Behind the Lens: LGBT History Month 2023

February is LGBT History Month in the UK and throughout many countries around the world. This year’s theme is “Behind the Lens” which encourages us to look at our history from a different perspective.

LGBT History Month is an important time for us to reflect on the progress we have made since the Stonewall riots of 1969, but also to recognise that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to challenge transphobia and gender-critical views in society, media and workplaces.

The toxic transphobia we see in the media has a real impact on how people view trans and non-binary people, leading to discrimination and violence against them. In addition, there are still significant barriers for trans and non-binary people when it comes to employment opportunities, healthcare access and other basic rights.

We need allies who will stand up for these communities and help create an environment of acceptance and inclusion. This means actively listening to their stories, learning about their experiences, advocating for their rights, challenging stereotypes and creating spaces where everyone can feel safe and respected regardless of gender identity or expression.

Organisations can play an important role in this by implementing policies that protect trans people from discrimination, providing training on gender diversity issues for staff members, offering support services such as counselling or mentoring programs for employees who identify as LGBTQ+, and making sure that all employees feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically at work without fear of judgement or reprisal.

Here are five takeaways organisations can implement as a result of LGBT History Month:

1. Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues;
2. Create policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination;
3. Provide training on gender diversity issues;
4. Offer support services such as counselling or mentoring programs;
5. Make sure all employees feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically at work without fear of judgement or reprisal.

#Gender #Inclusion #LGBTHistoryMonth #Workplace #PositivePeopleExperiences

What can you do as an ally to help?

👉 Let’s chat: https://lnkd.in/e4YRrS6W

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I am Joanne Lockwood, I post about:

🤗#PsychologicalSafety of employees
🌈#DiversityAndInclusion in the workplace
📊#InclusiveLeadership and #Recruitment
😎#PositivePeopleExperiences, developing a culture where all people can thrive

I’m the founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, an Inclusion & Belonging Practice that offers best-practice #consultancy including developing workplace policies, #inclusion and ally strategies, and support and mentoring; professional #keynote speaking for conferences or events; and workshops and training for crucial #LearningAndDevelopment.

We also provide #LGBTQIA+ support specialising in #Transgender, #NonBinary and Gender Non-Conforming Awareness.