Latest News
BAME Recruitment's Better Allies Event
Last week BAME Recruitment hosted an event Better Allies: Supporting LGBTQ+ People in the Workplace.It was an inspiring evening full of open and honest discussion from a diverse and eclectic mix of panellists that included: Dipesh Davadra– PwC, Faye Green– eBay, Laila El-Metoui– LelmEducation, Joanne Lockwood- SEE Change Happen, Charlotte Davies- The Royal Air Force and Gamal Turawa- Purple Frog Training. The evening also featured a speech from Dylan Calder, Director of Pop Up Projects who spoke about Pop Up’s incredible programme, The Rainbow Library which will see children’s authors collaborating with groups of young LGBTQ+ people to produce new stories for children infused with LGBTQ+ experiences. Thanks to everyone who attended! Let’s continue to purposefully ensure we all support each other and celebrate our different stories, experiences and backgrounds. Click the photo to read more about the event and some takeaways from the event.
Ruby Williams: "No child with Afro hair should suffer like me."
A pupil who was repeatedly sent home from school because of her Afro hair wants to make sure it doesn't happen to any other UK schoolchild. Ruby Williams received £8,500 in an out-of-court settlement after her family took legal action against a school in east London. She was told that her hair breached policy, which stated that: "Afro style hair must be of reasonable size and length" despite the same rules not applying to students without Afros. To read more about Ruby's story click on the photo below.
Wheelchair dance class enables inclusion for all
When a spinal cord injury meant Vickie Simmonds had to start using a wheelchair, she rediscovered her love for dancing. With the help of her best friend Amanda, who is able-bodied, she spent a year in the dance studio choreographing routines that could be danced in a wheelchair. Vickie says, "Just because you're in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't be fun and beautiful and do sassy dancing." Watch Vickie's inspiring video by clicking on the photo below.
London school abused over LGBT rainbow crossing
The crossing was painted in celebration of LGBT History Month and has prompted some angry reactions on social media. However, the school in Wood Green said that would not deter it from continuing its work on equality. Head teacher, Gerry Robinson said the school was "committed to championing equality" and the abusive messages were sent to the school on Twitter and Instagram, but were not from parents or anyone connected with the school. She added: "Never has there been a more important time to stand up to hate in all its forms and education is a key part of that."
Click Here to read more about the school's response.
Dating as a gay man with a disability
Spencer West from the US, speaks about his experiences with online dating as a gay and disabled man. He considers himself a romantic and talks about how his disability has often been a deal-breaker for most people. Spencer says, "Growing up in a small town in Wyoming, there wasn't a lot of representation for gay men." West goes on to describe how often well meaning people can end up being condescending when telling him that he's "brave" for looking for love. To hear more about Spencer's online dating, click on the video below. |
