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| Signing the #NoBystanders pledge |
Earlier this month I was amazed and humbled to
read about the gay pride rally in Uganda, a country where homosexuality is
still illegal and homophobia is widespread.
Despite facing up to 14 years in prison, as
well as potential violence, due to their sexual orientation, about 100 people
marched in the parade. Their message was clear, they wanted to celebrate who
they are and make a stand against discrimination.
When you consider how many countries have seen
the sense to legalise same-sex marriages, and how the people of Ireland voted
to legalise gay marriage in a referendum, it’s astounding to know that to be
gay is still illegal in other countries around the world.
I’m happy that, here in England, we’ve moved on
and it’s a far cry from the situation in Uganda. But, there is a but, I still
think there is more for us to do. Homosexuality may not be illegal, but
homophobia still exists and in particular I believe there is a lot to do to
counter transphobia.
At Wolverhampton Homes, we’re working hard to
make our organisation a place where anyone can feel comfortable and proud to be
themselves, whether they be L, G, B or T and I think we’re really getting
there. Our Proud to be Me Network has already helped us gain the 140th
position in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers list. We may not be in the top 100
but we were the fastest rising stars last year. To be 140th out of
397, in our first year was a huge achievement. I’m so proud of the work my
colleagues have done so far and of what they’ve got planned for the future.
Later this year, all of our staff will take
part in our “Respect” training course. This is a training session created and
facilitated by our Proud to be Me Network members, they even act in the video
clips. They wanted to produce a course to help colleagues understand that every
one of us plays a part in ensuring that we are respectful to each other and that
it’s up to all of us to challenge anything that could be disrespectful. Earlier
this year, a lot of our colleagues and Board members signed the #NoBystanders pledge,
we hope that by the end of the course, everyone will sign it.
The Respect Training course is just one in a
long list of wonderful projects that the Proud to be Me Network have been involved
in. The passion and commitment of each and every one of the Proud to be Me Network
is so clear to see. You can follow what they’re doing on their own blog and if you’d like to chat to them about
their work, they’d love to hear from you.
The Proud to be Me Network are determined to continue
their work towards being completely LGBT friendly, and with Uganda still on my
mind, I’ll ensure that I help them in any way I can.
