EDI in the workplace LGBT+ history month

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are significant positive factors in a healthy workplace culture,  they are embedded within many companies’ values. We all want to feel a sense of belonging amongst our co-workers and to feel safe at work whilst being our authentic selves. The LGBT+ community has worked tirelessly throughout the last century to gain equality and raise awareness of the continuous discrimination that the community faces.

Many employers provide mandatory EDI training for all members of staff to undertake. Educating all employees certainly aims to promote a healthy culture in the workplace but is this enough?

The LGBT+ community is in need of allyship, there is a need within all workplace cultures for acceptance and education. This enables employees to feel confident in raising a concern and spotting discriminatory behaviours. Employers have a responsibility to protect all members of staff as per the Equality Act 2010, this includes both their physical and mental well-being. Everybody should feel safe in their place of work.

The rainbow flag has become an iconic symbol for the LGBT+ community, Pride is the first thought that comes to mind when we see a rainbow flag. Employers take part in Pride month events every year and spend the majority of June promoting acceptance. However, consideration needs to be given to the remaining 11 months of the year. Throughout the last 2 years, I have noticed one small change in many companies that certainly feels like a genuine nod towards inclusivity, this is stating our pronouns within our email signature.

The Trans community face an alarming amount of discrimination daily, misgendering being one whether this is intentional or unintentional. By providing our pronouns within our email signatures we are addressing that gap. This is a simple gesture that goes a long way towards EDI in the workplace.

Being a true ally is all about challenging homophobia and transphobia as well as supporting your LGBT+ colleagues.