Stronger together
Many colleagues say they want to know more about how they can become an ally to our LGBT+ colleagues or what they can do to champion trans inclusion where they work.
Diversity and inclusion network groups, such as our own LGBT+& Friends steering group, can be an important resource for peer-to-peer support and shared learning.
Many people in the trans, or transgender, community for example, those whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth, experience abuse, violence and discrimination before and during their transitioning.
Trans people still experience profound discrimination in every area of their lives; from employment, to access to health services. If we want to live in a world where every trans person can be themselves, each of us must use our voice to challenge transphobia and take action to create more inclusive communities.
Leon Evans, LGBT & Friends network group secretary, said: ‘This week, Britain’s leading lesbian, gay, bi, and trans equality charity, Stonewall has seen more than 100 businesses come together to show their unwavering support for trans equality.
‘#TransRightsAreHumanRights is currently trending on Twitter and it’s fantastic to see so much support from names such as, Disney, Google, and the Royal Navy as well as the charities, Mermaids, Marie Curie and Gendered Intelligence.
‘Together, they’re working to turn Twitter blue, pink and white in their support of trans people, who have to face so many difficulties and hurtful discrimination every day. This ensures that we keep having the conversation to expose the hate and keep fighting for the very basic key principle that #TransRightsAreHumanRights. Trans men are men. Trans women are women. Non-binary people do exist.’
Nancy Kelley, chief executive, Stonewall, said: ‘We’re proud of all the business leaders who are “coming out” for Trans* equality. All these companies are sending a powerful message to trans communities that leading businesses have their backs. Across the UK, corporate leaders are speaking up because they care about protecting and supporting their Trans* colleagues, customers, friends and family.’
The LGBT & Friends network has been working with our trans colleagues and allies to make the journey of trans colleagues that little bit easier through encouraging the use of pronouns, changing the uniform ordering system, so that colleagues can order the uniform that is appropriate to them, and attending Trans Pride events. They have also been educating their network members and managers and recognising key dates in the calendar such as the Transgender Day of Visibility and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Supporting our Transgender colleagues
Our Trans* network is a sub-group of our LGBT+& Friends steering group. To date, the Trans* network, which was set up in 2015, has supported a number of colleagues who were struggling with transgender issues. If you have any questions about transgender issues or any other LGBT-related subject, please contact LGBT&Friends@royalmail.com.
The First Class Support helpline is completely confidential, independent and available 24/7. Call now on 0800 688 8777 if you would like to talk to somebody about any physical or mental health-related matter.
