, visit places like Liverpool, Norwich, Birmingham as well as revisiting the cities I've been too before like Manchester,

did celebrate with some champagne that night! The fact so many people took an interest in the underdog is a great thing.

Leeds, Glasgow, Aberdeen. That way I don't overload people with too many gigs in their area, it's about making it a special night for everybody. I love performing at Prides and I'm hoping to

We’d love to know more about your debut album ‘The Stories That Occurred’. What can we expect from the album?

'The Stories That Occurred' is a little different to perhaps what people are used to, I've found that when I've been promoting the album. It's a soul album, reminiscent of the MoTown sounds of the 60's. It's got big brass arrangements, big vocals and generally just a great vibe. I wanted an album where people would listen to it all and then go and see if I'm playing in their area because they want to hear it live. I think I'm beginning to achieve it. Lyrically, I want people to connect with the lyrics so all of the songs are really personal. I know I'm biased but it's a great album. If you like Simply Red, Joss Stone, Olly Murs - then it's worth giving it a listen.

Have you played many gigs to promote it?

I toured a month after the album was released and I'm going back on tour in a couple of months. All the tours are self financed so it's a bit by bit approach in 10 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

play a lot more, so any Ents Directors drop me an email!

Who was your musical role model growing up?

I spent my childhood listening to the likes of Beverley Knight, M People, Lighthouse Family, Lisa Stansfield, Mica Paris and Gabrielle. The 90's saw a real plethora of British Soul acts, they're all coming back along with new soul artists. It's a really easy listening genre which I think people connect to and stick with for a long period of time.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

Gabrielle, we could do something really interesting I think!

What’s next for you?

The upcoming acoustic tour and possibly another single. I'm definitely going to be bringing out a remix album soon. I've been working with some great and well known remixers. They're helping create something which will really suit the clubs.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

The Weather Girls take the charts ‘by storm’ Despite the best efforts of anti-UKIP campaigners, It's Raining Men failed to crack the Top 20 singles chart. The Weather Girls' 1982 hit, revived in protest of anti-gay remarks by UKIP councillor David Silvester officially finished at No 31 in the Official UK Top40 published on 2nd February 2014. A great effort that got lots of people talking!

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis give a performance never to be forgotten Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love" anthem became the theme song for 33 newlyweds during the 56th Grammy Awards on 23rd January 2014. The gay and straight weddings were officiated

by Queen Latifah while the hit song about equality was performed by the rap duo with Madonna hitting the stage with them, along with Mary Lambert and jazz artist Trombone Shorty.

Kylie is back. And better than ever Pop icon Kylie Minogue recently unveiled the video for the first single ‘Into the Blue’ (out 10th March) to be taken from her forthcoming album ‘Kiss Me Once’ (out 17th March). It’s everything we wanted from a Kylie single - a song made for the dancefloor. There’s even a duet with ‘Hero’ hitmaker Enrique Iglesius on the album.

IN THE NEWS NEWS IN THE -- MUSIC MUSIC

The Pet Shop Boys & Alan Turing

Legendary duo the Pet Shop Boys have recently announced they are recording music inspired by the recently pardoned genius Alan Turing. We can’t wait to hear the final results. Beep beep.

11 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Tom Elliott

Ben Brosnan

Digital Specialist at The Co-operative Group

Communications Business Partner at The Co-operative Bank

Cover star feature : Tom and Ben are coming out

“I was bullied every single day I went to school, from the first day of primary school until the last day I left the sixth form - for being gay.” I was called every derogatory name

When I was 14 I had an epiphany – I decided that life was too short to

and suffered at the hands of my bullies. My sexuality made me a

just part of who I am. I believe that being gay does not make a person,

victim.

just like being straight doesn’t either, but I guess it is something that

It’s so important I can be myself at work.

After school I was determined that my working life would be different.

Surely it shouldn’t matter if I was gay, but if I could do the job or not?

Growing in confidence, I’ve been ‘out’ in every job I’ve had. It’s not always easy, but I wanted my skills and personality do the talking, not my sexuality.

I still meet the bullies; only a couple of years ago the Vice President of a previous employer asked me if I ‘changed my earring to a pink one

waste time pretending to be something I was not, so I told my mum that I was gay. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, but I’m glad I did and I’m kind of proud that I did it so young.

I have always been gay and have never seen it as a preference; it’s

people who are gay do have to go through and come to terms with when growing up. I think to come to terms with this when you are so young is a big deal.

“I was lucky that my family were very accepting of me and being gay didn’t make them treat me any different.”

at weekends’, trying to embarrass me in front of a room full of people.

I am also lucky to have not really received much hostility because I am

“No, I always wear a rainbow one on Saturday nights” I replied.

gay, but I believe there are gaps in awareness and education

It was around this time I became aware of the Respect network here at The Co-operative. I was fortunate enough to join The Co-operative’s

about the LGBT community. In my first job when I was 16 before I went to university, my manager took me to one side and told me not to

Manchester Pride entry in 2011 before I even worked here.

worry, my colleagues wouldn’t tell anyone that I was gay and that I

“I was overwhelmed with the support that the senior members of staff gave the day, even being in the parade itself.”

and in a relationship. I told her not to worry and that and the age of

had a boyfriend, her implication being that I was too young to be gay consent had been lowered to 16 – so I was legal!

Because I think that being gay doesn’t make someone a different person, I do hope for a day when groups like our Respect network,

I couldn’t see my Vice President doing that! From that day on, I was

Pride marches and specifically LGBT activities don’t exist - we’re all just

determined that The Co-operative was where I wanted to work, and to

people and love is love.

join the Respect team.

But whilst the persecution of LGBT people exists in the world, as we

Now I’m on the Respect Steering Group I hope I’ve helped to

have been reminded recently – and crime and ignorance closer to

contribute to its achievements and what it does for our LGBT

home against LGBT people, I believe our activity must continue. I find it

colleagues. Having that support network in place means that I can be

astonishing that in 77 countries it is illegal to be gay, and in some of

myself at work and just get on with doing my job.

those countries the penalty is death.

If you’d like to share your coming out story with our readers, we’d love to hear from you. See email below.

Being part of this Respect network helps me do my bit to help raise awareness of issues affecting LGBT people, gaps in education and hopefully one day contribute to a more tolerant world.

12 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

platinum sponsor:

in association with:

Respect Magazine : February 2014

national student pride

LONDON 21-23 feb

2014

studentpride.co.uk for tickets & info friday eve: call me kuchu at channel 4 followed by Q&A 3pm registration drinks at g-a-y late • opening party at g-a-y heaven saturday: free daytime festival at university of westminster 12.30-5pm attitude celebrity question time debate • job fair / market place • live music • comedy • bar & food saturday night: club night at g-a-y heaven gold sponsor:

silver sponsors:

media sponsors:

/studentpride 13 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

@studentpride

Respect Magazine : February 2014 “I’m HIV positive” – not a line I was expecting to hear whilst watching Emmerdale last month, they’d kept this storyline quiet from the online spoiler pages and press, but I had an immediate and instinctual feeling that this was a good thing.

There are many reasons why this storyline is important. Firstly it isn’t conforming to modern stereotypes society holds of the ‘typical’ HIV patient. Val isn’t a gay man, a black man/ woman or an intravenous drug user. Val is a middle aged, white and married woman living in the countryside ‘up north’ not a council estate in one of our

Respect member

Alex Sparrowhawk brings us his latest blog

HIV can affect anyone and Emmerdale does their bit to help remove stigma. It’s not just a gay thing!

major cities. She’s not portrayed as someone outstandingly clever but nor is she pictured as stupid. Val has a husband, grown up children, one of whom is gay. She runs a bed and breakfast business, in essence she’s really rather normal.

And that’s the fundamental message that HIV activists, advocates and charities strive to get across to the general public. HIV does not care about gender, sex, sexuality, race, religion or class. HIV can and does happen to anyone. Val’s story is a great way of provoking the subject of HIV to a large proportion of British society who might not usually think about it. People do not picture HIV and an older married woman in a rural setting. This story has the potential to reach out to the public and address their sexual health, not just HIV but other STIs as well. It can remind people that no matter whom they are or where they live they are still at some risk of these diseases and viruses and that they should regularly have sexual health checks.

Of course not all the feedback was positive regarding the story; many younger people on Twitter were quick to speak out about the reasons Val ‘had AIDS’. There were many comments about her being a ‘sl*t’ or a ‘sl*g’ and unfortunately whilst these comments are still common place they’ll always be stigma attached to the virus and to those who live with it. And whilst there is stigma people will continue to be afraid of getting tested.

As for the ‘AIDS’ references, I hope the writers are able to make known the difference between HIV and AIDS. We still don’t know the outcome for Val at the moment; I’m hoping they don’t drag out her

Val in Emmerdale

14 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

positive or negative diagnosis for much longer.

It sounds very weird to say so, but I hope she is HIV positive. It would be great to have a larger than life soap character deal with the virus on our screens, and to show the public how normal a life you can lead. No doubt the story will have ‘ups and downs’ and there is the matter of whether or not she will tell her husband what’s happened as well.

When I was younger EastEnders (another British soap) had a HIV positive character in Mark Fowler, a straight man who contracted HIV from his girlfriend. His final on screen scene was of him riding off on his motor bike, escaping his family and friends to die alone. When I first disclosed my status to my friends they immediately pictured the same image, me leaving them within a few years to die. That episode was aired in 2003 and within the soap it was April 2004 that Mark finally passed away, without his friends or loved ones there with him.

That story and those final images still remain in the British people’s minds today, ten years later, but in the past decade so much has changed. We NEED a new HIV positive character in mainstream TV to dispel the associations we have with Marks character and to educate the public as to where HIV care and life with the virus is today in 2014.

I really hope this story gives courage and strength to more heterosexual people living with the virus: there are many blogs and twitter accounts like my own, written by young HIV positive gay men, it would be great to see more of the same from more woman, straight men, people who live out in the sticks or simply don’t conform to societies common preconception of a HIV positive person.

Not everyone is going to agree with how Val’s journey unfolds, because all HIV positive people adapt and grow differently upon finding out the news. Her character isn’t going to be able to represent us all, but if she is HIV positive she has the potential, with the right and factually correct writing, to be a great fictional ambassador for all us living with HIV.

www.alexsparrowhawk.com @birdy_tweet

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Respect’s Fundraising Officer

Anna Hanson

reveals more about our fundraising and the network being accessible to everyone Hi Anna. What a great start to 2014 with the announcement that Albert Kennedy Trust are our Charity of the Year for England. Can you let us in on any of the things the team have planned for 2014?

We have some great things planned. We’ve been receiving case studies from all the different people involved with the AKT which is a great way of finding out about their work and how it has helped so many people. We are hoping do some big fundraising events in 2014. We have lots planned like stores having collection tins by their tills, bake sales, hands on help with volunteering and much more. It’s going to be a great year. We also plan to work closely with AKT on their Manchester Pride parade entry - we want to do something a bit different this year. One thing is for sure, it is going to be a very exciting year for us all. We need lots of support so if you’d like to get involved, please get in touch.

We need you If you’d like to support us with fundraising and supporting charities all over the UK, please email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Anna (right) with her partner Sarah and their dog Lilly

You’ve done quite a bit to support the charity already. What sorts of things have you got involved with?

I have always enjoyed being involved with charities, from sponsoring animals as a child to doing a midnight walk for Cancer Research. I’ve been a part of the Respect Steering Group for the past two years and in that time I have had the great opportunity to be involved in loads of great things. Last year many of the Respect Steering Group helped decorate and build furniture for a house that homeless young people can stay in until they are able to get themselves on their feet - after been separated from their family’s for coming out as gay, bi or trans

And we're also supporting the LGF with packing their women's safe sex packs. What does supporting charities mean to you?

Yes, it’s great we’re supporting the safe sex packs. I think it will be fun, all getting together and doing something for our community. I like to support charities as I feel anybody can be in a place where they need help and I would like to think I would receive the help I need, especially charities like AKT. No one knows how their family will react to them coming out.

It's the LGF 'Sugar & Spice' event shortly. You went along last year. What would you say to someone thinking of going, but they have no one to go with or are feeling a bit nervous?

I would say they should definitely go as it’s a great day that’s very welcoming.

There is loads of different things to do, whatever your likes and dislikes are. It’s also a no pressure environment where people can get involved with the activities or sit and chat.

How important do you think women only events are? Are they really needed in this day and age?

I do think they are needed to some extent as there will be a lot of people that haven’t come out or are unsure about the gay scene and I think these events will be less stressful for people. Also, there is still a lot more events that are maybe not just for men but are certainly aimed for men.

15 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

More from Anna >>>>

Respect Magazine : February 2014 You're also learning sign How do you think the Respect

language we hear. How is that

network can make the work we do

going?

more accessible to our deaf

Yes I am. I really love it. I have always enjoyed learning new things. I guess that’s what happens when you have

members? Is there anything we need to improve or think about?

We need to make sure there are always subtitles on all videos that we put on the internet (or transcripts) and also I think it would be nice to do a little introduction video in sign. Also, maybe adding on to the information about events asking if people need any additional support. All written information should be clear and to the point as BSL is a very direct and brief language.

Watch out for our Respect information videos where Anna will be telling you all about the Respect network and how you can get involved - using sign language. The network must be accessible to all and this is us building on the work we have done to do just that.

teachers as parents. I have always been interested in sign language, wondering when I saw it on the TV what they were saying. Also before I was studying BSL I had a fax conversion with a deaf customer - I needed to let her know that the doctors were unable to do a prescription for her and rather than disappoint the patient I faxed her. She was very grateful and she was able to sort it out with the doctor and get the medication she needed.

Do you think there are additional barriers to deaf people 'coming out' and getting the support they need?

Yes definitely. I think it is harder as they may struggle to get access to support services as there is a lack of funding for interpreters and training staff in BSL.

The Co-operative Group has funded you doing the course.

How did this come about?

Anna is a big supporter of all things charity and fundraising.

In 2013 she was awarded the ‘People In Pharmacy’ award for ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ for her work as part of the Respect team.

Anna (left) with her partner Sarah at a Respect event 16 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Well I know that some training courses could be funded for by The Co-operative and I felt this would be a great benefit to increasing my ability to give all patients a better service. So I contacted the training team and asked if this would be possible and they agreed.

“I felt this would be a great benefit to increasing my ability to give all patients a better service” As a Pharmacy Technician, has your sign language skills ever come in handy when supporting customers?

Oh yes. A lot, in every Co-operative Pharmacy I have ever worked in I have had at least one or more deaf customers. It’s come in very handy.

What are you most looking forward to in 2014?

I am very much looking forward to March and the ability for LGB people to get married. Working with AKT, we’ll hopefully raise a lot of money and also raise awareness of what the AKT are all about. And on a personal note, moving in to mine and my partners new home.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Anna shares her ‘coming out’ story with us Coming out to my family is the hardest thing I have ever done, having been raised in a Christian household and not knowing whether I would have a family at the end of it or not was a real concern. I know some people say they have known from childhood that they are gay, but it never crossed my mind until I met my first girlfriend. I always knew I wasn’t bothered about boys but I thought I wasn’t bothered at all.

As for coming out at work, when I started working for The Co-operative Pharmacy I had just come out of a six year relationship so starting a new job as well as single life at the same time was

never going to easy. I am sure my colleagues will tell you that when I started I was much quieter than I am now!

The first person I told was my manager and she was great helping me with the problems at home and really made me feel that The Co-operative was the right place for me to be. But as each and every one of us knows this is one of the many times we have to go through the stress and worry of change, and everytime we meet new people or start a new job we go through it again!

I think being apart of the Respect network LGBT Steering Group, I have found it a lot easier to be at ease with myself and not feel stressed about how people will react to who I am. I feel I can be a lot more open when going to a new branch, or taking on a new role.

Published on The Co-operative intranet in February 2014.

ROLE MODEL

Some of the worlds biggest businesses LGBT ADOPTION and national institutions come out to AND FOSTERING support our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia WEEK 3rd - 9th March 2014 Agencies across the UK hold events specifically for LGBT prospective parents, as part of LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week. You can also find a list of agencies that provide membership of New Family Social, the UK support group for LGBT adopters and foster carers.

#respect 17 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

www.lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk/

Respect Magazine : February 2014

The Co-operative are back to sponsor Student Pride.

Geneviève Hawks from the Student Pride team lets us all know more about the event and what they have planned For those that aren't too familiar with Student Pride, could you let us know a bit more about the event and it's origins Student Pride began at Oxford Brookes University in 2005, as a response to the Christian Union’s debate on ‘Homosexuality and the Bible’. Due to this origin, it has always involved debates on important issues itself. After two years in Oxford we became associated with the NUS LGBT campaign and relocated to Manchester for a year. After that, we settled in Brighton, where the event really began to take off. This is the first year Student Pride is being held in London.

What do you have lined up for those attending the three day event?

Friday kicks things off with a showing at Channel 4 Studios of ‘Call me Kuchu’, a moving documentary about the LGBT

situation in Uganda. Tickets are being sold for £2 with the money being donated to the Kaleidoscope Trust, and there is a Q&A session afterwards with some Ugandan LGBT activists.

Afterwards, registration begins at G-A-Y in the evening, and then a club night will take place at Heaven.

On Saturday, the free daytime event commences, consisting of a Question Time session (in association with Attitude Magazine), with panelists such as Lord Waheed Ali (the first gay Muslim peer), John Amaechi OBE, and Paris Lees, who recently topped the Independent on Sunday’s ‘Pink List’. There will be a ‘Bake Off’, hosted by The Great British Bake Off’s 2012 winner, John Whaite; live music throughout the day; and a job fair, where employers such as our sponsors, EY, Clifford Chance, The Co-operative, Asda and IBM, who will be exhibiting, alongside those such as BP, Channel 4

21 - 23 Februar y London

and Teach First. In the evening there will be the main club night at Heaven, along with a performance from this year’s musical headliner.

Sunday will complete a wonderful weekend with a Rocky Horror Picture Show sing-along at the Prince Charles Cinema in Soho, for which tickets will cost £3 for wristband holders and £4.95 otherwise.

The Co-operative are back as a sponsor for the second year.

What does this support mean to the event?

The Co-operative’s support for a second year is marvelous! It is the sort of consistent support Student Pride needs to keep growing and improving, and hopefully the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

Question Time w ith | Evan Davis | Paris Lees | Jo hn Amaechi | A my Lame + more 18 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014 We attended last year and we were delighted to be named 'Employer of the Year'. How important do you think an organisations authentic LGBT friendly credentials are to students looking for job opportunities?

I believe very important. I know it is something that will certainly matter to me when considering potential employers. A company’s credentials on such matters as LGBT-friendliness say a lot about them and their attitude to their employees in general. It is something that will likely make LGBT students looking for jobs feel much more comfortable, knowing that they will not be treated any differently to any other employee in their potential future place of work.

The event has lots of high profile support. Why do you think this is and what does this support mean to the event?

I think having such a lot of high-profile support says a lot about National Student Pride as an event, and how we have grown to establish ourselves as a notable part of the UK LGBT calendar.

The support is vital, and very much appreciated, and has helped us on our journey to become an event that thousands of students

attend every year. This year we already have groups from 35 different Universities confirmed to attend!

Is the event inclusive and can anyone attend, no matter what their age or sexuality is?

Certainly! Although we are primarily a student event, there are no barriers for anyone else who would like to attend. There is something for everyone to learn and enjoy.

The event is being held in London after a long spell in Brighton. Do you think this move will make the event even more successful?

I think so. Student Pride truly established itself in Brighton, and it is hoped that the big move to the capital will only aid in our continued growth and success. London is naturally much more accessible for people all over the country, contains many thousands students as a city, and has so many wonderful facilities and locations we are privileged enough to be able to utilise.

Good luck with the event. We can't wait!

Thank you very much, and see you there!

us Come and see on at the job fair 22 Februar y

f treats in We have lots o ay that are store for the d d. not to be misse These include for you to lots of freebies you. take home with aled!

Our lips are se

great time.

13. We had a 20 in t en ev e our stand at th the photo’s from of e m So ve Abo

ride and @studentp m o .c e d ri tp n e at www.stud Find out more

19 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

e Food The Co-operativ ig food are the only b r a 10% retailer to offe rchases to discount on pu ers. We’ll NUS card hold tors to our be offering visi n more stand some eve unts in our fantastic disco stores. ck us out!

Come and che

Respect Magazine : February 2014

We celebrate 12 months of being tweet happy Our first 12 months on Twitter have flown by and brought with it many highlights. We launched the account @CoopRespectLGBT at the end of January 2013 as part of our strategy to increase engagement with our members, to raise awareness of the work of the network and of The Co-operative and to support us attract new employee members who may not have known about us.

The Respect team have been amazed with the strong engagement for the account and we are delighted to now be one of the most followed Co-operative twitter accounts with 8,650+ followers at the time of publishing this issue. We are also the most followed UK employee LGBT network too.

We know from speaking to many other employee network groups that getting sign off from their organisation to launch a Twitter account is often difficult and is seen as too high risk. To help in some small way we’ve brought together some top tips that may help getting the business buy in, and also help engage with fellow tweeters once you’re up and ready to tweet.

1- Your organisation needs to understand who you are and why you want to launch a twitter account Arrange a meeting with your communications and/or marketing team (whoever manages your organisations social media) and let them know more about you and how having a twitter account would be of value to your network, and the organisation as a whole. Get the support of your Senior Sponsor

and use other network groups as a benchmark. Get the relevant sign off!

2- Get buy in from your organisations communication’s team who are the experts Don’t go stepping on anyones toes. Do you have any members of your network who work in your communications team or tweets as part of their day job role?

This could make business buy in easier, and reduce any feelings of nervousness. it may be worth suggesting a period of getting your posts signed off each week at the beginning and then as the weeks go on without any issues, more freedom will likely follow.

Some of our favourite tweets from our followers in the last few months #respect

3- Keep your tweets ‘on brand’ It is very easy to offer your own personal opinions and to tweet things you’re interested in, but aren’t aligned with your organisations ‘brand’ and ‘tone’.

Keep to your organisations brand guide if you’re tweeting visuals, especially if it involves the corporate logo. Your tweets are a reflection on the wider organisation.

4- Keep your posts regular and interesting Tweeting 9 to 5 won’t really do the job unfortunately. Most activity is on evenings and weekends so if you really want to reach people and at the peak traffic times you’ll need to think about this. A few tweets a week will quickly disengage people, and too much of the same thing will too. Keep them fresh with a good mix of ‘RT’s’ that are relevant.

5- It’s a conversation not just another vehicle for PR It’s great to share successes, and rightly so, but don’t be seen to just be using twitter to sell your organisations products or shout about how great you are. We do lots of this granted. But it’s positive to tweet about charity events and other things that you think your followers will find interesting. Don’t be afraid to add some personality to your tweets and join in the many twitter events that take place such as #LGBTQHour 20 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Come and join in the conversations If you use twitter, or are thinking about setting up an account, why don’t you follow us

@CoopRespectLGBT

We are proud to now be one of the most followed Co-operative related twitter accounts in the world.

We are also the most followed UK employee LGBT network group and most active too. Follow us to find out more #respectLGBT

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Something no other retailer in the UK has done before

February is LGBT History Month and as the UK’s most LGBT friendly retailer and private sector business we felt we needed to celebrate the month like never before. As well as our many intranet articles and tweets, we thought we’d do something different. Something no other retailer in the UK had done before. The Respect team asked the business if they would change the corporate Co-operative logo, recognised by over 20 million shoppers to our stores each week, to include the pride flag. With their buy in, we proudly launched our new logo on the official www.co-operative.coop website in early February. This was quickly followed by a Facebook post from The Co-operative’s Facebook page. This is why we are different. We authentically live and breathe our embedded ethics and values.

Well done to The Co-operative!

We were very proud in February when an official tweet from The Co-operative was tweeted to show our visible support of the diverse communities we serve as well as our diverse employee population. We had big smiles!

After the new logo went live on The Co-operative website we received lots of tweets from our followers who loved the new design. The pride in us standing up and living and breathing our values really meant a lot to so many people. Here is a selection of the tweets.

TOP T WE ETS 21 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

“I don’t know if I am a role model” We meet star of Dragon’s Den & Radio 4, Evan Davis

How important do you think it is

are not introduced as ‘straight’

that there are high profile LGBT

etc. What do you think of this?

role models in the media?

I am conflicted. In certain contexts where it is not directly relevant, it can be

Important. A small number of high profile people are famous for their gayness. I prefer less focus on sexuality and if the media makes it clear being LGBT is normal, it won’t be a big deal. Judges, broadcasters, cabinet ministers - many of them are gay. But it’s no big deal. Gay people can be all of these things. I think it is important to send subtle signals via being high profile, just make sure it’s not always a big deal to be gay. Gays are everywhere.

How do you feel being referred to as a role model?

Scary. I don’t see myself as a role model.

I don’t want to take responsibility for others behaviour. On the other hand, I don’t know if I am a role model. The public pick their own role models. TV stars, school teachers, construction workers - we can all be role models. We make our own choices. There’s no national register of role models.

The media often have a habit of introducing a high profile person as gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender in their articles and coverage. Heterosexual people

interesting to the audience. I think this is true when a person is in the role as a ‘personality’, the audience are interested in sexuality. I would be interested in their sexuality. If mentioning someone’s sexuality is strictly irrelevant, e.g. to talk about Justice Policy to a cabinet minister who happen to be gay, to mention their sexuality and introduce them as a gay minister, that would be totally inappropriate.

The audience know best and we should serve our audiences. Sexuality is not uninteresting. I don’t want to be known as the gay journalist. I am the economics guy. I don’t want my sexuality to be my defining feature, or of anyone else.

How important is a businesses ethics and values to you when you are deciding whether to buy

@EvanHD

and don’t think they are after making a quick buck. Sometimes I may choose something by not taking a short term view.

What is your most extravagant purchase?

Motorbikes, that I don’t use that much.

They are expensive to insure and maintain. Thank goodness they don’t use much fuel. I bought a bike that was second hand (about one year old) and hadn’t done many miles. You never get back what you paid for them. I like to take them for a spin in the country. My husband is french and we have a house in France. That’s where we keep the bikes and we zip around the countryside when the weather is nice. I’m a Sunday biker.

Quick fire Favourite movie No movie does comedy better

their products or use their services?

than ‘Airplane’. I rate it very highly. I also really enjoy ‘Sixth

I would say I am not someone who goes out and chooses to use businesses who are green or are positive in this and that.

Bad customer service loses my vote.

Sense’ - it blew me away and it is

Good customer service is important. I have actually switched utility company from one of the big six to a smaller provider. I am not absolutely convinced I’m getting the best deal but I trust them 22 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

so well acted.

Favourite song I’m a big Queen fan and I really love ‘Somebody To Love’. It’s wonderfully constructed and is beautifully sung. I remember being very excited when it came out.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

23 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Lesbian

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Role Model ‘Juno’ & ‘X Men’ actress

Ellen Page

came out of the closet on Valentines Day during a heartfelt and inspiring speech at a Human Rights Campaign conference The 26-year-old actress, who is known for her roles in Inception and Juno and is also set to appear as Kitty Pryde in the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past movie, revealed her sexuality to at the HRC's Time to Thrive conference, which benefits LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ figures who have made a difference, including actress Laverne Cox and musicians and ‘Closer’ hitmakers Tegan and Sara, was met with a thunderous applause from the audience.

Page said that she was "tired of hiding and tired of living by omission," revealing that life in the

She said: "I'm here today because I am gay," and went on to say: "And because maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time.

closet took an emotional toll on her.

"I suffered for years because I was scared to be out," Page continued.

"My spirit suffered, my mental health

Regardless, for me, I have a personal obligation and a social responsibility."

suffered, and my relationship suffered. And I'm standing here with you on the other side of that pain."

Well done we say. What an inspiring person. Many agree with us and her speech that included her naming

Social media also went crazy with thousands of supportive messages and tweets.

Ellen has had many career highs...

Following fantastic performances in hugely successful movies including ‘Hard Candy’ (2005), ‘Inception’ (2010) and ‘Juno’ (2007), Ellen has picked up lots of recognition.

This has included being nominated for ‘Best Actress’ at the Oscar’s for her role in ‘Juno’ and winning the ‘Best Actress’ award at the BAFTA’s for her role in the same movie. Great work Ellen!

Twenty of the most powerful and influential lesbians and gay men have been interviewed for this ground-breaking information resource from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

Each of the individuals who feature in the guide have achieved huge success in their chosen professions, such as sport, politics, business, media and the arts. The interviewees act not only as living examples of how LGB people can achieve just as much success as their heterosexual counterparts, but offer invaluable advice, guidance and encouragement. Roles models are so important.

For your copy of Aim High visit www.lgf.org.uk/get-support/Campaigns/Aim-High/ or email info@lgf.org.uk 24 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Here’s Ellen’s inspiring speech in full Hello! Wow. Thank you.

Thank you Chad, for those kind words and for the even kinder work that you and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation do every day—especially on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people here and across America.

It’s such an honor to be here at the inaugural Time to THRIVE conference. But it’s a little weird, too. Here I am, in this room because of an organisation whose work I deeply admire. And I’m surrounded by people who make it their life’s work to make other people’s lives better— profoundly better. Some of you teach young people—people like me.

Some of you help young people heal and to find their voice. Some of you listen.

Some of you take action. Some of you are young people yourselves…in which case, it’s even weirder for a person like me to be speaking to you.

It’s weird because here I am, an actress, representing—at least in some sense—an industry that places crushing standards on all of us. Not just young people, but everyone. Standards of beauty. Of a good life. Of success. Standards that, I hate to admit, have affected me. You have ideas planted in your head, thoughts you never had before, that tell you how you have to act, how you have to dress and who you have to be. I have been trying to push back, to be authentic, to follow my heart, but it can be hard.

But that’s why I’m here. In this room, all of you, all of us, can do so much more together than any one person can do alone. And I hope that thought bolsters you as much as it does me. I hope the

I know there are people in this room who go to school every day and get treated like sh*t for no reason. Or you go home and you feel like you can’t tell your parents the whole truth about yourself.

Then again, it’s not easy at all. It can be the hardest thing, because loving other people starts with loving ourselves and accepting ourselves. I know many of you have struggled with this. I draw upon

Beyond putting yourself in one box or another, you worry about the future.

About college or work or even your physical safety. Trying to create that mental picture of your life—of what on

your strength and your support, and have, in ways you will never know.

I’m here today because I am gay. And because… maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier

earth is going to happen to you—can crush you a little bit every day. It is toxic and painful and deeply unfair.

and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility.

Sometimes it’s the little, insignificant stuff

I also do it selfishly, because I am tired of

that can tear you down. I try not to read gossip as a rule, but the other day a website ran an article with a picture of me wearing sweatpants on the way to the gym. The writer asked, “Why does [this]

hiding and I am tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing

petite beauty insist upon dressing like a massive man?”

here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain. I am young, yes, but what I have learned is that love, the beauty of it, the joy of it and yes, even the pain of it, is the most incredible gift to

Because I like to be comfortable. There are pervasive stereotypes about masculinity and femininity that define how we are all supposed to act, dress and speak. They serve no one. Anyone who defies these so-called ‘norms’ becomes worthy of comment and scrutiny. The

give and to receive as a human being.

And we deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.

LGBT community knows this all too well.

Yet there is courage all around us. The football hero, Michael Sam. The actress, Laverne Cox. The musicians Tegan and Sara Quinn. The family that supports

There are too many kids out there suffering from bullying, rejection, or simply being mistreated because of who they are. Too many dropouts. Too much abuse. Too many homeless. Too many

their daughter or son who has come out.

And there is courage in this room. All of you.

suicides. You can change that and you are changing it.

I’m inspired to be in this room because every single one of you is here for the same reason.

You’re here because you’ve adopted as a core motivation the simple fact that this

workshops you’ll go to over the next few days give you strength. Because I can only imagine that there are days—when you’ve worked longer hours than your boss realises or cares about, just to help

world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another. If we took just 5 minutes to recognize each other’s beauty, instead of attacking each other for our differences.

a kid you know can make it. Days where you feel completely alone. Undermined.

Or hopeless.

That’s not hard. It’s really an easier and better way to live. And ultimately, it saves lives.

25 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

But you never needed me to tell you that.

That’s why this was a little bit weird. The only thing I can really say is what I’ve been building up to for the past five minutes. Thank you. Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for giving me hope, and please keep changing the world for people like me.

Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.

Watch the video in full at www.youtube.com/watch? v=1hlCEIUATzg

Networking events Manchester LGBT Professional Networking Thursday, 27 February 2014 from 6pm to 8pm Velvet Hotel/Bar/Restaurant 2 Canal Street Manchester, M1 3HE Manchester LGBT Professional Networking events are a great opportunity to meet LGBT professionals from a range of industries living or working in the Manchester area.

Come along to widen your current network of contacts, socialise and share experiences and best

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Japanese Infusion

This event is free of charge and will

evening with

make sushi - watching an experienced sushi chef demonstrate

Glee@PwC

how it is done, and if you’re feeling brave, having a go yourself! The

Thursday, 6 March 2014 6pm start Clarion, Elizabeth House, 13-19 Queen Street, Leeds, LS1 2TW The evening will be hosted by Clarion, who share GLEE@PwC's vision of providing extraordinary opportunities for business networking, knowledge sharing and personal and professional development all with a deep value and respect for the diversity of views, needs and aspirations of their members.

practice. Everyone is welcome!

give you a chance to learn how to

sushi will be complemented by oriental themed cocktails.

Please share this invite with any colleagues who you believe may be interested in attending the event – it would be great to welcome them.

RSVP: Sarah Prendergast — sarah.prendergast@clarionsolicitors.c om by Friday 27 February to secure your place.

If you have any queries relating to this evening, please contact Sarah or GLEE@PwC by email at glee.events@uk.pwc.com

Manchester LGBT Professional Networking's host venue is the award winning Velvet Hotel/Bar/ Restaurant. A complimentary drink is provided on arrival and there are a selection of dishes from Velvet's 'Small Plates' menu to try.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/groups/ ManchesterLGBTNetworking If you have any questions, you can email the team at ManchesterLGBTNetworking@gmail. com.

Let us know about events near you!

Dyfed Diners, West Wales They provide the setting for LGBT people to meet in an un-pressured and comfortable atmosphere over a meal and a drink. Members attend as few or as many functions as they wish. Dinner meetings are held in various venues across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings in the middle of the month. There is also a Saturday Social at the beginning of the month and a Sunday Lunch at the end. www.dyfeddiners.freeuk.com

26 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

SUBSCRIBE

TO EUROPE’S BESTSELLING LESBIAN MAGAZINE

SAVE 22% OFF THE COVER PRICE

EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER COVERS

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

FREE & DISCREET DELIVERY

VISIT WWW.DIVASUB.CO.UK AND ENTER DIVACO 27 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

We announce the winners of the respect ‘loved by you’ moment of 2013 After over 560 nominations in this category our panel had a tough time deciding the two winners. But after lots of cups of 99’ tea and a few packs of digestive biscuits they decided.

Big Respect to everyone that was nominated!

EQUAL MARRIAGE BECOMES A REALITY IN ENGLAND & WALES, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY SCOTLAND IN 2014 We have kept you updated about all things Equal Marriage related in previous issues of the Respect Magazine. We are so happy that same sex marriages will now soon be reality in England, Scotland and Wales.

What a great step forward for equality and helping change hearts and minds throughout the UK - although there is still lots to do.

This was an easy one to pick the winner for. Equal Marriage received over 50% of the nominations in this category. It obviously means a lot to many people. We have decided to recognise all of the individuals and organisations that were mentioned in the nominations in this category for their important contributions to making this a reality. Well done to all those that positively campaigned! #respect

Awards presented to the following people and organisations for their work campaigning for equal marriage - as named by you in your nominations.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Stonewall Stonewall Scotland

WHAT YOU SAID!

Stonewall Cymru

Seeing so many people give up so much of their own time to campaign so

Equality Network - Scotland

same sex couples could marry was truly astonishing. Bravo!

Stella & Lucy Peter Tatchell

Equal marriage bill gains consent. My partner and I had a civil partnership just after this was announced, looking forward to converting to marriage once in law.

Equal Marriage being passed. I suspect that this will prove to be a turning point in LGB&T acceptance and will have a massive positive impact on the way that young LGB&T people imagine their future lives as they come to terms with their sexuality.

The Co-operative and Respect also received many nominations in this category for being the only business to give evidence in support in UK Parliament - and our visible support. We can’t give awards to ourself but big thanks to everyone that nominated.

28 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop 28

Respect Magazine : February 2014

PARIS LEES TOPS THE INDEPENDENT PINK LIST

In the past couple of years Paris appeared as

Well don e Paris

Channel 4 and

Back in October 2013 writer,

Radio 1’s first

campaigner and presenter Paris

trans woman

Lees topped the annual

presenter and

Independent Pink List. This was the first time the list had been topped

founded META magazine

by a transgender person.

On topping the list Paris said: “Don’t let anybody tell you that recognition doesn’t matter.

Obviously this is hugely invigorating to me personally, but I think it’s even more valuable in terms of what it means for the trans community and raising awareness.

I hope that this recognition will

fantastic to see her on Question Time as an open trans person.

about, but although I’m really pleased to be named and recognised for leading a full and meaningful life, it makes me very sad that many trans people are not able to fulfil their potential whether

people will be able to flourish and prosper and reach their full potential.”

Pink List

the Independent's Pink List and being on Question Time. it is

the respect she deserves and

there which I am really passionate

hope that going forward all trans

Paris Lees being number one on

number one on this list and given

Trans, and the work that I’m doing

scared to fully be themselves. So I

A bit more about the

great to see a trans person be

help to open doors for All About

they’ve been murdered or taken their own life, or are simply too

WHAT YOU SAID!

Published annually, it is essentially a list of the 101 most influential people who were brave enough to be “out”. The judges decided that a Pink List contender can no longer simply be lesbian,

Helping break down barriers and

gay, bisexual or transgender

increase understanding around

and famous. They need to make a difference.

trans issues. We are human beings too and deserve respect, not transphobia and isolation.

A beautiful soul, Paris is a true role model and a wonderful person. She is doing us proud.

Keep up your inspiring work. It means so much to me.

See all your ‘Loved By You’ award winners at www.co-operative.coop/corporate/RespectLGBT/Loved-by-You-Awards-2013/

29 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop 29

Respect Magazine : February 2014

YOUR winners Share their joy

1

2 3

SMILES ALL ROUND LOVED

RUComingOut - Website of the Year | Barefoot Wine - Brand of the Year | Stonewall - Charity of the Year |

1- The very talented ‘Matt Fishel’ shares his joy after winning the ‘Album and Song of the Year’ awards.

His certificates are proudly hanging from his studio wall.

2- The team from HIV charity ‘George House Trust’ celebrate winning the ‘Health & Wellbeing Charity of the Year’ award.

3- Paul Burston shows his pride at ‘Polari Literary Salon’ being named ‘LGBT Cultural Event of the Year’.

33 30 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop 30

Respect Magazine : February 2014

NO HATE IN OUR VILLAGE! January saw The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) and The Village Business Association (VBA) launch a new awareness raising campaign, ‘No Hate in Our Village’. Unveiling the campaign during Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week 2014, it reminds

The words chosen for the five posters in this campaign are sadly heard regularly by members of the LGB&T community who are victims of hate crime. They are short, sharp, and impactful – as is the campaign message of ‘Report Hate!’

everyone that hate, whatever it’s form, is unacceptable and should be reported.

The LGF said, “We are using these terms in a positive way to empower individuals to realise that they shouldn’t have to

The LGF work closely with the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Office

hear those words and that whilst we can reclaim ownership of these words and extinguish the emotional impact that they can have, we should also recognise them as hatred and report them.”

of the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that our community knows that no incident of hate is acceptable and should always be reported.

The campaign pulls no punches in terms of its use of language – it highlights both the physical and emotional impact that offensive words such as faggot, dyke, freak, tranny and greedy can have on the LGB&T community.

Keep an eye out for the posters and stickers which have been distributed throughout the Village and you can also see the campaign banner displayed along Canal Street too.

Words may hurt, but the simple action of reporting hate crime, whether you’re a victim or a witness, can go a long way towards tackling the perpetrators of hate and ensuring that LGB&T people feel safe not only in the Village, but everywhere else.

31 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

You can also show your support for the ‘No Hate in Our Village Campaign’ by downloading the images shown below for your social media profiles or downloading the poster and putting it on display HATE! To download, visit www.lgf.org.uk/ reporthate

Respect RespectMagazine Magazine :: February February 2014 2014

Respect does When the Respect network was founded, the thought of us ever seeing a Co-op advert in Europe’s biggest selling magazine for gay and bi men attitude seemed a long way off.

It’s not that the business didn’t support all things LGBT, how could we think that when we have been supporting LGBT pride events for over ten years and famously closed the bank account of Christian Voice because of their homophobic beliefs.

In many way The Co-operative has been leading the way.

It was just at the time we had never seen any Co-op adverts that weren’t about selling food products or other services. An advert about our people and the workplace hadn’t really been done before.

And we’d never advertised in any LGBT magazine or other pink media.

As we said in our last issue, Respect asked the questions like ‘Why not?’, highlighting the many benefits of advertising in more diverse publications.

Here for you Whether you’r e in or coming o staying ut

What followed in 2013 was our first advertising in LGBT magazines including GScene, g3 and Out In The City. And many many more, all over the UK. Being a business with a presence in every UK postcode we made a real effort to work with many regional titles too such as Out North West and Midlands Zone.

So you could say Respect has made The Co-operative more relevant to many more people, by highlighting The Co-operative difference through our unique advertising. Not selling a product or service, but highlighting just how we have supported the LGBT community authentically.

This is something the Respect team is very proud of.

As a business that truly valu es diversity, we’r the UK’s mos e immensely t gay friendly proud to have retailer by Ston that we were been ranked ewall ever y year the only busines since 2010. And s to support Equ Parliament spe the fact al Marriage (Eng aks volumes about our gen land & Wales) uine passion in UK We believe in for diversity and supporting eac inclusion too. h other, and sinc over 85 LGBT e 2010 alone charities, even we have prou ts and commun driven by our dly supported ity groups all award winning over the UK. employee LGB ‘Friends of Res This has been T network ‘Res pect’, making pect’ which has it one of the larg over 8,500 est and most We have lots active networks of exciting com in Europe. munity focu Find out mor sed activitie e at www.co-o s planned for perative.coop/ 2014. respectlgbt

We are passi

onate about equa

l opportunities

and welcome

r a broad diver sity of talent

e a c

h

to apply.

@CoopRespec

Our ‘Here for you. Whether you’re staying in or coming out.’ advert above has featured in the February and March 2014 issues of attitude magazine. The mag is a great read.

TOP TWEET

The advert features Respect member Craig and forms part of The Co-operative’s new ‘You’re Welcome’ adverting campaign.

In the March issue of attitude magazine one of our tweets is featured in the ‘Featured Tweets’ section. It was a huge surprise to see it there. A very pleasant one!

32 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

tLGBT

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Support for Respect from the very top. Senior support we are very proud of.

Jenny Barnes is a Board Director at The Co-operative Group and we are also proud to have her as Respect’s Senior Sponsor. Jenny champions the network at a senior level in the business and ensures all leaders are aware of and support the network. She is there when we need her and she is always keen to get involved.

She has been extremely active in her first six months as part of the Respect team, attending many events and contributing to workplace initiatives such as the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index five year review and joining our Manchester Pride parade entry. We’d like to say ‘thank you’ for your wonderful support - we really appreciate it.

We were delighted to read a recent article in the magazine for Co-op’s all over the world, The Co-operative News, where she recognised the positive impact of the network and the work we all do.

Here’s an extract from the article: has “As an employer The Co-operative ployee created networks to support em ‘Respect’, groups, the most successful being rnational the LGBT network. This is an inte the catalyst for change, which has put all’s list of Group at number three on Stonew lesbian, gay Britain’s top 100 employers for and bisexual staff. retailers Respect has led the way for other employees by creating checkOUT for LGBT as an ideal across the sector, and I see this ive space model to create a safe and inclus r of the across the movement. As a sponso diversity Respect network, I know that the form questionnaire on the application ployees represents comfor t to potential em es that the Group takes equality issu . Please seriously, and I commend it to you preciate ask the questions, most people ap the fact you value them.”

Jenny Barnes

respect features in

Following the magazine being crowned ‘National Magazine of the Year’ in our ‘Loved by You’ awards we got a mention in the ‘Editor’s Letter’ in the February issue of the mag. Big smiles.

33 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Stonewall announces The Co-operative is the number one private sector employer in the UK for lesbian, gay and bisexual people It was recently announced that The Co-operative has once again been ranked as one of the best workplaces in the UK for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees.

The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index which grades private and public sector organisations across the UK on how well they are doing in their support of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) matters has just announced that The Co-operative is the 3rd best organisation to work for in the UK, and for the fifth consecutive year we are the only retailer in the Top 100. The Co-operative’s inclusive LGBT employee network Respect have also been awarded Stonewalls ‘Star Performer Network Group’ recognition for the fourth consecutive year. And we increased our score too which is very positive news (there was only a few points between us and the No1 position).

Not only that, but for the first time we are ranked the number one private sector employer in the UK – in a year where over 20 organisations exited the Top 100 of the index as the points needed for a place increased.

City A .M covera ge

Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement and Diversity commented: “The 2014 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index has been the strongest to date with the points required to get a Top 100 placing being at an all time high. To be named the number one employer in the private sector is a brilliant achievement and a real testament to the hard work of so many teams and individuals throughout the business, and the innovation of our Respect network. As in previous years, we are competing not only against private businesses across the UK but public sector bodies as well such as individual universities, charities, the fire service and NHS Trusts, with more and more entering each year. This success could not have been achieved without the collaborative efforts and the high level of senior sponsorship and support we receive for our work.”

Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect LGBT employee network added: "In 2013 members of the Respect network volunteered over 3,500 hours of their own time to support the work of the network that has ultimately supported our strong position in the index. The full team continue to be grateful for the excellent support we get from Senior Leaders from all business areas in championing the Respect network. Their commitment to ensuring The Co-operative is a business that really values our employees differences and where all employees can come to work, perform to the best of our abilities and have an equally positive experience should reassure us all that being lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or transgender at The Co-operative should not be a barrier to our career progression and enjoyment in our roles – and our strong scores in the Stonewall staff survey confirms this.

Thank you to the 600 Respect members that supported the Respect network all over the UK in the last twelve months and contributed to our success in the index - the work of the network makes up a substantial part of our submission. To be awarded the ‘Star Performer Network Group’ for the fourth consecutive year is a very positive start to the year. We know we still have lots to do and the team are looking forward to another busy year.”

34 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

3

Thank you and well done From Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group “The strong position that The Co-operative Group recently secured in the 2014 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the organisation.

I want to congratulate all colleagues involved. In particular, I wanted to say thank you and well done to the members of our Respect network, who I know made a really significant and valuable contribution. The special

Respect Magazine : February 2014

The Top10 of the index 1 - Gentoo 2 - Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 3 - The Co-operative

The only retailer in the Top100 for the 5th consecutive year

4 - Accenture *5 - EY *5 - Home Office 7 - IBM *8 - Simmons & Simmons *8 - Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue 10 - Barclays

recognition of the network, for the fourth year running, is a reflection of your commitment and hard work.

2014 will be a very big year for all of us, as we begin the turnaround of the business. A turnaround in which all our colleagues will play a crucial role.

It’s vital that we continue to value and support diversity right across the piece and to work together to build and maintain a workplace culture where every single colleague can be themselves. I want every one of us to

Over 300 likes on ou r social med ia

feel engaged, confident and supported to contribute our very best to the challenges ahead.

Thank you for your continued commitment and loyalty to The Co-operative and for all that it stands for.

Well done on a great result.”

Euan Chief Executive

35 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Top North West England Employer For the second consecutive year, Stonewall has named The Co-operative the No1 employer in the North West of England for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The Co-operative proudly hosted the ‘Stonewall North West England Awards’ at our head office, 1 Angel Square, on 23 January 2014. The awards, now in their second year, recognise the work of organisations whose head office is based in the North West for their success in the national Workplace Equality Index.

The event was opened by Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement & Diversity at The Co-operative, with Stonewall Workplace Account Manager Alex Gwynne hosting the evening.

Respect Steering Group member Steve Ratcliffe spoke openly about his experience coming out and living as bisexual. Read more about this in this very issue.

Other winners on the night included Bury Council (Network of the Year) and Riverside Housing Group (Most Improved Employer of the Year). It was an inspiring evening!

We are a Stonewall ‘Star Performer Network Group’ for the fourth consecutive year 36 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

A FREE WEEKEND FESTIVAL FOR LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL WOMEN Respect Magazine : February 2014

SUGAR AND SPICE 8 FREE WORKSHOPS! FREE FOOD! FREE MASSAGES!

SAT 8TH & SUN 9TH MARCH

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF

37 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

For full line-up info go to www.lgf.org.uk/sugarandspice call 0845 3 30 30 30 or email women@lgf.org.uk

Respect Magazine : February 2014

The responses to the Stonewall Staff Survey show The Co-operative is leading the way in every question!

Number of responses: 156 This total is above the average % response rate based on the number of employees we have. This total does not include the responses received from our heterosexual employees.

A big part of the scoring of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index submission is the annual staff survey. The individual responses are 100% confidential and no one in The Co-operative will have have sight of them. What we do see is a summary of the responses and we are happy to share them here. Lots done. Lots to do.

We’d like to thank everyone that took the time to respond.

Respondent profile (%): Bisexual: 10 Gay man: 69 Gay woman/lesbian: 21 Other: 0

For transparency we are including all of the data we have been given by Stonewall.

Are you open about your sexual orientation at work? % The Co-operative

WEI Average

Retail Sector Average

All colleagues

82

64

76

Some colleagues

16

29

21

No colleagues

2

3

3

All managers/senior colleagues

81

61

74

Some managers/senior colleagues

14

25

17

No managers/senior colleagues

5

14

8

All clients or customers

48

24

39

Some clients or customers

34

33

34

No clients or customers

17

43

27

Founded in 1844, The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest mutual business, owned by nearly eight million members. It operates 4,500 retail outlets and employs approaching 90,000 people.

We have over 6,000 individual teams throughout our diverse businesses.

38 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Magazine : February 2014

To what extent to you agree or disagree with the following statements? % agree/strongly agree The Co-operative

WEI Average

Retail Sector Average

100

80

88

My line manager supports me as an LGB member of staff

99

61

80

Senior management are supportive of LGB staff

97

68

78

My straight/heterosexual colleagues are well informed on LGB issues

88

45

52

I would feel comfortable declaring my sexual orientation to my employer on a monitoring form

97

82

90

I would feel confident reporting anti-gay bullying in the workplace

99

81

86

I feel able to be myself in the workplace

99

81

88

There are visible and open LGB role models in my organisation

92

54

59

The workplace culture in my organisation is inclusive of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people

Last year 84% of employees completed the survey which for an employee survey is very high.

91% of employee completed the sexual orientation question and 4% of employees identified themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). Based on these figures at least 3,600 of our employees are LGB. Right: The Co-operative’s HQ, 1 Angel Square in Manchester 39 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Our stores and branches operate throughout the UK with a presence in every UK postal area and we offer goods and services to a diverse customer base.

At The Co-operative we invite every one of our employees to complete an employee survey each year. This is called Talkback.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Yes, i’m bisexual. I’m not confused, not gay and won’t admit it, not on the way to being gay – bisexual.

Respect’s Union Representative Steve Ratcliffe recently spoke at the Stonewall North West England Awards that we hosted at 1 Angel Square. He shared his experiences of coming out and living as bisexual to the audience. He went down a storm.

In a way I feel fortunate in that I found my sexuality evolved quite late in life. I never suffered taunts or worse at school, college or university. I’ve never been bullied because of my sexuality, perceived or otherwise.

Until I was about 50 I regarded myself as heterosexual.

Then, as I say, I began to have different thoughts. Over a period those thoughts, those feelings, began to get stronger and I discussed them with people close to me.

I met people from a support group in Manchester, and eventually I discovered that I was now a fully-fledged bisexual.

“Yes, bisexual. I’m not confused, not gay and won’t admit it, not on the way to being gay – bisexual.”

How do I know I’m not on the way to being gay? I’d put it like this, as this has also happened to me. I’ve always loved strawberries. I didn’t like olives. One

and found my taste had changed and I now really like olives. I haven’t stopped liking strawberries; I know I’ll always like strawberries, but now I like olives too.

So, I came out to myself first, as we all do I guess. Since then I’ve come out to more and more people... selectively. By this I mean that I feel no need to tell my 82 year old Mum, for instance. I know some people probably think that’s wrong, but I don’t intend to tell her. It also means I only tell people when the occasion arises. When I was straight I didn’t tell people, I just was, and that’s pretty much how I feel about being bi – although standing up at the event seems to contradict that!

One coming out story I’ll tell you was when I first got involved with the Respect Network Steering Group. As a trade union representativeI mentioned this to another of the representatives in the Co-op and she said, “Aren’t you afraid that people will think... you know...” she paused and because I can be a bit mean I didn’t help her. “Think what?” I asked.

“You know, think you’re gay”, she said.

“Not really – I’m bisexual”, I told her. It was mean, and in fairness, she took it on board and has never been any different with me since that time.

The support group I mentioned was Biphoria, in Manchester, and it was through helping out on their stall that I first encountered any negativity or hostility, “biphobia” as we call it – and it wasn’t from straight people, it was from gays and lesbians telling us things like “I don’t believe in bisexuals” or that we were closet gays who needed to come out and so on. I was stunned! I thought we were all supposed to be in the same boat!

So, I had support and the knowledge that I wasn’t alone from Biphoria, a group of friends associated with the group and most importantly, from my current partner who introduced me to them. I’ve also found it very rewarding to attend BiCon (31 July - 3 Aug, Leeds), an annual gathering for bisexuals and their allies. This event allows people to network, to party, to take part in various workshops on everything from politics and activism to knitting. Bookings for this summer are open online!

BiCon BiCon 2014 HQ are delighted to announce that they are now ready

day, for some reason, I tried an olive

“I’ve always loved strawberries. I didn’t like olives. One day, for some reason, I tried an olive and found my taste had changed and I now really like olives. I haven’t stopped liking strawberries; I know I’ll always like strawberries, but now I like olives too.”

40 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

to take your bookings, take your money and promises to pay in installments.

Go to https://www.bicon2014.org.uk/ with_iframe.html

Respect Magazine : February 2014

41 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

11 The highest ranking charity in the 2014 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index

Respect Magazine : February 2014

For those that may not know a lot about you. Who are St Mungo’s?

St Mungo's began helping people sleeping rough off the streets in 1969. Now we are one of Britain's largest charities supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We run 200 projects across London and the South, providing supportive housing and much more to 2,000 people each night. We believe people can - and do - recover from the issues that create homelessness.

How important is it to you that you understand and respect people’s differences, including those that identify as LGBT? Recognising our staff and clients for who they are; their backgrounds, experiences, strengths and support needs, is integral to the process of recovery. Sexuality and gender are key parts of a person’s identity

Kevin Gamble,

and we aim to go above and beyond our

LGBT Group Chair at

St Mungo’s

tells Respect more about the great work they do

Smiling with pride at London Pride 42 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

legislative responsibilities in those areas.

Our core values are respect and ambition, excellence and creativity and equality and diversity - we are richer as a charity and as a society by valuing diversity and striving for equality of opportunity.

Do you think there is enough support for older LGBT people who may face increased isolation and could be more vulnerable?

We believe support workers play an important part in the lives of older LGBT people who may face increased isolation and vulnerability. In 2012, St Mungo’s issued LGBT Inclusion Guidelines to all staff to help ensure we meet the specific needs of our LGBT clients and we have a very popular and successful LGBT client social group, which meets once a month and takes part in free activities throughout the year.

We also, of course, support younger people and work with people aged from 18 to 60+.

Respect Magazine : February 2014 And you have an employee LGBT network. We’d love to know more about the network and what you get up to.

The network, which is open to all St Mungo’s employees, was formed in 2003 and its specific objectives are: to increase St Mungo’s awareness and understanding of the issues facing LGBT staff and clients, provide a networking and support forum for LGBT staff and to engage with the wider LGBT community. We meet every six weeks and hold social events throughout the year. The network was recognised as a ‘Star Performer’ in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

Please do follow us at https://twitter.com/ MungosLGBT

Have you ever experienced any negativity on Twitter and if so, how have you dealt with this?

LGBT community events such as Pride events to you?

We received a few more negative comments from a small number of

LGBT community events help us raise awareness of the work St Mungo’s does and how people can support us. At London Pride last year, we took part in the Parade through central London in

individuals for a tweet we posted last year highlighting the work of LGBT allies from various faith backgrounds. We were pleased some of our followers did challenge these posts. It was lovely to

front of over ½ million people and had a fantastic response from the crowd. We also had our first ever marriage proposal when two of our clients became engaged!

For the first time last year, we had a

have such strong, visible support from our followers. Our experience of Twitter has been overwhelmingly positive.

presence at Bristol Pride, with staff and residents running an information stall.

Do you have senior support and buy

You have a Twitter account too. What role does Twitter have for you?

in throughout the organisation for your network?

Twitter has been invaluable in helping us

Yes. Our Chief Executive Charles Fraser

share the work we do with our supporters and connecting with other organisations and individuals. For example, we did some work with Action for Children last year, supporting them to set up their own

CBE backs our LGBT Allies Campaign, while within senior management; the most senior LGBT Champion at St Mungo’s is Paul Thomas, an Operational Director.

We also have a South and Southwest

LGBT network and that initial contact was made via Twitter. Last November, our Chair Kevin Gamble took over an online LGBT Rotation Curation project for one week and tweeted to a global audience

England regional LGBT Champion - Gayle Jones – who is also at a senior management level. Paul and Gayle are active spokespeople for LGBT awareness, inclusion and events across St Mungo’s.

on matters relating to LGBT homelessness.

The team at Black Pride

How important is getting involved in

You’ve been recognised as a Top Employer by being placed in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

Congrats! What message do you think it gives to your stakeholders to be included in the list and what does this mean to you?

This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work and personal commitment of many individuals across St Mungo's who work to create an inclusive and safe environment for our clients and staff.

Equality and fairness are fundamental to what we do and what we stand for.

We’re incredibly proud to be the highest ranking charity on the Index.

What is next for the St Mungo’s LGBT network?

St Mungo’s and homelessness charity Broadway will merge in April this year, so we’re looking forward to working with our new colleagues and promoting LGBT equality and inclusion across the homelessness and charity sector. Of course we’d love to do even better in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index as well and make the top 10 next year!

Find out more Website: www.mungos.org Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8BS Tel: 020 8762 5500 Registered Charity No 1149085, Company No 8225808, Housing Association No LH0279 43 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Life on the streets?

Respect Magazine : February 2014

- or a new start with St Mungo’s

A warm bed and hot meal are just the start of the long-term support St Mungo’s offers. In fact, we do all we can to help homeless people turn their lives around.

A gift of just £25 could help a person off the streets for good.

We provide everything from specialist drug, alcohol and mental health support to job skills and employment programmes.

And every night 2,000 homeless men and women (and their dogs!) sleep safely under a St Mungo’s roof.

Will you help us give homeless people a future now?

Please support St Mungo’s with your donation today. www.mungos.org

I would like to support St Mungo’s work with homeless people and I enclose a cheque/PO/CAF voucher made payable to St Mungo’s for £................................... or please debit my Visa/Mastercard/Maestro/CAF Maestro only

Card no

Security code

(last 3 digits on back of card)

Start date

Exp. date

Issue No. (Maestro only)

Signature (PRINT) Title

Date First Name

Surname

Address Postcode Don’t forget to include your name and address to allow us to claim Gift Aid. It makes every £1 you give worth 25% more. *Please tick as appropriate Please treat this donation and all gifts of money made to St Mungo’s in the past, present and future, as Gift Aid donations.* You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that St Mungo’s and all other charities you donate to will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year (excluding VAT and Council Tax). St Mungo’s will reclaim 25p in tax on every £1 you donate.

This Declaration can be withdrawn at any time by notifying St Mungo’s.

I am not a UK taxpayer.*

44 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Post to: Freepost RSZK-RAEE-KRJA, St Mungo’s, Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8BS

Data Protection: To keep you informed on how your support is making a difference, we would like to contact you by post in the future.

Please tick here if you do NOT wish to be contacted.

13FEBRECPRESSRESP

St Mungo’s always tries to persuade central and local government to fund a comprehensive service. Your gift is vital to complement that funding. St Mungo Community Housing Association Reg Charity No 1149085.

r a e D espect R

Respect Magazine : February 2014

male. Listening to what he has been through and the journey he had to take to be finally at ease who he is simply shocked me. No one should have to hide their true identity out of fear for repercussions from ignorant people!!!

Dear society... grow up!

I find it so sad that people still think they have to hide their sexual orientation.

I am straight, but I have friends that are gay and have been put through so much due to being in a same sex relationship.

It doesn't matter if you are gay or straight, why should anyone be ashamed about the way they are?

I took in a friend as a lodger who is a gay

He actually had a girlfriend to pretend and tell himself his is straight.

It was hard for him to believe that I (a straight guy) was simply ok with him living a gay life style in the house.

Oliver An employee of The Co-operative Group Comment posted on our LGBT History Month intranet article, Feb 2014

What you thought of the Channel4 programme ‘Hunted’ about the violence and hostility towards LGBT people in Russia I watched the program last night about homophobic Russia. It was disgusting and disgraceful! Something should be done to help them.

No one should have to live their life in fear x Kelly Powell I watched some of the program hunting last night made me sick and glad to live in this country.

David Phillips Comments posted on our ‘We support our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia’ article on The Co-operative Employees Facebook page, 6th and 7th Feb 2014

Join in the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT 45 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

"How are you feeling at work today?" poll Visitors to The Co-operative’s intranet site will have noticed a new addition to the site in recent weeks, the new “How are you feeling at work today?” poll.

This quick poll checks how people are feeling across our business on any given day or week. As the business enters a period of organisational renewal, our leaders want to understand how colleagues are reacting to the changes taking place. This poll is just one of the ways in which our leaders will be listening to colleagues, in order to help us together shape the future of The Co-operative Group.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees are more than twice as likely to experience bullying in the workplace than their heterosexual colleagues, a study suggests.

Manchester Business

frequently than their

School and Plymouth

heterosexual colleagues,

University interviewed more than 1,200

as well being as being at risk of social exclusion at

workers, finding one in ten of those who

work.

described themselves as

“The most surprising

LGB had been discriminated against in

finding is that so many people, colleagues and

the past year, compared to one in 20

managers alike, believe it is up to LGBs

heterosexuals.

themselves to put a stop

Manchester Business

to such unwanted behaviours and set the

School professor in organisational behaviour

necessary boundaries, instead of intervening

Helge Hoel said the

directly when confronted

study “establishes beyond doubt that

with examples of behaviours that are

bullying and discrimination is a

socially unacceptable.”

common experience for

The research was

many lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, with

launched at a workshop and panel discussion

LGBs being exposed to intrusive and sexualised

hosted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

behaviour far more

Nominations are now open for The National Diversity Awards 2014!

Your annual opportunity to recognise local role models, entrepreneurs and community organisations is here! If you know an individual or organisation that represents true diversity, then please nominate them for the UK’s largest Diversity Awards.

To nominate please visit: https://nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/

Equal Marriage to become law in Scotland The Marriage and Civil Partnerships (Scotland) Bill passed earlier this month.

The Bill extends the legal form of marriage to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and permits religious denominations to celebrate such marriages should they wish.

46 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect volunteering opportunity .....................

In the last issue we announced our new partnership with leading charity the Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF).

Throughout 2014, and beyond, we will be supporting the charity by building all of the thousands of women’s safe sex packs that they distribute all over the North West.

Anna Hanson, Respect Fundraising Officer said: “Big thanks to everyone that has expressed an interest to support us so far. The first packs have been made! I look forward to welcoming many more ‘Friends of Respect’ to our friendly packing parties.”

We need your help!

If you would like to support us and give up an hour (or as much time you can spare) each month, or when you can, to build the packs (somewhere friendly in Manchester) - over a glass of Co-op wine (or soft drink) with some delicious Co-op nibbles, please get in touch by emailing respectLGBT@co-operative.coop We would like to repeat this initiative around the UK. If you know of any charities that would benefit from this kind of support, please let us know.

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Aiming high and moving on up In 2011 The Co-operative held a consultation event about women working at The Co-operative; this was to try to understand how the business could support women to progress their careers within the Group to a more senior level.

One of the key outcomes of that consultation was the requirement for a career network. Aspire has been set up to offer opportunities for proactive personal development and learning opportunities to those who wish to progress in their careers within the Group.

The network now have over 400 members and a Steering Group of 20 volunteers oversee the co-ordination of our events. If you would like more

information on the Steering Group, please email aspire@co-operative.coop Over the last few years Aspire has hosted a number of diverse events ranging from self help sessions and inspirational speakers to formal and informal networking. In 2013 they kicked the year off with a successful 1st Birthday celebrations combined with International Women's Day. The Co-operative is an inclusive employer and anybody who would like to get involved will be made very welcome.

International Women’s Day 8th March 2014 International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

More at

If you work for The Co-operative you can find out more about the network by visiting the intranet >HR and People >Diversity >Gender >Aspire

www.internationalwomensday.com

Networks supporting each other January - March 2014

Your new look newsletter for 2014

| Features | Interviews | Tips | Networking Competitions | Development | Career | Respect | Aspire | Inspiring | Role Models

Helen and Lisa

jumped into the fire and jumped back out with a sauce empire (and a pair of MBE’s)

+

18 pages of inspiring interviews and special features - including an interview with RT Hon Hazel Blears

The new look issue

The Aspire newsletter was relaunched at the end of January with a little help from the Respect network. Taking inspiration from this very magazine, the new look newsletter was co-edited by Respect’s Co-Chair Thomas Anderson.

Helen and Lisa Tse

Incorporating employee interviews with those from entrepreneurs and MPs, the issue makes for a great read. You’ll also find a nice feature about us in there too (well, we had to get it in there).

The Aspire team were inspired by this very magazine to relaunch their own newsletter.

47 email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Hazel Blears

Respect Magazine : February 2014

Notice Board

Updates from our Charity of the Year 2014 has already brought about some big changes with several new people joining the AKT team. Over the next few months our expanded Fundraising & Communications team will be better enabled to keep you, our supporters, up to date with what is going on across the three cities in which the Trust now operate. We will also be able to engage more effectively with our volunteers who donate so much of their valuable time, and donors who help us raise vital funds.

The next 18 months will also see large developments across the Trust, helping us to reach-out to even more young LGBT people in need. We will start by launching our Ambassadors programme, which will serve two purposes. Firstly, it will enable LGBT young people who are in crisis to hear from their peers about the support they can receive from the Albert Kennedy Trust. It will also

allow us as an organisation to listen better to the needs of modern LGBT young people and adapt our services appropriately.

2014 is also a big year for the Albert Kennedy Trust, as we turn 25 in July 2014. We have big plans on how you can join in the party and help us raise vital funds – so stay tuned for more details over the next few months.

Finally, thank you once again for your continued support of AKT, which enables our staff and volunteers to be responsive to need, creative in our approach and most importantly keep young LGBT people safe and supported.

Best wishes,

Tim Sigsworth Chief Executive

An Evening of murder mystery

Join The Albert Kenn edy Trust in our annu al fundraising dinner an d help them end LGBT youth homelessness by raising vital funds.

With a 71% increase in young Lesbian, Ga y, Bisexual and Trans yo ung people using thei r services your help in funding is more vital then ever!

Join them on Thursd ay 27th March at 7p m for an evening of murde r mystery, with a drin ks reception and 3 cour se dinner in amongs ta live murder mystery tale – what more coul d you want.

Tickets are £35 or a table of ten for £300 Venue: Place Hotel, M anchester Purchase your tickets online here http://aq.be/f1a203

Please spread the

word!

The Albert Kennedy Trust fought off stiff competition from great charities including Stonewall, Galop, The Terrence Higgins Trust and Trans Media Watch, to be names Charity of the Year at the Winter Pride UK Awards on Saturday 8th February.

More information on the Awards and the Winter Pride UK Festival can be found at: www.winterprideuk.com Follow the AKT on Twitter @AlbertKennedyTr 48 @CoopRespectLGBT

Find out more at www.akt.org.uk

Respect Magazine : February 2014

49 @CoopRespectLGBT

Respect Respect Magazine Magazine: :February February2014 2014

Colleague Support In your workplace

If you are able to speak to your line manager, that would be the preferred route (unless of course your line manager is the issue).

Alternatively, you can speak to your HR manager if this is preferable.

Respect

You can also contact the Respect network for confidential support and guidance. Email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

The Employee Engagement & Diversity Team

The team can offer advice about specific matters relating to issues in the workplace and point you in the right direction. You can contact them by email at

inclusive.teams@cooperative.coop or call 0161 246 2646.

Employee Assistance Programme Validium

You can contact and talk in confidence with one of Validium’s professional counsellors or specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: UK Landline: 0800 970 1030 Mobile: 0330 332 9996 For online support join vClub at validium.com Username: Coop Password: Group1844

Speak Up

We have a whistle-blowing hotline called ‘Speak Up’. You can call free on 0800 374199. Calls are handled by an external provider.

Callers can remain anonymous and untraceable.

Useful development tools at your fingertips The Co-operative Group Ashridge virtual learning centre contains everything from learning guides to book reviews, management pocket books and economic trend data.

Please visit the site as it’s a great reference point to assist your personal continuous professional development journey.

Site: www.ashridge.org.uk/ashridge/vlrc.nsf Login: cooperativegroup Password: coglogin If for what ever reason you can’t view this and you would like to, please let us know.

Our next issue will be published in March 2014 This magazine has been produced by the ‘Respect’ network, the inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network for The Co-operative Group W: www.co-operative.coop/respectlgbt T: @CoopRespectLGBT E: respectLGBT@co-operative.coop 50 @CoopRespectLGBT News | Events | Charity | Fundraising | Inclusive | Respect | Diversity | Volunteer