GENDER IDENTITY and SEXUALITY DISCRIMINATION

Our latest trustee, Lisa Vine, outlines some of the challenges tackling issues of Discrimination due to Gender Identity and Sexuality

In England and Wales we know that between 2015/16 and 2016/17 there was a 45% increase in hate crimes and hate incidents motivated by transphobia and a 27% increase in those motivated by homophobia or biphobia. These figures are alarming to say the least and here at Equality Action it is vital that we play our part in not just supporting the LGBT+ community in Loughborough and our surrounding area, but helping to bring our diverse community together. To create an environment where everyone lives side by side with feelings of acceptance and respect for their neighbours, regardless of who they are or their background.

As an LGBT+ advocate, consultant and trainer I run my own business supporting private, public and third sector organisations as they strive for LGBT+ inclusion. This will look different for each organisation of course. Being Loughborough based, as a Loughborough University Alumni and as a previous Chair of Loughborough Student Union’s LGBT+ Association, I am delighted to have joined Equality Action as a Board Member. I am excited to be supporting our fantastic organisation as we move forward with our LGBT+ inclusion work this year and beyond.

This may not be an area of work that we have been able to focus on previously. Not from a lack of motivation or enthusiasm of course, but simply because we have had specific funding to work with other and equally important demographics within Loughborough. Having taken a flagship BBC Children in Need project from concept to being a nationally recognised award winning regional service, I am confident that I can bring my expertise and experience in supporting and working with the LGBT+ communities in Leicestershire to my role here at Equality Action.

I simply can’t wait to get started!