Issue 18 Respect Magazine

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On the stage! № 18 | June 2013

Respect meets the very talented Plus:

Craig Colton

Respect’s Entertainment Editor ‘Will O’Regan’ opens the curtains on the world of theatre : We meet Dragon’s Den star ‘Evan Davis’ : Head of Marketing for The Co-operative Funeralcare, ‘Lorinda Robinson’ let’s us know what Respect means to her : We add some ‘Sparkle’ to the issue : ‘checkOUT’ is unpacked : We meet Matilda star ‘Jack Greaves’ & lots more!

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network for The co-operative

№ 18 | June 2013

Intro

Welcome to issue 18 of the Respect Magazine

Everyone is welcome

Since December 2012 we have had an amazing 20,000+ views of our magazine. A BIG thank you to you all for your continued support.

Another packed issue, we hope you enjoy the varied articles, interviews and member stories. We had a ball bringing it all together.

We hope you enjoy the issue everyone!

What you’ll find inside… plus lots more Peter Tatchell joins us at our ‘Equality in the Workplace & beyond’ event

The pride flags were flying all over the UK for IDAHO

Pages 16 - 22

Page 12

We support the Albert Kennedy Trusts ‘Purple Door’ project

Respect meets bestselling author Manda Scott

Pages 6 - 7

Pages 40 - 41

Our ‘Summer of Pride’ has well and truly begun I hope you have all been enjoying the little pockets of glorious sunshine we have been having over the last few weeks. I got caught out by the sun - must apply suncream!

In this months issue of Respect we bring you lots of Respect network news from around the UK as well as six full pages about our ‘Equality in the workplace and beyond event’ that also incorporated the launch of the UK’s 1st Inter-Retail LGBT network checkOUT. Big thanks to the Respect team that worked so hard to make the event the massive success it was and thank you to the 160 people that travelled from all over the UK to attend what was one of the largest Equality events in the North West in 2013.

Watch this space for more similar events!

I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support. We are supporting lots of Pride events around the UK this Summer (see page 30) and to make each one a success we need lots of people to help us on the day and for people to take part in the parades, for those events that have one. Out new t-shirt design is fab!

Please get in touch if you and your friends, family and colleagues would like to help out. Everyone is welcome!

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and we welcome all feedback and ideas for future issues. See you next month.

Thomas Anderson Respect Network Co-chair @thomasinmanc

The Co-operative are ‘Champions of Diversity’

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

Respect is the most followed UK employee LGBT network on Twitter Since the last issue of Respect we have been overwhelmed with all the interest in our Twitter account and we are delighted to announce we now have over 4,500 followers.

Some of our Twitter followers include Martin Sterling : @streetworker01

Our exclusive Twitter competitions are also proving very popular with over 1,700 re-tweets for our Kylie fragrance competition alone. Everyone seems to love a bit of Kylie!

Coronation Street storyline writer.

We are also getting lots of great engagement from employees, customers and members via Twitter and we have been really embraced by the Twitter community.

Founder & CEO of An Inspirational Journey.

We are also getting lots of employees of The Co-operative finding out about us via Twitter which is fantastic. We must remember that not all employees have easy access to the intranet. We are continuing to work hard at thinking of innovative ways to engage with all employees, all over the UK.

Tweet 4 A Table : @tweet4atable

If you haven’t already, please give us a follow and spread the word amongst your friends, family and colleagues. If you are on Twitter it would be fantastic if you could signpost people to the account.

If you are tweeting about Respect could we ask a massive favour and ask you to use the hashtag #RespectLGBT - that will make finding your tweets a lot easier and will help others find them too.

If you haven’s already set up a Twitter account we would highly recommend it. We are very #Tweethappy

Heather Jackson : @jackson_heather

Coming to a city near you, you could win a free meal for up to four people.

NAM Publications : @aidsmap NAM works to change lives by sharing information about HIV and AIDS.

Angie Brown : @RealAngieBrown The amazing singer Angie Brown. Star of Bizarre Inc.

Claire Harvey : @harveyvolley

This month’s Top Tweets

Team Captain for GB women's sitting volleyball team that competed in the 2012 Paralympics.

Follow us @CoopRespectLGBT #respectLGBT Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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№ 18 | June 2013

Where were all the men?

Respect is featured in the new issue of g3 magazine We announced in the last issue of ‘Respect’ that the Respect network was crowned ‘LGBT Network Group of the Year’ at the 2013 g3 magazine Readers’ Awards. We’re still buzzing!

To celebrate the news we gathered lots of Respect members to get their photograph taken with the award. In a bit of a turn up for the books, every member that showed up was female (females in LGBT networks are usually under represented). We think this speaks volumes about how inclusive the network is and that everyone is welcome to become a member. Not only that but over 80% of the members that turned up to have their photo taken for the magazine that proudly states it is ‘for the not-so-straight woman’ were indeed straight.

The photo’s and an article from Thomas Anderson, Co-Chair of the Respect network, are featured in the June 2013 issue of the magazine that can be downloaded at g3mag.co.uk or you can buy a copy at WH Smith and many other newsagents.

Also included in the magazine, and in the new issue of ‘Out In The City’, is The Co-operative’s lovely new rainbow umbrella recruitment advert.

A lovely spread!

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

â„– 18 | June 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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№ 18 | June 2013

We roll up our sleeves for the Albert Kennedy Trust

Rachel Crabtree were two of the volunteers who took part.

On a cold Sunday in March, many of the Respect network Steering Group came out in force to help The Albert Kennedy Trust get their new safe house ready for guests.

And Anna shared how she feels about the project, "I am always happy to help the AKT as much as I can specially something like the purple door giving young people the chance to start living independently. The house is amazing - I wish I could move in!! I am sure any young people that move in will love it. I am excited about seeing it all finished because you can see the hard work that everyone has put in."

Armed with pots of paint and paintbrushes, Steering Group members mucked in to get the safe house in ship shape order.

The safe house will be available to young people who will live there for a set period of time as a stepping stone to independent living. Whilst living in the safe house the young residents will learn how to budget, cook, how to apply for jobs and tenancies and give them the skills they need to become a part of everyday society.

The project is named ‘Purple Door’ and with our help the safe house will be ready for guests very soon. Steering Group members Anna Hanson and

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Rachel tells us, “I was very happy to help out with such a worthwhile project and seeing the building transform makes me feel so proud - can't wait to see the end result!”

The Co-operative have also donated all of the white goods to the safe house, courtesy of The Co-operative Electrical. The Respect Steering Group have also put together welcome hampers for the youngster so they have all the essentials, and a few treats, when they move in.

Find out more about Albert Kennedy Trust and the Purple Door project on their website akt.org.uk

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

â„– 18 | June 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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№ 18 | June 2013

Men embrace metrosexuality, no longer raising (plucked) eyebrows The metrosexual male has finally hit the mainstream and women now expect their other halves to take part in a regular beauty regime, according to new research issued by The Co-operative Pharmacy*.

Over half of men (53 per cent) admit to frequently preening and using beauty products to improve their appearance – a dramatic shift away from traditional male behaviours when the term ‘metrosexual’ was coined almost 20 years ago.** One in seven men (15 per cent) pluck or wax unruly eyebrows, 7 per cent wear concealer to cover up a spot and 1 in 20 (5 per cent) use fake tan. Almost a third of men work out and around one in 14 (8 per cent) use protein powder to increase their size.

Those aged between 18- 24 are more likely to use extreme measures to improve their looks including using steroids illegally to put on muscle, with 6 per cent of this age group admitting to doing this. Men aged 25-34 were the biggest users of slimming pills (5 per cent).

Almost two thirds of men said they undertake their beauty regime to make themselves feel better and to boost their confidence levels. More than a quarter believe in taking pride in their appearance and around one in 6 (17 per cent) are trying to keep themselves looking younger.

Other reasons for trying to improve their image included doing it for their partner (almost one in 10), feeling under pressure from other male friends to look good (12 per cent) and 9 per cent blame it on media influence.

Women are more accepting than men when it comes to attitudes towards male beautifying. Over half of females (52 per cent) think that it is alright for men to pluck or wax their eyebrows compared to a third of men (34 per cent) and when questioned, almost two in five women (38 per cent) thought it was fine for men to wear fake tan, compared to just 30 per cent of men.

In addition, women are more open to men adopting techniques typically classed as female grooming activity such as using concealer, as 45 per cent of women believe that this is socially acceptable, whereas 47 per cent of men do not.

However, men were more likely than women to find using steroids or protein powder to bulk up acceptable with 23 per cent of males saying it was fine to use steroids and 44 per cent thinking it was alright to use protein formula.

One third of men said that they would spend up to £50 on a beauty treatment to make them look/feel better each month.

The research also found that on average, men were prepared to pay £346 for a one-off treatment during the course of a year to make themselves feel better. In Yorkshire and the Humber, this rose to £408 and £405 in the North East.

In 12 months, almost one in 10 men would be willing to spend up to £500 on a one-off beauty treatment and eight per cent would part with up to £1,000 for a treatment.

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Matthew Jones, a senior pharmacist from The Co-operative Pharmacy, said: “We have seen a major shift over the last 20 years in male attitudes and openness to using beauty products.

The research shows that men are increasingly using a range of products to boost their self esteem and are now going to greater lengths to improve their body image.”

However, there is a more serious message from pharmacists: Matthew Jones continued: “While many of the methods men use only serve to improve appearance without risk, some men are gambling with their health by using harmful or illegal ways to boost the way they look. Pharmacists can advise on a range of health issues, including grooming products, but more importantly are acutely aware of the dangers of using medication or drugs, such as steroids, for purposes other than that which they are licensed. Items such as these can be bought online, but they should not be used without consulting a pharmacist or doctor first.”

Body image expert and campaigner, Natasha Devon, said: “I've noticed that there's been a major attitude shift in men under the age of 25 and there's more pressure on men now to 'take care of themselves'.

"I think it's great that men now have the freedom to experiment with how they look, but we have to learn from what's historically happened to women – with beauty and grooming can come a lot of insecurity, if it's not presented and handled in the right way. "Men need to resist the pressure to conform to an identical look. They should seek to take control and make their own rules."

Additional Information: * One Poll interviewed a random sample of 2,000 men and women. Surveys were conducted among adults across all ages and regions of the UK. ** Metrosexual was a term coined almost 20 years ago by author and journalist Mark Simpson. The term has evolved to describe a typically young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis where the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are. It is now regularly used more loosely to describe men who have money to spend, who take care of their appearance and who are comfortable with themselves, wanting to be desired. David Beckham (pictured top right) was named a metrosexual icon in 2002.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

In the news Robbie Rogers becomes the first openly gay Major League Soccer player

Robbie Rogers, the former Leeds United and Stevenage player who retired from football earlier this year, is set to return to play Major League Soccer in the United States.

The 26-year-old, who announced in conjunction with his retirement from football in February that he is gay, will play for David Beckham’s old team Los Angeles Galaxy.

The USA Today report now confirms that he will become the first openly gay Major League Soccer player.

Lesbian love story movie awarded the top prize at the Cannes film festival A film featuring the love story between two women, and which has shocked some critics because of some graphic sex scenes, has been awarded the top prize at the Cannes film festival.

It was announced on 26 May 2013 that it had won, beating the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewelyn Davis, which won the Grand Prix, the runner up prize.

The film, directed by Tunisian-born French director Abdellatif Kechiche, and based on a graphic novel, contains some graphic scenes, and some reviewers have noted that it may need to be edited, in order to be widely distributed for cinema showings.

It centres around 15-year-old character Adele, played by Adele Exarchopoulos, and her lover Emma, who is played by Lea Seydoux.

Boy Scouts of America lifts national ban on gay youth members The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has ended its long-time ban on gay youth members, after its national council voted to lift the national ban.

In the final vote over 60% of the 1,400 strong national council of local leaders, voted to lift the national ban.

The decision will allow local scouting troops to decide on whether to permit gay members, however leaves in place a policy which forbids openly gay adult volunteers and staff.

The President of the BSA Wayne Perry, today wrote an editorial piece for USA Today, in which he said allowing gay members into the scouts would be “the right decision.”

www.pinknews.co.uk Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 9 Respect Magazine

The Co-operative Membership unveil their new Pride advert

№ 18 | June 2013 The Respect network Steering Group have been working closely with the Membership Teams all over the UK to create an authentic advert for Pride guides and LGBT magazines all over the UK this Summer.

In previous years a generic Membership advert would be used but we felt it was important that the advert really portrayed our unique points of differences as unlike lots of other organisations who support Pride events to chase the pink pound we really do practice what we preach.

It is important that people see us as being authentic too. And we are!

We are officially the UK’s most diverse business with leading policies and some of the strongest and most robust ethics and values of any organisation in the world. And we’ve been living and breathing them since 1844!

We hope you like what we have come up with.

Following a string of achievements for the Respect network Thomas Anderson, Co-Chair of the Respect network, was invited by ‘Co-operative News’ - the leading magazine for Co-operative’s all over the world to do an interview about the network and equality within The Co-operative Group.

Thomas was delighted to accept the invitation and the full page interview was also published online at www.thenews.coop/article/co-operative-leads-waylgbt-equality-work Thomas was featured on the front cover alongside Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband.

www.thenews.coop

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

facebook.com/BrightonPride

twitter.com/PrideBrighton

PRIDE FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL 19TH JULY-4TH AUGUST • pride dog show 28th july

Vo

BESTted PRID UK EVENE/ T OUT m

Boyz agazine. maga zin e

SATURDAY3RDAUGUST2013 PRIDE LGBT COMMUNITY PARADE 11AM From Madeira Drive • ICONS ON THE PARK , 12 NOON-8PM Preston Park

•PALOMA FAITH DJ SET• •MUTYA/KEISHA/ SIOBHAN• •STOOSHE•MS DYNAMITE • •ALISON MOYET• •THE FREEMASONS• •LUCY SPRAGGAN•HORSE• ORIGINAL SUGABABES LINE-UP

•THE MEND•CLASS A•ANTTIX •STACEY JACKSON• •ANGIE BROWN• KYM MAZELLE•HAZELL DEAN• With many more artists to be announced !

• WILD FRUIT DANCE BIG TOP•LEGENDS CABARET TENT• WOMENS PERFORMACE TENT • •CALABASH TENT • BEARS AREA •FUNFAIR • MARKET• COMMUNITY VILLAGE • PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE

Early Bird ticket for only £12.50*/ £17.50 from July/ More on the day Partners in Pride

Brighton-Pride.org Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

*or while stocks last!

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The Co-operative flies the flag for International Day Against Homophobia 17th May was International Day Against Homophobia and to show our support and also increase knowledge and understanding to employees all over the UK we did lots to celebrate the day including: Flying the pride flag from six Co-operative major occupancy buildings including the CIS Tower (Co-op Bank HQ), The Pyramid in Stockport and the old Co-op HQ New Century House (pictured right). Tens of thousands of people saw the flags flying - we kept them up for five days to ensure as many people saw them as possible.

Although it doesn’t have a flag pole, we couldn’t leave the new Co-op HQ, 1 Angel Square, out. In a first for the building, we worked with the Facilities team to change the colours of the lights on the upper floors to the colours of the rainbow (pictured right). It got lots of employees and visitors talking!

We published an intranet article with an IDAHO fact sheet produced by the Engagement & Diversity Team. Lots of employees read and commented on the article which is fantastic.

There was an article on The Co-operative’s main Facebook page and a tweet from @thecooperative generating hundreds of comments, likes and RT’s.

And we can’t forget our ‘Respect Rainbow Bake-Off’ that has had you all baking up delights for weeks. We have been amazed by your talents!

We supported over 100 organisations and individuals fly the pride flag. True co-operation!

The Co-operative donated 100 rainbow flags as part of a competition in partnership with The LGF and LGBT radio station, Gaydio. To be in for a chance to win a flag, listeners had to think of the most original and creative place they can fly a flag.

The Co-operative also offered a special prize to whoever came up with the most creative interpretation of the rainbow flag to highlight homophobia and transphobia and help celebrate LGBT identities across the world.

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What d do to id you the d support ay? P lease let us know !

Darren Knight, Head of Policy & Engagement at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation comments; “We are thrilled to have the support of The Co-operative on this initiative, raising awareness of the importance of 17th May to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people" Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network, The Co-operative comments, “2013 marked the third year The Co-operative has supported International Day Against Homophobia. In the run up to the day we raised awareness to our 105,000 employees, increasing knowledge and understanding of homophobia that is unfortunately still very real in all corners of the world. We engaged our 4,800 stores in the Respect network’s Rainbow Bake-off and in store Rainbow Days as well as proudly flying the pride flag from our major occupancy sites around the UK. We are delighted to be sponsoring the pride flags The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are supplying to hundreds of organisations around the North West.”

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

Reward and recognition is always nice and here we proudly share our award successes since we launched in July 2010

The Respect network trophy cabinet

№ 18 | June 2013

and also in 2011 Awarded Stonewall’s ‘Star Performer Network Group’ recognition in 2011, 2012 and 2013

Shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Employee Network Group of the Year’ award at the 2011 and 2012 European Diversity Awards

WINNER Crowned ‘Business of the Year’ at the 2011 and 2012 LGF ‘Homo Hero Awards’, winner of ‘LGBT Network Group of the Year’ at the 2013 ‘g3 magazine Readers’ Awards’ and winner of ‘Corporate Sponsor of the Year’ at the 2013 Albert Kennedy Trust ‘Albert Awards’.

MEMBER SNA P SHOTS

ial diving lesson (third left) had a spec ll lsa Ke ta ne Ki r be Top: Respect mem er Sarah chap eh!). Olympic div e m so nd ha at th ’s with Team GB (who don’t you know. for The Co-op Food Barrow used to work Kimpton is pictured ect members Robbie sp Re g din un fo e th Right: One of ely pic! rl ‘Mel C’. What a lov with his idol, Spice Gi

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

The Respect

emotions, unlike the

network supports

report feeling

students research on ‘Coming Out in

uncomfortable and

the Workplace’

comparison group who embarrassed, awkward. They reported that this is likely to link to the reported reactions of confidants, which again

Last Summer two students from

was found to be more

Manchester University, Victoria Lewis

positive at The Co-

and Carlina Pearse, approached the

operative.

The Co-operative to ask whether we could support them with some research for their dissertation.

2. For The Co-operative, Senior Management and Board

Victoria Lewis (right) at the 2012 Respect Network Awards

The subject was 'The impact

Directors were seen to

that Stonewall’s Workplace Equality

advocate sexual

Index has for the disclosure

diversity through their involvement

experiences of lesbian, gay and

in LGB events and activities. This is

bisexual employees' - 'Coming Out' in

something that was absent from the

the workplace.

other non-Stonewall affiliated

5. It cannot be overlooked that in

organisations. This involvement is

the study comparing experiences

likely to have a positive impact on

between organisations with and

disclosure decisions. It is important

without Stonewall-affiliation, the

for top management to support

responses of individuals with

sentiments of LGB-equality and be

affiliation were extraordinarily

involved in the promotion of it

positive compared to the non-

(Williamson, 1993).

affiliated group as a whole.

was conducted comparing the

3. Another main difference between

Victoria and Carlina have both

disclosure experiences of seven

The Co-operative and non-

received distinctions for their

lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB)

Stonewall-affiliated organisations,

dissertation projects. Victoria

people working for a Stonewall

with regard to Organisational

commented,"We are absolutely made

affiliated organisation, The Co-

Culture, concerned affirming policies

up and would like to thank you for

operative, and seven LGB employees

and practices. The Co-operative

your support throughout the

working for non-Stonewall affiliated

employs many of the main affirming

duration of our project, we couldn't

organisations. All seven Respect

organisational policies, namely, the

have done it without you! We wish

members were interviewed by

topic of Sexual Orientation in

the Respect network every luck in the

Victoria and Carlina.

diversity training modules and the

future."

creation of an LGBT employee

A massive well done from the

network, Respect. None of the

Respect network!

The Co-operative's Diversity Team put them in touch with the Respect network Steering Group and we were delighted to be able to support Victoria and Carlina - putting them in contact with Respect members to support with their research. A study

There were marked differences in LGB experiences dependent on their organisations Stonewall affiliation. Five of the findings from their report are detailed below (there are lots more).

1. There were marked differences in feelings and emotions during disclosure dependent on Stonewall affiliation. The Co-operative employees reported no negative

pioneering efforts; based on employee responses the latter would be accepted.

comparison organisations adopted these and this extended to large differences in the overall Organisational Culture's.

4. It cannot be established whether the success of The Co-operative as a private-sector organisation, incongruent with research, is a credit to its Stonewall-affiliation or its

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 15 Respect Magazine

‘We made history’

№ 18 | June 2013

Campaigner Peter Tatchell hails momentous year at our ‘Equality in the workplace and beyond event’ Legendary campaigner and activist Peter Tatchell hailed a 'momentous year' for LGBT rights during The Co-operative Groups employee lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network Respect’s ‘Equality in the workplace and beyond’ event held on 24 May 2013.

The event was attended by more than 160 people from 50 different organisations and was hosted at The Co-operative’s new headquarters at Angel Square in Manchester. The inspiring speakers included Paul Martin, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF), Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement & Diversity at The Co-operative, Sharon Pegg, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at The Co-operative and Charlie Wheeler-Quinnell, Client Account Manager at Stonewall.

Sponsored by The Co-operative Food, the event also included the launch of the UK’s first Inter-Retail LGBT network ‘checkOUT’. checkOUT has been developed by The Co-operative with the support of Stonewall and will offer opportunities for retailers of all sizes and those working in or have an interest in the sector to network, share best practice and ensure the sector is positively representing the diverse individuals they employ and serve. The founding partners of the network include The Co-operative’s family of businesses, Telefonica (o2), Waitrose, John Lewis, Vodafone, Asda, Tesco, Morrison’s and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, who combined employ more than 500,000 people in the UK. Charlie Wheeler-Quinnell, Client Account Manager at Stonewall commented, ‘Stonewall is proud to have been involved in the process of establishing checkOUT – a network to support the estimated 180,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual staff working in retail in the UK. We look forward to working with checkOUT in the future and hope it will inspire other sectors to collaborate on similar diversity initiatives. Modern 21st century employers know that people perform better when they can be themselves – and networks such as checkOUT help them do just that. With partners including The Co-operative Group – who secured the third position in the 2013 Stonewall Top 100 gay-

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friendly employers list – checkOUT is sure to go from strength to strength.’

At the event Peter Tatchell spoke of his joy at supporting The Co-operative, the Respect network, checkOUT and the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which recently passed a third House of Commons reading. “I am very proud to be here and support the Co-op in what they are doing,” he said. “It is about taking the LGBT movement into all sectors of society.

There are some issues that I hope will be respected in the House of Lords as when we talk about marriage equality, we mean marriage equality. The process of law reform is about raising awareness because we need to win hearts and minds.

The idea that this issue does not have public support is nonsense as it has. We have made history not just for LGBT people but for every single person in this country. We are on our way – let’s finish the task.”

With an estimated 2.6million LGBT people in the UK, workplace equality is an issue The Co-operative feels passionately about said Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement and Diversity at The Co-operative. “Our values are very important to us. We work for an organisation that stands up.” she said. “One of the things we are most proud of is our Respect network and it gets bigger every month and arranged the fantastic checkOUT launch event. We know we are on a journey and we know we have lots of things to do. We won’t stop until we are sure all of our employees are being treated the same in society. It is a big challenge but I think with the support of everyone, I think we can’t fail.” The Co-operative was the only business in the UK to support equal marriage in the House of Commons, following our submission as part of the consultation process.

Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network added, “The Respect network would like to thank the family of Cooperative businesses for their support in making the event a huge success. Special thanks to The Co-operative Food who pulled out all the stops to ensure checkOUT was launched with a bang and that the guests, many of whom had travelled from all over the UK to attend, had a night to remember.”

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

â„– 18 | June 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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№ 18 | June 2013

Launch event kindly sponsored by

Arranged by the Respect network Steering Group, the launch of the UK’s very first InterRetail LGBT network, aptly named ‘checkOUT’, was a huge success.

Chris Hanson, Respect’s General Secretary and Kelly Sands, Respect’s People Development Coordinator proudly ‘unpacked’ the network and put it on the shelf in front of over 160 guests that included representatives from other retailers including Tesco, Asda, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and o2.

Chris said on the night, “We would love to see more retailers, of all sizes, to look at the benefits of creating more inclusive workplaces that will be good for their employees and also their customers.”

Kelly added, “checkOUT will offer opportunities for retailers of all sizes, from one store, e-stores, brands, to the big chains to become members. By being a member you are signing up to being 'an employer that values and respects your employees and customers differences'. And anyone can become a 'Friend of checkOUT' and keep updated on all our goings on.”

She went on to say, “The checkOUT network offers networking opportunities through a planned programme of national events, a Facebook page, Twitter and bi-monthly checkOUT online magazine.

We believe 'Sharing is good'.”

The Co-operative Food very generously sponsored the launch of checkOUT and the branding on the night included three eight foot tall checkOUT banners, a checkOUT branded shopping trolly, lots of people wearing checkOUT t-shirts and every guest was given a ‘Night in on The Co-operative Food’ goody bag that included treats including a big bag of TI crisps, a bar of The Co-operative Honeycomb Chocolate and a bottle of The Co-operative Prosecco as well as lots of other items donated by The Co-operative family of businesses (the Nivea products from The Co-operative Pharmacy were a fave with the guests). Special thanks to Rach and Katie at The Co-op Food for all their wonderful support.

The Co-operative Food buffet was a feast on the eyes and was enjoyed by all. It was lovely to try some of the delicious new range.

Thank you to our supporters

The ‘Village Bakers’ baked up a storm We have introduced you to Respect member and founder of the LGBT social group ‘Village Bakers’ in previous issues of Respect. Lots of Village Bakers members kindly baked us over 150 rainbow and checkOUT inspired cakes for the event. They were too good to resist and we have to admit we went back for seconds. Kevin is a Product Developer for The Co-operative Food by day and is a huge supporter of the Respect network and checkOUT. Be sure to check out the Village Bakers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VillageBakers and on Twitter at @villagebakers

Barefoot Wine poured their gorgeous wines for guests The Respect networks ‘Official Event Wine Sponsor’ Barefoot Wine were on hand to serve a selection of their fab wines to guests at the end of the event. We were amazed by the amount of people that stayed for a while after the event had ended and partied their way into the early hours at our after event drinks on Canal Street.

checkOUT Is all over Social Media and the network even has a newsletter (pictured above) - all produced and co-ordinated by us!

Facebook - facebook.com/CheckOUTLGBT Twitter - @checkOUTLGBT View the newsletter - issuu.com/checkoutlgbt

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â„– 18 | June 2013

We’re proud to support checkOUT

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 19 Respect Magazine

â„– 18 | June 2013

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

â„– 18 | June 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 21 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

Feedback from guests on the night

We have an event with a similar format planned for later in the year. The subject will be ‘Health & Well Being’ Watch this space for more details!

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

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â„– 18 | June 2013

Cano e - S ail

Climb - Ski

alk Bike - W

Camp - H ostel

ge u h a s n u r s d a L r o o td u O d Every weeken . s ie it v ti c a r o o td u o le b ia c range of so w or want to try something ne e, nc rie pe ex of s ad lo ve Whether you ha e on an OutdoorLads m co e, or m e id ys tr un co e just want to get out in th ly gay guys who all have a nd ie fr th wi e, tim t ea gr a event! You’ll have . shared love of the outdoors is Find out more about what d going on where you live an , special introductory events at www.outdoorlads.com

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 23 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

Proudly sponsored by

y Jul 4 1 11 3 201 ter es nch a M

Sparkle is the the National

The Respect network are working closely with

Transgender Celebration - a weekend

the team and LGBT North West to deliver the

festival held every July, in the Village area of Manchester.

Sparkle is open to everyone who sees themselves as Transgender (TG) (and their friends and families) no matter if they be living full-time or just ‘dressing up’ for an occasional Saturday night out. They accept the differing aspirations and needs of the various people within the community, but invite all to come together and share the unique celebration.

ea ob t t t n Wa er a e t un t? vol ven e the

Every TG person has a place at Sparkle and a warm welcome is on offer to all!

Sparkle also caters for female to male and drag king friends and this year they are making a special effort to be more inclusive by giving over a special segment of the Sparkle in the Park stage show to this side of the community.

The team have lots planned, including:

in Get h wit h c tou us!

this area. We are proud to be sponsoring this.

TALKS AND WORKSHOPS Saturday 13th July, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation: 10am - 4.30pm The venue this year is again The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF), 5 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF. The venue is easily accessible, just behind Churchills and only two minutes walk from Sackville Gardens (Sparkle in the Park). The team really appreciate the support of the LGF in making these events possible.

As in previous years they have invited a number of speakers to give presentations or facilitate workshops and answer questions in sessions lasting from 30 minutes to about an hour or so each. They are all experts in their respective fields and are ready to share

SPARKLE IN THE PARK

knowledge and experience which will be of

Saturday 13th July, 12 noon - 7.00 pm

interest to many.

Sackville Gardens, which is just across from

We are delighted to announce that Liz Bramley,

Canal Street will once again be the focus of

Head of Employee Engagement & Diversity at

Sparkle on Saturday afternoon. There will be

The Co-operative will be delivering one of the

dozens of trade and info stands, plus live

workshops.

entertainment all afternoon!

24

‘Youth Zone’, the first time the event has has

The co-operative Respect Magazine

Find out more at sparkle.org.uk

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

Respect contributor Kineta Kelsall discusses life as a transvestite with her friend Rupert Laylor aka Vicky Mynx How did you get into cross-dressing?

Cross-dressing found me really; I discovered it through looking at my mum’s Kays Catalogue when I was probably 11-12 years old. I was drawn to some Playboy thong black heels.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from and what do your family, wife and kids think to your cross-dressing?

It’s hard to sum up in a few words, but I come from a reserved religious family and surprisingly they seemed to be ok with it; just a few laughs & giggles! As I suppose I come across as quite a manly man, I was never scared to stand up for myself. As for my wife and kids, my daughter who is the eldest, does think it’s funny but it probably helps her bond with me a bit better. I’m not just the bad cop that tells her off. My wife was worried that it would make me gay because I was trying to spice up our sex life at the time, but I always knew I had a feminine side. Now I think she actually quite likes it, because she has a husband & a best female friend all rolled into one, who can help her with clothes shopping.

What do you like about it?

I love the female sense of style and fashion, much more so than men’s fashion; which I find dull. I also love the way I feel when dressed up and just love looking female. I also class myself as bi-gender, as some days I feel female and other days more male, regardless of what I’m wearing.

I also love female company and being treated like one of the girls.

However when I am feeling female, I am a lesbian, as the male form does not interest me one bit. It is really difficult to put into words how it makes me feel. I just love the whole femininity thing, the way women can change their hair style, the choice & style of clothes and “Ooooh!” the feeling of high heels on your feet.

Have you ever felt discriminated against because of this?

I can't really say I have felt discriminated personally, as like a lot transvestites, I tend to pick and choose where and when I get dressed. I have been to Debenhams, dressed up, to get my make-up done, as well as attending actual trans nights.

I guess in a way then I do feel like there is still some discrimination towards us, as I would not feel comfortable going everywhere dressed up, although I do look good!

I do think British society is a lot more open minded to it now. I guess we have to fight the same battles as our gay & lesbian counterparts.

Do you think there are enough networks in the UK supporting Transgender people?

There is quite a bit of support now. There is www.beaumontsociety.org.uk which has been going for some 30+ years, which is staffed by volunteers in the trans community, of which I am one of them. I think there are other smaller support groups and local education authorities that educate people in these matters. I think a lot of support comes from the internet. This is one of the main areas now, I would say, that people seek solace, such as Facebook and www.tvchix.com.

Before the internet came about, a lot of people, myself included, would have just been sat in their bedsits, thinking that they are the only ones in the world who are like this. They would be left to feel like they were some sort of pervert or even mentally ill. But now, even if still in the closet, there is a huge support network, especially in the world of social media.

More from Kineta in future issues of Respect Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 25 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

X Factor contestant

Craig Colton is gearing up to

release his debut album and tour the UK. Here is what he had to say when Respect caught up with him First off - Headline news; your new look. It’s really fantastic to see, you’re looking really well so tell us how did you do it Craig? It was just about getting healthy and getting fit really. There wasn’t any massive diet plan. I don’t drink vinegar every morning. There’s no massive thing it’s just healthy eating and I exercise four or five times a week. It is a massive change to my life, don’t get me wrong, because obviously I’m doing it every day and I try to fit it in wherever I can. I didn’t do it because someone wanted me to go on this massive overhaul of changing it was just the right time for me as a person. I’ve become an adult and it was time to get fit and healthy.

We’ve seen some recent publicity shots of you and you’re looking very much the music artist, very professional.

Image as a pop star, how important is it?

Personally I think it depends on somebodies music. I think if you want to be a certain type of pop star and you want to appeal to that certain audience of young boy’s/young girls and nobody else, you know those type of pop stars? I think image is 100% (in those cases). You’ve gotta be the best looking boy, you’ve gotta be the best looking girl; you don’t really have to have the best voice because it’s about the pop star image. It’s having that ‘Je ne sais quoi’.

It’s that something that you can’t put your hands on. Or sometimes it’s just generally looks and personality that do that for somebody.

I don’t know if my voice is completely different. I can’t really sing pop pop, it’s

WIN two tickets to a tour date

not me. I like to have breaths between each line. I couldn’t just sing sing sing

of your choice and a meet

and dance dance. For me my music is about music for peoples ears. I’m not going to be having dancers around me or fire running down the walls or electricity bolts going through the stage or a piano on fire. That’s not for me.

Mine is all about me singing and me standing there and people listening to this music that I’ve created and want people to listen to and it’s for all ages.

and greet with Craig!

Big hearted Craig has given us two tickets for his upcoming tour to give

It’s not just for a certain niche market. I’ve tried to make sure that it’s for

away (venue of your choice) to one

everybody that was ever interested and for everybody that enjoys my voice or

lucky ‘Friend of Respect’. Not only

enjoys me, can get pleasure from it; music for their ears and not just for

that, but Craig will meet you at the

watching a video on YouTube.

You’re going to be off on your own headline tour later this year, that’s got to be exciting. Has the planning started yet?

venue too!

To be in with a chance of winning, please let us know who Craig’s mentor was on X Factor UK?

We haven’t started rehearsals as yet. I’m really excited about it. I don’t expect the tickets to fly out the first day; I hope people listen to the music first. I’m

Email us your answer to

excited for people to hear the music. Tickets won’t be too expensive because

respectLGBT@co-operative.coop by

it’s my first one. We did The X Factor Tour and that’s arenas and this tour is

21 July 2013.

going to be totally different. There’s none of that big massive whole-shebang budget, all fire and lights. It’ll just be about singing and having fun on stage, with the audience. With my own name at the top is exciting as well.

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

**Travel and accommodation is not provided.

No alternative prize.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!

№ 18 | June 2013

Your debut album is out soon, was there a

The team behind the global smash hit ‘Jar of

particular sound you were going for when

Hearts’ has worked on your music too?

you set about planning the album?

We’ve done quite a few songs together. I’m going back out

It’s soul, its original r&b. It’s just got that lovely gospelesque influence in there. There is a theme actually; it’s my last two years. There’s love in there, break up, finding new love. There’s being happy. There’s also songs about “should I give up?” “Should I just walk away and cut my losses?” “is it really worth the big fight?” and I don’t think anything should be given up I think you should see it

(to the USA) in a couple of weeks to finish off some more.

I’ve been in LA quite a bit. The thing with the ‘Jar of Hearts’: they loved my version of it, which I was very flattered by. I didn’t expect them to have a comment. I thought it would be great to work with them and they said they’d love to work with you. I was like; absolutely, get me on that plane, I’m on me way over! You try and stop me!

through to the end. It either works or it doesn’t. So the

It’s an original album; you’ve not gone down

music is about not giving up. It’s about hope and people

a covers album route. Is there pressure on

not wanting to just turn at the first hurdle. There’s no point, you’ve got a few more hurdles you might as well just fight them as well.

How important is song writing to you? Some pretty big names have helped you with the album so feel free to name drop away Robbie Williams has been a great help with a few of the songs and he’s shown me in every song what he likes. I remember one time he called one of the songs genius. I was just like wow that is massive. I’ve been writing since the age of 16 but for him to tell me that one song is genius, for me as a person who aspires and wants to be someone like him, that’s probably the best compliment and the best thing he could ever have possibly said to me.

this record to be a success this summer?

There will be pressure from people watching and people speculating. The pressure will be when the music’s out there. If it doesn’t sell amazingly well I’m still going to be proud of it because I know what’s on it and what I’ve done over the last two years. It’s everything that I’ve wanted. I haven’t been pushed into anything that I didn’t want to do.

I did everything that I suggested to do and I was very lucky that my management and the people who are working around me have let me have my say 100% and I couldn’t ask for anything more than that. I don’t feel any pressure at the minute because I’m enjoying it so much, the pressure hasn’t even started so. It’ll come nearer the time but at the moment I’m just enjoying it, I’m having a ball.

And if I drown myself with pressure I think I become too scared and I don’t want to do that. But I am sure there will be a certain amount of pressure at the time, but at the minute I’m enjoying everything that’s happening.

You’re going to release the new album via “Pledge Music”, why have you chosen this platform?

Because I’ve been away for two years I think there is a certain amount of disconnect of people that I’ve not lost but it’s not as strong as it was and it’s about me getting in touch with the fans. The Pledge is for the die-hard, really good fans that have been with me every day and they get the album, they get messages from me, they get updates, they get pictures, video messages before anybody else does and before the record is available in shops and on iTunes they get it a few days before. I owe that to them. It’s a loyalty to fans.

Keep updated about all things Craig related by following him on Twitter at @CraigColtonUK Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

Read part two of our interview with Craig in the next issue of Respect Interview by Will O’Regan

The co-operative 27 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

Respect meets proud Respect member and Head of Marketing for The Co-operative Funeralcare

Lorinda Robinson I joined Co-operative Funeralcare in 2000 and became Head of Marketing for Funeralcare in 2006. My line manager George Tinning (Managing Director, Funeralcare) often comments that I have the best marketing job in the Group – and I agree!

I was brought up in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and studied for my BA Hons Degree at the University of Hull. After starting my career I studied for my Post Graduate Marketing Diploma and I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

I have enjoyed a career in marketing over 30 years, with experience in a range of small, medium and large companies including Boots, Fisons, Thorntons and Courtaulds. My first trainee role was in a heavy engineering company where much to my surprise I was trained to use a welding torch-I haven’t put this skill to much use since!

I met my husband Andrew whilst we were both directors of a textile company in West Yorkshire and we were married three years ago. The latest additions to our family are a one month old grandchild (Heidi Rose) and a year old Golden Retriever puppy called Jasper.

As a ‘straight ally’ of the Respect network, how important do you think it is that the Respect network is inclusive to all employees?

I think it is very important that Respect is an inclusive network made up of employees of all sexualities and from all business areas. Being part of the Network enables me to not only understand fully its objectives but also to support and actively contribute to its activities. I can also ensure that its’ great work is communicated to all colleagues in the Funeralcare business.

You recently presented about ‘Marketing to the LGBT consumers’ at the Stonewall Workplace Equality Conference in London. How was the experience?

It was an honour to be invited to present at this prestigious conference. It was an amazing, inspirational, motivating event with a fantastic audience many of whom shared their moving experiences - both positive and negative.

I felt a huge amount of support from the delegates to the great work that the Respect Network and The Co-operative Group has achieved which is reflected in our impressive place in the Stonewall index.

I was asked many questions during and after the session and have subsequently been approached to offer support and present to other businesses that are very keen to learn from our experiences.

As Head of Marketing for The Co-operative Funeralcare, how does Funeralcare market to the LGBT consumer?

Just like ‘straight’ customers, members of the LGBT community need support, care, and reassurance when it matters most to ensure that the funeral that they arrange for their loved one is a unique tribute to a unique life.

We have taken a number of steps to understand and meet the needs of the LGBT community and communicate this in a compelling manner.

This includes attendance at numerous Pride festivals and our link with Pink Partings (part of the Pink Weddings family).

Funeralcare sponsors Pink Wedding Shows, has a stand at some of these events, and supports the Pink Partings website.

This website offers a service designed specifically for LGB people arranging the funeral of a partner or for themselves.

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

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№ 18 | June 2013 As a marketing professional, is there a recent marketing campaign that made you go ‘WOW’?

The iconic John Lewis Partnership and Barclaycard Waterslide campaigns.

LGBT people often feel let down by the care they receive in later life. What do you think can be done to improve this?

We are currently working with Stonewall on a new initiative to conduct research into the needs and experiences of the older LGBT community. This research will help us to understand the general concerns of ageing, financial issues, legal considerations, later life and funeral planning and we will use this research to produce a guide to elderly life for LGBT people.

Does The Co-operative Funeralcare support any other LGBT events, charities or initiatives?

We are delighted to support Respect Network events, Pride festivals, Pink Weddings, and Stonewall. We have contributed to the Stonewall Workplace Guide ‘How to Market to gay consumers’ and represented our business and the wider Group at some of their events.

What do you see the role of the Respect network being within The Co-operative?

I see the Respect network as having a number of very important roles within the Group including advising on LGBT internal policies, organising networking events, supporting the professional development of its members, raising awareness for non LGBT employees and working with all the businesses in the Group to champion, co-ordinate and support activities such as our support for Pride events.

You’re a great supporter of the Respect network. What do you see the role of Leaders within the business to building an inclusive working environment?

I believe it is the responsibility of all Leaders in our business to create an inclusive working environment which embraces similarities and differences and to create a workforce that is representative of our society. Valuing difference, being inclusive and treating each other fairly is our responsibility and as Leaders we should role model appropriate behaviour to create a supportive, respectful and diverse workplace.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Strictly, Crufts and Countryfile!

I live in Addingham near Ilkley and when I am not out in the Yorkshire Dales walking Jasper or getting involved in our local community I can often be found tripping the light fantastic as Andrew and I are both keen Ballroom Dancers.

d Jasper Lorinda an

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 29 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

Our 2013 Pride Summary Student Pride 1-3 March Bristol Pride 13 July Sparkle : Europe’s Biggest Transgender Celebration 11-14 July - Manchester

3 page picture special from our PRIDE entries gone by

Newcastle Pride 19-20 July Hull Pride 20 -21 July Nottinghamshire Pride 27 July Peel Park Picnic, Salford 28 July Brighton Pride 3 August Stoke Pride 10 August Manchester Pride 24 August (day of the parade) Reading Pride 31 August Cardiff Mardis Gras 31 August Grimsby Pride 31 August Carlisle Pride 5 October

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to support us at any of the events above. We need your help!

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â„– 18 | June 2013

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The co-operative 31 Respect Magazine

â„– 18 | June 2013

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The co-operative 33 Respect Magazine

Since 2008, Evan Davis has been a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. He is also well-known as the presenter of the BBC2 business reality show, Dragons Den. Prior to working on the Today programme Evan was the Economics Editor of the BBC, the most senior economics reporter in the corporation.

We’re very excited for the new series of Dragon’s Den. What can we expect from the series?

It’s a big special new series. We have two new Dragon’s! I haven’t been around during filming but I’ve generally found that each dragon brings something different to the Den. Some are analytical, some intuitive, some cautious and their interests are different. We haven’t had two new Dragon’s since way back in the third series, and this is the 11th series. It’s a very interesting phase.

We hear Debra is your favourite Dragon. Why is that?

I always say Debra. I used to say it as she was the only woman. Debra is very grounded. I’ve been to her farm a few times and she has pigs, she’s very earthy. There is something very earthy about someone that keeps pigs. She is all nice.

You chaired the ‘Homophobia in Sport’ panel at this years National Student Pride. How did you become involved in the event and how important do you think events like this are?

Tom Guy who founded Student Pride emailed me. I believe he got my email address from Michael Salter who works at No10 for the Prime Minister and who I know through work and is a bit of a friend. I think these events are important. They offer another opportunity for people to network, make friends, let their hair down and meet new people. It’s not all just about drinking and dancing. They offer more than the usual gay disco. Each generation discovers something through events like this.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

A good movie and a glass of wine. We have motorbikes that we also like to take for a spin in the country. We have a house in France with a nice garden and that’s where we keep the bikes. When the weather is nice we zip around the countryside. I’m a bit of a Sunday biker. I like sexy bikes.

What is your favourite musical?

It has to be ‘The Sound of Music’. I consider it to be in my top 10 favourite movies. I really like the music and it gives me warm childhood Christmas feelings.

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

More from Evan in the August issue of Respect. Evan reveals more about his relationship with his civil partner Guillaume Baltz, a French Landscape Architect and lots more.

@EvanHD

returns to BBC2 in the next few months.

№ 18 | June 2013

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№ 18 | June 2013

presents

OUT in the Army Meet James Wharton Come and hear James read extracts from his book and hear first hand what is was like to be out in the army. You will also be able to purchase a copy of the book and get this signed by James.

Thursday 4 July 2013 6pm until 8.30pm The Co-operative, 1 Angel Square, 8th Floor Terrace, Manchester FREE event. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and network.

Refreshments will be provided.

Limited spaces so be quick!

This event is open to everyone.

RSVP to respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Out in the Army looks at the amazing career journey of James Wharton as he becomes a man, joins the Army and learns to deal with his sexuality in a sometimes hostile environment prior to coming to terms with it and, in turn, helping the army itself come to terms with homosexuality.

Wharton’s experiences in the army form the bedrock to this astonishing tale, his debut book, from serving in Southern Iraq and with Prince Harry in Canada, to being hospitalized in a homophobic beating, to helping at the 7/7 bombings and serving at the Royal Wedding.

His story will be taken right up to the point when James leaves the army in 2013 after a ten year commitment.

James is currently touring secondary schools in the UK as a positive role model for Stonewall in their Education for All campaign, talking of his experiences as an 'out' gay soldier in the British Military. He has also featured in Stonewall's Role Model guide.

James has ranked in the top 20 of the Independent On Sunday's Pink List for the past three consecutive years down to his work fighting homophobia within Britain's schools and his LGB activism commitments.

‘Out in the Army - My Life as a Gay Soldier’ is published by Biteback Publishing Limited on 24 June 2013.

Find out more about James by visiting www.james-wharton.com

Book tour sponsored by Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 35 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

No jazz hands in sight Respect s Entertainment Editor Will O Regan brings us some of his theatre highlights in his third feature for the Respect magazine There’s no business like show business; or so the song

2012 in West End theatres were actually up on the

goes. When you think about it that really is the case when

previous year. This incredible resilience goes to highlight

it comes to the “magic of the musicals”. On stages in

that even in a year that was Olympic in every sense of the

theatres the length and breadth of Britain and right

word the theatres didn’t suffer and punters continued to

around the world a little bit of that something “oh so very

flock to see shows in their hundreds and thousands.

special” is truly alive and kicking when some of the most iconic musical shows come to town and entertain the masses.

Growing up in rural Ireland I didn’t live close to a theatre scene and I longed to see the big name shows like Cats or West Side Story. Logistically restricted I relied on local

Mass appeal isn’t just about cinema these days. The

school Christmas musicals back then for my theatrical fix.

connection between the stage and the big screen has so

Fast-forward to August 2010 and the very first

often produced a critical success. This crossover has

professional musical show I saw was Grease in the West

brought the songs and stories of some of the most

End of London. Starring Noel “Hearsay” Sullivan as Danny

popular musicals in the world to a wide ranging audience

Zuko. That same weekend I was well and truly bitten by

with the big screen treatment. Not wanting to dwell on

the bug and went on to see Oliver at the Theatre Royal

some epic flops for the most part this has proved

Drury Lane, Legally Blonde at The Savoy and rounded off

incredibly successful time and time again. The translation

with Wicked at the Apollo Victoria! Talk about making up

of musicals to the big screen has worked wonderfully well

for lost time!

with the likes of Dream Girls, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and Les Misérables. Likewise The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Billy Elliot, The Lion King are just some musicals that were films first.

When I moved to Manchester that same year just after graduating from University in the North East I was elated to discover that the theatre scene and the world’s biggest musicals almost always come here; it’s not just all about

I’m sure whether a fan or not everyone can name at least

London, and in the case of the stage adaptation of Ghost

one mainstream musical if put on the spot. From Wicked

the musical it made it’s premiere in Manchester before

to Chicago, Phantom of the Opera to Oliver the names go

anywhere else in the world! Since moving here I have

on and on. Nowadays going to see a show has never been

really taken full advantage of the location and been to

more accessible with ticket booking for major shows

many shows in the Palace Theatre, the Opera House and

made so much easier thanks to the advent of the internet.

at the Lowry.

Whilst on the subject of tickets at this year’s Olivier Awards (named after legendary British actor Laurence

Follow Will on Twitter

Olivier and presented to the best of the best) it was very

@Willovision

proudly announced that ticket sales for the year ending

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

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№ 18 | June 2013

For me no trip to New York would have been complete

absolutely fantastic. I cannot recommend it highly

without taking in a Broadway show and I couldn’t write

enough.

about musicals for Respect without making very special mention of the most exciting theatre going experience of my life to date; seeing Matilda the Musical in previews at the Shubert Theatre in the heart of midtown Manhattan in April 2013. The show, which has been a critical and financial success here, has now opened on Broadway. It was great to see that Matilda has maintained it’s British setting and well developed characters in New York despite a lot of pressure for it to become “Americanised” on transfer. Some of the original West End cast has gone with it namely the cruel school headmistress Miss Trunchbull played wickedly by Olivier award winning Brit

I write of London, Manchester and New York theatres but I have to mention the thriving amateur dramatic scene in Britain today. In the greater Manchester area alone there are some 50 societies bringing both plays and musicals to life. It is a hive of raw talent and I have seen some terrific shows recently: Rent and Chess to name just two.

It should be noted that the hard work, characterization, performances and costuming in so many cases really is akin to that of a professional production. It speaks volumes for the healthy state of amateur dramatics at this time.

actor Bertie Carvel and the kind and considerate teacher

What more can I possibly say: I love musicals. Now if only

Miss Honey as brought to life by US actress Lauren Ward.

the cast of the 2008 Dream Girls movie Jennifer Hudson

While the adults were superb it was the child cast

and Beyoncé would bring the original 1980’s production

members that put in performances that stunned. I have

to life… a boy can dream.

never seen a show with so many intricate live technical actions whereby set pieces, props and actors combined in so many scenes to create such a wonderful feast for the eye and the ear. The show has been nominated for a host of Tony awards already and this is no surprise. It was

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If you are interested in getting involved in amateur dramatics in your area why not log onto www.noda.org.uk for more information about societies ‘close to you.

The co-operative 37 Respect Magazine

t i h f o r a t s s t e e m a d Respect l i t a M w o h s d n s e v a West E e r G k c a J Congratulations on your big West End debut in the amazing ‘Matilda’. How did you feel when you found out you’d got the role? It was an overwhelming feeling, i can remember the exact date, time and day..l got goosebumps and I literally screamed down the phone to my agent when he told me.

Tell us a bit more about the role of a ‘swing’ So a 'swing' is a cover for all the ensemble in a show and is a job title rather than a part. For example I have 10 people to cover so if one is off I step in to their role. So in a weeks performance i could essentially play a different role each day, which keeps you on your toes, but is one the most exciting parts of being a swing. It's probably one of the hardest jobs in the theatre Industry.

What has been the highlight of your time in the production?

The biggest highlight would be that it doesn't feel like I go to work, don't get me wrong I work my ass off, but you get so much fulfillment from it that you forget it's a job.

And Matilda has just opened it’s doors on Broadway.

Do you have any ambitions to land a role on Broadway?

YES!!!!! That would be amazing! However, it's easier said than done. I'm a very ambitious person so who knows what the future holds.

Did you always want to be an actor? What about dancing and singing?

Although its my job title I would never put my self in a box of being just and 'Actor' . Long gone are the days of just being able to specialise in one discipline i.e. acting, singing or dancing. In this industry you need to be versatile and be able to do all three.. We like to call it a 'triple threat'.

What is your favourite musical?

Apart from Matilda? Ha, no..There's too many to mention, Musicals are so diverse it hard to pick a favourite.

Twitter: @JackGreaves_ Website: jack-greaves.tumblr.com

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№ 18 | June 2013

Is there a production you dream of performing in?

I would love to be in Hairspray. The music, the choreography, the style, it's so up my street. Also the new musical The Book of Mormon would be another one.

Have any well known celebs come along to watch the show and have you met any of them?

We've had a couple. The ones I've met are Michael Buble, Joan Rivers, John Goodman,Tom Hardy ( just to name a few).

You’re from a small town in the North East of England. How different is your life in London?

It's like two different worlds. London is fast paced, cosmopolitan city, whereas Alnwick is a beautiful, idyllic get away. London has made me appreciate how lucky I was to grow up in the country, although I'm not planning on moving back anytime soon, sorry mum.

What has the response been from your friends back home to your success?

Very positive, it's nice to have friends who I have grown up with who are not in the Industry. Even if we haven't spoken in months, when we do its like nothing's changed.

We hear you’re an illustrator too.

I've always been creative whether it be on the stage or on paper. Originally I was on track to be an Architect, but in my final year of A-levels I changed course to pursue my career in performing. I still love art and sketching, so I've kept it up as a hobby and started a little business called 'GREAVESillustrations' check out my twitter and website for more details twitter: @JackGreaves_ Website: jackgreaves.tumblr.com.

Have you ever experienced homophobia?

The occasional comment here and there, but on the whole not really. I was very lucky and had a very supportive group of friends and family. I was one of the first guys to 'come out' at school, people were quite shocked..I thought it was quite obvious to be honest.

How important do you think it is that children are educated to understand and accept people of all differences, including those that are lesbian, gay and bisexual?

I think it's very important, we live in the 21st century now. This is a new world. I saw an interesting photo the other day of people protesting against black people being integrated with white people in the 1960s next to a picture in 2004 of people protesting against LGBTs with the caption ' How stupid will you look in 40 years'. I do hope that in the years to come that children will be born into a world where they wont know any different and to them it's just "normal" to be Gay, Bi or Straight.

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SATURDAY 29TH JUNE

№ 18 | June 2013

“LOVE (AND MARRIAGE)” T h e Pa r a d e Tr a f a l g a r S q u a r e Soho Summer Rites For full details of the events, how to get involved and purchase tickets:

www.londoncommunitypride.org

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The co-operative 39 Respect Magazine

Respect Interview: M. C. Scott, Author

№ 18 | June 2013

Manda Scott is a veterinary surgeon and writer. Born and educated in Glasgow, she trained at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine and now lives and works in Shropshire, sharing her life with her partner, Inca the lurcher and other assorted wildlife. She is known primarily as a crime writer. Her first novel, Hen's Teeth, hailed by Fay Weldon as 'a new voice for a new world' was shortlisted for the 1997 Orange Prize. Her subsequent novels, Night Mares, Stronger than Death and No Good Deed, for which she was hailed as 'one of Britain's most important crime writers' by The Times.

You’re a best-selling author now, but you didn’t start out writing books. Can you tell us a little about your life before publication?

I grew up in a small Scottish village south of Glasgow. The kind of place where everyone knew everyone else’s business.

I’m sure we all knew I was never going to conform to the Presbyterian standards, but it made life… interesting. I go to the big LGBT events, L-Fest, or Libertas or Pride and see massed groups of teenagers who are happy with their sexuality and it feels so good; such a change in such a short time. It’s not that I wasn’t happy, but I never dared to be open until I went to University and was able to join the GaySoc, which was the beginning of coming out.

I read Veterinary Medicine at Glasgow and then moved south to be a surgical intern at Cambridge Vet School. I stayed in the Cambridge/Newmarket bubble for most of my veterinary career either at the vet school or in the Newmarket specialist horse practices or at the Animal Health Trust. There’s a wealth of veterinary expertise and I loved it. I specialized in anaesthesia and intensive care, first in horses, then, after I went back to Cambridge, in small animals (dogs and cats). I was in a relationship then with a marine biologist who was doing her PhD in Oxford and was pretty open about it: as far as I could tell, I was the only openly gay person of either gender in veterinary academia. The students were wonderful, as were most of the staff. I had one colleague who thought I should be burned at the stake and made sure that whenever I changed jobs, she was there ahead of me, telling them I was unsafe around the female students, which was just too ridiculous for words, but meant that whenever I got to the new place, they were all being extra-nice to make up for it.

So how did you get into writing?

I’d always planned to be a writer and a vet – it was just that being a vet was a lot more of a full time job than I’d imagined.

It’s different in general practice, but at the vet school, I was more or less running the clinical department, on call 24/7 and the days started at 7:30 and finished when we

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ran out of cases which was often closer to midnight than was healthy, so there wasn’t a lot of time for anything else. I got to my thirtieth birthday and thought if I didn’t do something soon, I’d be sixty and still not have done it, so I made time to write my first novel, Hen’s Teeth.

The one that was short-listed for the Orange Prize?

Yes, though I really didn’t make the most of that. I went into work when the news came through and nobody there had

ever heard of the Orange Prize, they thought it was something to do with Jeanette Winterson and Oranges are not the Only Fruit so they kind of patted me on the head and we got on with putting the next set of false hips into an over-bred labrador.

Interview continued on the next page

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№ 18 | June 2013

You must have been pleased, though?

can you say a little bit more about how that came about?

I was ecstatic! Truly, but it was my first novel and everyone had turned it down because the main characters were lesbian and then we got to The Women’s Press who loved the characters but said the plot was ‘too thrilling’ because they only published mysteries, and so I’d had to do a really hard edit. So I was astonished, but also very grateful—they wouldn’t pick a genre novel now and Hen’s Teeth was clearly a contemporary thriller. So it was a good start, and it meant that suddenly having lesbian characters was completely fine and the next three novels were bought

by Headline, who were able to gain rather higher sales.

It wasn’t planned, but then, since the Kellen Stewart books, nobody’s sexuality is planned, it just arises as part of who they are. Everything I could find suggested that the normative concept of a woman being passed from her father to her husband as a chattel is a classical concept which was entirely alien to our culture. We were definitely polygamous and my belief is that if you live 80 people to a round house, without the damage of a judaeo-christian counter-culture, then you’ll form relationships with the people who are closes to you and their gender will be immaterial. This is a time when women could be warriors, dreamers, hunters, tribal leaders… I see no reason why they shouldn’t have had fluid relationships with whoever seemed close at the time. The strongest relationship in that series is undoubtedly that between the woman who becomes the Boudica (the word means, ‘bringer of victory’ and is a title, not a name) and Airmid, but there are heterosexual relationships in there that are as strong, if they don’t last as long.

You’re not with Headline now, are you?

No, I’m with Transworld, which is part of the Random House group. I had written four novels; three in the Kellen Stewart series, and then a fourth which was initially a stand alone thriller, far harder, sharper, more robust than the first three: I’d learned a lot in the writing of them. It was nominated for an Edgar Award in the US and it seemed like my crime-writing career was taking off, until it became apparent that I needed to write the Boudica series and I needed to do it then, not some distant point in an imaginary future. My editor at Headline didn’t want me to shift into a new genre, and so I was lucky to find an editor at Transworld who saw what I was trying to do and made a good offer for the series.

And what were you trying to do?

I was trying to answer the questions raised by Rosemary Sutcliff, really. I’d read, Eagle of the Ninth in my childhood and had always wanted to know what the natives, whom she termed the ‘Seal People’ did before the Romans came. The Boudica series gave me a chance to build the world as it could have been before the invasion, to look at who we were, in order to see who we could be if we let go f fifteen hundred years of Romanisation. My spiritual path is shamanic and Boudica lived in the time of the druids— they’re called dreamers in the book —who were our shamanic culture. I made it a rule that every part of dreaming in the first book, I had either done or seen done, albeit in different circumstances. I had to bend it slightly for book 2, but it’s largely true for the series, particularly now that I’m teaching shamanic dreaming courses: there’s no better way to learn than to teach.

You had gay characters in Boudica, men and women,

The Boudica series stretched to four books, and was followed by the Rome series.

Are they similar?

The Crystal Skull came between these two, but it was largely for fun. The Rome books are spy thrillers, which sets them apart; they’re faster and sharper than the Boudica series, and the dreaming takes more of a back seat. Partly that’s because I don’t have to build a world, and partly simply because it’s the nature of spy thrillers that they must move fast. Some of the surviving characters from the final Boudica book make it through to the Rome series, but each of those is a standalone, with only the central character, Pantera, whose name means Leopard, as the Emperor’s Spy, who runs through them all.

There’s a lesbian thread to the first two and the third one, surprisingly (well, it surprised me) has a very strong gay male thread.

Demalion of Macedon, the book’s central character, needed to make life-long, strong relationships and in a legion that moved about as much as the

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Twelfth did, that had to be with men. A friend who writes similar books told me I had the ‘biggest balls in the business’ for making a gay character in a style of book that’s generally thought of as being rigidly heterosexual, but it was undoubtedly the right thing to do.

That’s the most recent book, The Eagle of the Twelfth? Is it named after the Rosemary Sutcliff book?

It is, indeed. I waited decades to write this book and I can’t tell you how much fun it was at least, to be able to write the story of a legion, so that we can understand the pain when the Eagle is lost – but in this case, it’s a historically accurate loss, not the myth of Sutcliff’s eagle. (Which doesn’t detract from her book. Next to Mary Renault’s Alexander trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth is one of my all-time favourite books).

You’ve changed careers once already, are you planning to change again?

Not if I can help it, unless you count the change of direction within writing, from contemporary thrillers to historical. I’ll flip back on that one shortly when Absolution is published – it’s the sequel to No Good Deed, the book that was short-listed for the Edgar. I’ve had the idea on a slow boil at the back of my mind for ages and finally got around to writing it. I have ideas for other types of books that will stand outside the genre boundaries, and I have a screen play for a lesbian Pygmalion which I’m still trying to place (why do the women always need the men to help them find what they can be?), so that might count as a bit of a side-step, but if I can carry on making a living as a writer, I’ll do it. My partner designs and makes a range of couture dresses for girls (I’m not with the marine biologist any more, obviously) and we’re both happy working from home: I’ll be very peaceful if that continues.

Manda’s books are available at bookshops and online. Her website and blog can be found at mcscott.co.uk or tweet her @hare_wood

The co-operative 41 Respect Magazine

â„– 18 | June 2013

Respect s Summer Playlist : Volume 1 Some of our current favourite tracks

2

1

3 4

6

5 7

8 1.

JLO ft Pitbull

4.

Live It Up

Robin Thicke

5.

Gentleman

Out now Diana Vickers Cinderella Out 21 July

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The Saturdays Out 30 June

6.

Tegan & Sara I Was A Fool

Out now

Blurred Lines

3.

7.

Only Teardrops

Out now 2.

Emmelli de Forest

Out now 8.

Daft Punk Get Lucky Out now

Selena Gomez Come & Get It Out 14 July

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№ 18 | June 2013

Wish you were here.....is the theme to our next issue of Respect. It is going to be another packed edition and we will be bringing you our top holiday destinations - home and away - as well as letting you know the places where being gay is sadly ‘not ok’.

Plus lots of member features, interviews and lots more.

Do you need some support?

Here’s where to go…

Colleague Support In your workplace

If you are able to speak to your line manager, that would be the preferred route (unless of course your line manager is the issue).

Alternatively, you can speak to your HR manager if this is preferable.

Respect

You can also contact the Respect network for confidential support and guidance.

The Employee Engagement & Diversity Team

The team can offer advice about specific matters relating to issues in the workplace and point you in the right direction. You can contact them by email at inclusive.teams@cooperative.coop or call 0161 246 2646.

Employee Assistance Programme Validium

You can contact and talk in confidence with one of Validium’s professional counsellors or specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: UK Landline: 0800 970 1030 - Mobile: 0330 332 9996 For online support join vClub at validium.com Username: Coop Password: Group1844

Speak Up

We have a whistle-blowing hotline called ‘Speak Up’. You can call free on 0800 374199. Calls are handled by an external provider.

Callers can remain anonymous and untraceable.

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The co-operative 43 Respect Magazine

№ 18 | June 2013

We recruit a truly diverse workforce Everyone here has an equal opportunity to find their pot of gold

As a business that truly values diversity, we’re immensely proud to be ranked 3rd on the 2013 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index – the only retailer to appear in the Top 100. And the fact that g3 magazine readers voted us their ‘LGBT Network Group of the Year’ at the 2013 g3 & Out In The City Readers’ Awards, we think, speaks volumes about our genuine passion for diversity and inclusion too.

Our inclusive employee LGBT network Respect, has over 1200 members and offers networking, mentoring, development and social opportunities to our people across the UK. And, this proactive commitment to practicing what we preach is also reflected in our team members, who are all as individual and diverse as the communities and customer base that they serve.

We are passionate about equal opportunities and welcome a broad diversity of talent to apply.

Please take a look at our wide range of career opportunities at www.co-operative.jobs

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