Come out for LGBT+
This week, we celebrate National Inclusion Week, an opportunity for us all to acknowledge the importance of dedicated networks such as our LGBT+ & Friends group, who champion LGBT+ colleagues and celebrate being part of a workforce, who are free to be themselves.
As part of National Inclusion Week, our LGBT+ & Friends network are calling on colleagues from across the business to be active allies to the Royal Mail LGBT+ community.
It’s time for proud straight allies everywhere to come out in support and show how we as a business can help improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people everywhere.
To be an LGBT+ ally is easy. If you agree in equality and fair treatment for anyone who identifies as LGBT+, then you’re already an ally. Well done. But as nice as it is being a force for good in the world, you can do a whole lot more than simply lend your passive support to LGBT+ causes. If you’re going to transform yourself into an active LGBT+ ally it’s going to need a bit more effort.
Being an ally is about helping to amplify the voices of marginalised and minority communities. Below is a list of three great ways to get started.
Familiarise yourself with the language
Begin by having a look at this glossary of LGBT+ terminology, courtesy of LGBT+ charity, Stonewall. By learning a bit about the right language to use when talking with LGBT+ people, you’ll be more confident when discussing LGBT+ issues.
Read up on the history of LGBT+ activism
Why not explore the history of the LGBT+ movement. Getting to know the history of LGBT+ activism is an empowering act in becoming an LGBT+ ally. It’s important to appreciate how far society has come in the struggle for equality in the UK for example, to fully understand how far we have left to go elsewhere.
Stand up for what you believe in
Standing up against discrimination can sometimes be an intimidating experience. The important thing is to let your voice be heard. Speaking up when you encounter discrimination, bullying or hateful language is where being an ally really counts. It’s important to let those with bigoted views know that marginalising or bullying people who are different to them, is unacceptable. This is really the essence of what being an ally is all about.
LGBT+ & Friends steering group champion, Leon Evans, said: ‘You can show your support by getting involved in the LGBT+ network. Let the LGBT+ community know that you stand with them. Come along too to our events as your presence will act as a significant show of solidarity and support. If you really want to get involved in the cause, it’s important to get out there and active in your community.
‘Thank you to everyone who took part in our Bi-Visibility Day celebrations on Wednesday 23 September. The Bi flag was raised over North West Parcel Hub in Warrington (pictured), and we turned Royal Mail pink, purple and blue across Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
‘Stonewall have just published their latest report on being LGBT+ in Britain – The Bi Report, which states that only 22 per cent of bisexual staff are out to everyone at work compared to 57 per cent of gay and lesbian staff, and two in five bi people hide or disguise their sexual orientation at work for fear of discrimination.’
Take a look at some footage of Bi-Visibility Day in Warrington on the latest RMtv.
Get involved
The LGBT+ & Friends steering group was established in 2015 with the goal of creating an accessible network for LGBT+ colleagues and supporters to come together and share their experiences.
If you would like to set up a local network or get involved in the steering group, you can email them at LGBT&Friends@royalmail.com, and let them know what you would like to do.
You can also subscribe to their newsletter and join their protected Facebook group, just email them with your pay number and the email address you use to sign into Facebook and they will send you an invitation.
