History lessons we missed

6-12 May marks the launch of Trans+ History Week. Award-winning podcast and top-rated newsletter, QueerAF, is introducing this annual awareness campaign to help people learn and celebrate the millennia-old history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex people.

We Have Always Been Here

In support of its launch, Implementation Manager and our Parcelforce Lead for the LGBTQ+ & Friends Employee Resource Group (ERG), Andrew Kimberley, said “Trans+ History Week aims to shed light on the often overlooked history of trans+ individuals, offering insights and narratives that were typically absent from our educational curriculum. For instance, while we learned about the burning of books in Nazi Germany, few were informed that this tragic event occurred at the world’s first trans clinic on 6 May 1933, marking a significant moment in trans+ history.”

Throughout the week you will be able to see content that traces trans+ and gender-diverse communities back through millennia. Events like this are supporting in getting this rich history more visibility in museums, archives, and dedicated history spaces.

Visit the Trans+ History Week website and their workbook to learn more and take part.

Why is this important to Royal Mail?

For 500 years, Royal Mail has made it easy for everyone to send mail anywhere for the same price. This has helped people from the Trans+ community to talk privately with others like them, and be themselves, even when it wasn't easy to do so in public.

We're one of the biggest employers in the UK and our DEI vision is to be the employer of choice for a diverse workforce, building an equitable, inclusive and accessible culture where our colleagues, customers and communities are enabled to thrive and belong. Through allyship, raising awareness and understanding of each other we can make sure Royal Mail is a happier and safer place for everyone who works here and for our customers too.

Members of our LGBTQ+ & Friends ERG will be guests on QueerAF’s podcast next week to talk about the work the ERG does, and inclusivity in the Royal Mail.

As a trans+ person, where can I get support?

Our LGBTQ+ & Friends ERG, where you can meet with queer colleagues and allies, get support and take part in the work they are doing.

Extensive support both for mental and physical health is also available through our Wellbeing hub.

How can I be an active ally to my trans+ colleagues?

Here are some ideas on how you can be an active ally for your colleagues:

1. Become a member of the LGBTQ+ & Friends ERG by following our page on Workplace.
2. Join our interactive online workshop on how to become an active ally on the 16th of May at 11:30 am. You will see an invite coming through from the Learning Team soon so you can register and attend.
3. Visit and like our Trans+ History Workplace post to show your support for the week, share your own stories and chat with colleagues.
4. Tune in to support your colleagues guest starring on QueerAF’s podcast next week.
5. Use the Trans+ History or One Royal Mail email signatures to show your support.