Recruitment
Being out at work is easier
when you have support.
Maggie Allen looks at the
advantages of joining an
LGBT union.
NETTING
THE
REWARD
For many of us, sexual orientation can be an
intimidating subject to broach within the workplace.
Changes in the law brought about by the Employment
Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations in 2003
have fortunately embedded a legal structure that
protects the employee against discrimination on the workplace culture, being part of a collective are self-motivated and not frightened to take on
basis of sexual orientation and has lead to a network of people that is offi cially recognised by the responsibility. As well as being focussed on
paradigm shift where the LGBT community now organisation sets out a strong positive message workplace issues, LGBT networks are frequently
reveal their sexuality without hindering career towards to all staff concerning inclusivity in terms of great places to meet other individuals, offering you
advancement. The emergence of many new LGBT sexual orientation. If you have been subject to the opportunity to make new friends and, who
networks within workplaces has meant LGBT homophobic comments or bullying, it means you knows, possibly a new partner!
employees can join together and offer each other don’t have to deal with them alone. The chances are
advice and encouragement. that someone else in the LGBT network may have If you don’t have an LGBT network at work, why not
71
had a similar experience, and therefore be able to set one up? Discuss your plans with the Head of
Michelle Fullerton, Stonewall’s Manager of offer you emotional and practical help. Equality and Diversity or failing that, an HR
Workplace Programmes, says: “One great way to manager. Arrange a meeting to discuss why you
take advantage of being a gay or bisexual woman in Another benefi t of being part of an LGBT network is would like to set an LGBT network up, and don’t
the workplace is to join your employer’s LGBT the potential to facilitate change within your workplace. forget to mention legislation regarding equality
network. This will be a fantastic source of If you would like access to pension rights and private within the workplace, which they will be aware of. It
information, support and career development. It healthcare that may be part of your employment is their job to ensure that everyone feels included at
will allow you to network with people that you benefi ts package for your partner, regardless of civil work, so you’re helping your employer do their job!
would never usually meet in your day job and make partnership status, then these are issues that an They will also offer you support and advice, and the
sure you don’t feel like the only lesbian in a fi ve mile LGBT network can collectively campaign for. offi cial endorsement will enable you to move
radius. It also gives you a chance to help your forward. Don’t worry about how many people will
employer to make sure all of its policies and LGBT networks also offer career development and join – you may be surprised at how many people
procedures are gay friendly.” social opportunities. It may be that you fi nd yourself whose sexuality you were previously unaware of
developing a good relationship within the LGBT make contact with you for support or advice. You
By joining an LGBT network you gain the support network with someone who is in a more senior will also gain the respect of many other employees
from your colleagues, both socially and position to yourself, which may open doors for you of all sexual orientations for being proactive – so be
professionally. For certain professions where when it comes to promotion. Sitting as a member encouraged, and help become part of something
homophobia may have become an inherent part of on a steering committee shows employers that you positive for yourself and others within your workplace.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100