04 Jun 2021

Diversity Lens - Issue 79

Diversity Lens - Issue 133 Diversity Lens - Issue 132 Diversity Lens - Issue 131

Jun 4

Diversity Lens - Issue 79

Welcome to Diversity Lens.
Diversifying your news consumption.

Happy Pride season!

Over on our social accounts, we're celebrating by raising further awareness and promoting education of the people behind the acronym, LGBTQAI+.

We're rolling out helpful infographics throughout the month, kicking off with asexual awareness. Follow us throughout the month!

OUR STORY OF THE WEEK

"Are LGBTQ+ people under siege in the UK?" Gay Times

It's Pride season - the time of year now epitomised by big brands co-opting the rainbow in a signal, or performance, or LGBTQ+ solidarity.

But behind the flags, are the UK delivering on queer rights? The Gay Times suggests that LGBTQ+ rights have not just halted in progress, but are being actively "eroded".

The government’s LGBT Action Plan, set out out in 2018, has mostly "failed to deliver, or only partially done".

Reforms of the Gender Recognition Act was slow and scaled back and the so-called end to conversion therapy is still awaited. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime is steadily rising and not enough is being done to combat it.

Hear four of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ activists views on the current social climate this Pride.

Forward

IN OTHER NEWS...

A record number of people in the U.K. identify as queer
Openly lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the UK are at an all-time high. A 2019 survey just released indicates that 2.7% of Brits identify as such - a 15% increase from the previous year.

“Younger people are growing up in an environment where being gay, lesbian or bisexual is not as taboo as it was in the past”

These rising figures is encouraging evidence that the taboo of queerness is breaking down.(Read time: 2.5 minutes)

First non-binary mayor ‘of any city, anywhere’ hailed an ‘example to all’
A truly significant milestone has been achieved by 22-year-old Owen J Hurcum, elected mayor of Bangor, Wales - not only the first non-binary mayor anywhere but also the youngest in Wales. Hurcum identifies as genderqueer, agender and non-binary.

This is really exciting, trail-blazing representation.
(Read time: 2 minutes)

Reasons to be proud of the progress made in sport
"Like many in the LGBTQ+ community, I felt I faced a choice between loving sport and being my true self"

Jack Murley presents the BBC LGBT Sport Podcast - a show that shines a light on sporting groups and individuals with links to the LGBTQ+ community. While they may not always be the most visible elite-level footballer, there are hundreds of out and proud LGBTQ+ people in sport. There is a long way to go undoubtedly, but it is important to recognise how far we have come.(Read time: 5 minutes)

THIS WEEK IN D&I...

The risks of coming out at work

Coming out at work may seem simple nowadays but in reality, there is far more to consider. As of 2019, 21% of all LGBTQ+ Europeans reported experiencing workplace discrimination.

Lockdown prompted Takeyla Benton into coming to terms with her queerness and navigating the real "intersection of risk" when being out in the workplace.(Read time: 9 minutes)

TransForming Perceptions Through Speaking with Joanne Lockwood

Friend of the newsletter Joanne Lockwood joins The Speaking Club podcast. Lockwood talks about how she traded being part of one of the most privileged demographics in society in order to live her 'true life', coming out as transgender at 48 years old. Listen to her journey and the speaking career she quickly developed.(Listen time: 1 hour 7 minutes)

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Next Step - Helping you plan and achieve your Board level aspirations
The time has come round again for a monthly virtual drop in clinic!

Join Rebecca, our Talent Lead for Boards at BAME Recruitment as she shares tips, tricks, lived experiences, and answers all your questions - however big or small - to increase your confidence in securing your Board role.

Save your spot for Wednesday