Sandra Patel
2nd August 2019
Article by Alice Chance . Recruitment Resourcer
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-pride-matters-alice-chance/?published=t
“We have not achieved equality until every LGBTQ+ person, of every colour and background, is able to enjoy equality within our community and outside of it.”
When I was asked to write a blog about Pride, I jumped at the opportunity. I could talk about why Pride matters all day.
I know my facts about the LGBTQ+ community as I take so much from their culture- TV shows, music, fashion and most important their spirit.
Every June (or August in our case) LGBTQ+ people and queer allies take to the streets. All fears are put aside and love is the objective. We do this to remember brave people who stood before us, we wave our flags to show heart and demand equality and diversity.
What about Straight pride?
Well Straight Pride is basically every day- straight people aren’t afraid to hold hands, straight people have not been victimised for their love and straight children don’t grow up in fear of their emotions.
The FACTS
1969 – A series of demonstrations in New York called the Stonewall riots started after the police raided a bar called the Stonewall Inn, which was a popular place for gay people to hang out. It is said to be the start of the movement of people fighting for gay rights in the US.
1988 – A law called Section 28 was introduced which meant
that teachers were not allowed to ‘promote’ gay relationships in schools. Many
people argued that this prevented teachers from talking about gay
relationships. It wasn’t until 2003 that this was overturned.
2000 – A law was changed
which allowed gay and bisexual people to be in the armed forces.
2002 – A law was changed to allow gay people (and also unmarried
couples) to adopt children.
2003 – The ban on ‘promoting’ homosexuality in schools (Section 28)
was overturned.
2008 – It became illegal to encourage homophobic hatred. Last year,
more than 7,000 hate crimes were reported against gay men and women in the UK.
Although as a country we have come a long way, we still have a lot further to go.
Below are some up to date statistics on Trans Equality in the workplace-
“More than one in four transgender people have lost a job due to bias, and more than three-fourths have experienced some form of workplace discrimination. Refusal to hire, privacy violations, harassment, and even physical and sexual violence on the job are common occurrences, and are experienced at even higher rates by transgender people of color. Many people report changing jobs to avoid discrimination or the risk of discrimination. Extreme levels of unemployment and poverty lead one in eight to become involved in underground economies—such as sex and drug work—in order to survive.”
The massive importance of Pride is to show Inclusion- it’s not some yearly gimmick, it’s important.
What’s heartwarming to see is the Pride shown by workplaces and corporations in Leeds. You’ll see businesses with Rainbows signs, rainbow flags adorned out of windows and the word love is everywhere.
Pride is a place for everyone, Pride is inclusive, Pride shows support and Pride is equality.
We want potential employees, potential clients and potential candidates to understand that here at Transition Partners we are inclusive.
I have attached some information about how we can show inclusion in the workplace and how to become a queer ally-
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/best-practice-toolkits-and-resources
https://transequality.org/issues/employment
