Network Buzz Issue 4 by Inclusive Networks

BUZZ ISSUE 4 | APRIL - MAY 2015 www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk FREE

C O V E R S TA R

MICHELLE VISAGE

DARREN HAYES

She shares her passion for equality with us

We chat to him about his new comedy podcast, The He Said He Said Show, his return to music (or not) and his love for Waitrose

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

We find out more about their Enfys network

#OUTCOME | Jen Gagg | Out & About |

FUJITSU

Beautiful Thing | LGBT Foundation |

Shining a light on diversity in the workplace

Network News | Vanessa Pellegrin | RBS Focused Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network | + much more

Presented by

Raise vital funds to help stamp out bullying and discrimination by taking part in this fun community walk. Open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. 10k or 3k route

12pm start, garden party until 6pm

Live music, food, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment Registration ÂŁ15, children 12 and under go free e media partn

Have fun and raise money for LGBT equality!

s i g n u p n o w a t e q u a l i ty wa l k . o rg.u k 020 7593 1875 |

equalitywalk@stonewall.org.uk |

Reg. charity number 1101255. Photography courtesy of Simon Callaghan.

@equalitywalk

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

BUZZ The UK’s first magazine for

Network Groups

4| 6|

Welcome to Network Buzz Out & About

7-10 |

Interview : Darren Hayes

12 | 13-14 |

Molly talks careers advice Network Eye

15-17 | 18-19 |

Fujitsu Shine Network Jen Gagg talks equality

20 |

Interview : Martin Delaney &

40-41 18-19 21 |

Rez Kempton Being a member of... The RBS Focused Women’s Network

29-32

7-10

47-51 22-26 JOIN OUR MAILING LIST AND KEEP UPDATED ON OUR EVENTS, PUBLICATIONS, NEWS AND COMPETITIONS. REGISTER AT www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

22-26 |

Interview : Michelle Visage

27 | 29-32 |

The IN List Cardiff Uni Enfys Network

34-35 | 36 |

Awareness raising dates Three Questions : Part 1

37-39 |

Interview : Vanessa Pellegrin

40-41 |

Interview : Vanessa Babirye

43 | 44-46 |

Three Questions : Part 2 LGBT Foundation

47-51 |

#OUTCOME

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 4

EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

USE YOUR VOTE ON 7 MAY

Welcome to Network Buzz A warm welcome to all of our 'Friends of Inclusive Networks', we're delighted to have you with us. It’s been all go at Inclusive Networks HQ since the last issue of Network Buzz. I’ve met so many fantastic networks all over the UK, each at different stages of their journey, but each doing great things to support inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Great to meet you all. Our first Inclusive Networks event is on 5th May and is a collaboration with leading children’s charity Action for Children and it’s a sell out which is fantastic. The event will focus on network group branding and engaging with your members. Our awesome panel includes Indy Hothi and Anisha Seth, Co-leads of the EY Sikh Network, Andrew Barratt, Chair of Ogilvy Pride UK, Claire Cahill, Chair of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network at Action for Children, Celebrate and Matt Day, Network Secretary of the LGBT network at the John Lewis

Partnership, Pips (Pride in Partnership). We’ll be letting you know more about the event in the next issue of Network Buzz. I was honoured to speak at the InterEngineering event at WSP in London last month alongside representatives from Stonewall, Transport for London and BP. It was a great event where many businesses in the sector shared their own network group journeys - with many just starting it. The collaboration and support I witnessed was very encouraging to see. Good luck everyone! Well done to the small team of volunteers who made the event happen. It's Mental Health Awareness Week between 11-17 May. It's a great way to raise awareness of mental health and well-being issues in the workplace and beyond. We have lots of plans to raise awareness of the week and we are delighted to be collaborating with wonderful mental health and well-being charity PACE on a number of features and some

WWW | www.facebook.com/inclusivenetworks & /OUTintheUK | @IncNetworks | @OUTintheUK | @NetworkBuzzMag | info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk Editor & Chief Executive Thomas Anderson @thomasinmanc thomas@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk Advertising info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk Inclusive Networks & OUT in the UK logos Designers Up North www.designersupnorth.com

Contributors Thank you to everyone that spared the time to contribute to our fourth edition. It wouldn’t have all been possible without this incredible support. Big thanks to my partner Matthew for his continued support.

other exciting initiatives that we'll be announcing soon. Earlier this month I also contributed to a great article that's been published by Gay Star News called, 'How to set up an LGBT employee resource group or network', alongside representatives from Ford, Eli & Lilly, Lloyds and American Express. Check it out here. Please get in touch if you’d like to share your work, or need any support developing or getting your network off the ground. Together we can achieve so much more. I hope you enjoy this issue of Network Buzz.

Thomas Thomas Anderson

Network Buzz Editor & Founder & Chief Executive of Inclusive Networks and George House Trust Ambassador @thomasinmanc

10,000 + followers T H A N K

Y O U

Disclaimer ©2015 OUT in the UK Ltd registered in England and Wales no. 08975724 All rights reserved. Material is strictly copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from OUT in the UK Ltd is forbidden. We’ve taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine but we cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of OUT in the UK Ltd. Images included of people do not indicate their sexuality.

AWARDS 2015

A unique event where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be celebrating and rewarding the network groups,employees,allies and organisations who are making a positive difference in the workplace and beyond. Fourteen diverse categories - many new to the diversity awards scene. Celebrating the doers!

Nominate at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards Nominations close on 5th July | Awards reception on 19th November

Presented by

Charity partner

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 6

Out & About Get involved. Events you may be interested in.

Imaginate Festival

Portsmouth Pride

Connah’s Quay Festival

11th - 17th May 2015

20th June 2015

5th July 2015

Edinburgh, Various venues

Victoria Park, Portsmouth

Wepre Park, Connah’s Quay

As the largest and most successful performing arts festival for children and young people in the UK, it’s an opportunity to see the best children’s theatre the world has to offer. Great family fun!

A free family event that is bringing colour to the streets of Portsmouth. The team organising the event have a big family focused Variety Show planned and it’s going to be a truly inclusive event where everyone is welcome.

The community focussed Festival returns to the beautiful Wepre Park. You can expect lots of live music from local acts, family entertainment, stalls from local businesses and charities and you can sample the culinary delights the food venders have to offer too. With a fun and upbeat atmosphere, check it out!

www.imaginate.org.uk @ImaginateUK

Inclusive Networks is proud to be a Sponsor of the event. www.portsmouthpride.co.uk @PridePompey

Sparkle

If you’re interested in having a stall at the event, email the team at connahsquayfestival@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ connahsquayfestival @ConnahsQuayFest

Sparkle

Southampton Mela Festival 11th July 2015 Hoglands Park, Southampton A free family event with something for everyone. Expect an assortment of musical styles from South Asia and around the world – Indian Classical, Bollywood, Folk, World Music, Asian Fusion, Flamenco and Bhangra. Plus, exciting dance acts and family activities celebrating South Asian and world culture. Plus lots of delicious food and drinks.

10th - 12th July 2015 Canal Street area, Manchester Sparkle – the national transgender celebration is the worlds largest transgender event. For the last 10 years they’ve been celebrating with the trans community in July in Manchester. It has just been announced that ASDA are sponsoring the main stage.

Over the Sparkle Weekend there are lots of celebrations with music from up and coming acts and some established ones too, diverse events, talks and workshops, stalls and lots of things to keep you entertained. Even better, it’s FREE to attend. VIP tickets are available. www.sparkle.org.uk @SparkleWeekend

Share details of your events with our readers If you’d like us to share the details of an event you’re planning, or one you think our readers would be interested in, then let us know about it!

www.southamptonmela.com @art_asia

Southampton Mela Festival

Email the details to us at info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk and we’ll help spread the word and celebrate your work.

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Cover Star Interview

DARREN HAYES As one half of Savage Garden he’s responsible for some of the most memorable songs on the 1990’s. With music now taking a back seat, we chat to Darren about his new comedy podcast, The He Said He Said Show and lots more. INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 8

For anyone that hasn’t heard the podcast yet. How would you introduce it? It's a comedy show very much like an audio version of the Odd Couple - with much more swearing. It's a show for fans of comedy, fans of nerd culture and then the great thing is it's for gay and straight people. Tim is 100% straight and I'm 100% gay and we're very close friends. The fact that we see the world through completely different viewfinders is I think what makes our friendship and the show so special.

Where did the idea for The He Said He Said Show come from? How did you turn the idea in to a reality? I met Tim Stanton when we were both students of improv sketch comedy at the Groundlings theatre in Los Angeles. It's traditionally known as the place many people from Saturday Night Live were discovered. It's a very competitive school and it's a tough process but we met and connected immediately. I just knew he had a great energy, made me laugh and I wanted to work with him.

How do you agree on the content for each podcast and are there any topics that are a no go area? Do you encourage suggestions for future podcasts from your fans and followers? The great thing about our show is there really is no filter. Obviously every comedian has a line they don't cross but we are both pretty firmly in the camp that you really should be able to joke about anything. Comedy is one of the most political tools for causing change and for just examining the status quo of society. Joking about

a stereotype for example, often shines a light on how absurd the stereotype is, rather than reinforcing it. The show really is a conversation between two friends who love nerd culture so much of the show stems from what is happening in pop culture this week. Then of course there are tons of segments almost like a sketch show. Games, challenges etc.

Do you think it would work as a TV show and if you were asked to develop a show based on the format of the podcast, would you be up for that? We definitely do. We're fans of many of the classic comedy duos from Tony Randal and Jack Klugman all the way through to Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. So naturally a visual component would make sense. We are comedy writing partners and we perform improv together as well so we definitely see the opportunity to expand working together.

You’ve dabbled in some stand up comedy recently too. We’d love to know more about this? The 'stand up' you're referring to was a prank issued by Tim to me on our show. Part of The He Said He Said Show involves each of us issuing challenges, usually designed to humiliate the other one though originally we said it was to experience new experiences haha! But that was stand up written by Tim, and I had no idea what I had to say until I got up on stage. It was excruciating fun. All performing is performing to me and what is great about acting and comedy is that I feel the same connection to

the stage. I'm an artist and it's just another vehicle for expression.

Do you have any comedy role models? Stephen Merchant is probably my spirit animal. I love early Ellen DeGeneres stand-up, I love Lily Tomlin, Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld and my most favourite new comedian is probably Kyle Mooney.

“I'm honestly proud I have remained a decent human being after a journey that can be very traumatic. Sure there are spoils of success but there is a huge price. Nothing is free.”

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

There’s been lots of attention on Jay-Z’s new TIDAL site. What are your thoughts on this new platform for accessing music? I think the problem is that all the digital platforms make money and pass it on to the record labels. The problem has been that the record labels don't share how much they receive or pass on a fair share to artists. The general public is paying for music and they see artists as complaining but what recent developments are trying to show is that the artists are not actually receiving the lion's share of earnings. It's labels. I'm not sure how the new modes will change this but that's the gist I believe. I feel sort of out of the conversation to be honest. It's part of the reason I don't enjoy making music at the moment because the industry is so confused.

You’ve always put lots of thought and effort into the physical formats of your releases. Do you think there will always be a place for physical releases?

I love physical releases - and I've always been sentimental about them. I think people release physical formats now for two reasons. Firstly because they want to make music special and secondly because they want to give people a reason to pay for it when it's so easy to steal.

Many new artists are open about being gay, lesbian or bisexual from the beginning of their career. Do you think an artist being open to all about their sexuality is now no longer an issue to record labels? I think we've come a long way but we have a long way to go. Most gay artists will tell you it's frustrating to have your sexuality be an adjective used to describe what you do. That puts you in a box and that can feel limiting. Are we further along than we were in the 80's? Of course. But it took a long time for a Sam Smith to arrive. I hope there are more. I genuinely feel lucky to live in this era and I have hope for future generations that they'll live in a world where your sexuality is no more or less important than your shoe size.

You’ve experienced many huge achievements in your music career. What are you most proud of professionally and personally? I'm honestly proud I have remained a decent human being after a journey that can be very traumatic. Sure there are spoils of success but there is a huge price. Nothing is free. So I'm glad I'm still here and that I love what I do and that I have love in my life. That's all anyone can ask for.

Are there still things in music that you want to achieve and experience? Maybe one day.

Do you have any plans to release new music in the near future? I have no plans at all. Kate Bush took 12 years between records last time. I may do the same. I may never make another record or I may put one out tomorrow. I'll do whatever I feel in the moment. Right now it's not music.

A musical phenomenon 39 million albums sold Four solo studio albums One collaborative studio album Two Savage Garden studio albums One ‘Best Of’ album Two US number one singles Huge hits including ‘Insatiable’, ‘Pop!ular’,‘Truly Madly Deeply’,‘To the Moon and Back’ and ‘I Want You’ The most played song on US radio in 1999 with ‘I Knew I Loved You’ - a huge US No1 hit single Darren’s solo albums pictured, bottom right to left : Spin (2002), The Tension and the Spark (2004), This Delicate Thing We’ve Made (2007) and Secret Codes and Battleships (2011)

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 10

So you’ve been teleported back to 1996. What would you say to the younger Darren Hayes? Any advice or guidance? I wrote a letter to my 15 year old self that pretty much covers this. I'm sure you could google it. The gist is, the thing that makes you a target of bullying is the thing that makes you special.

After ten years of living in the UK you moved to America in 2012. Is there anything that you miss? They were amazing years. I miss friends, green commons, walking my dog without a lead, seasons, British TV and Waitrose.

When are you at your happiest? When I'm loved.

Keep connected The He Said He Said Show Download the podcast from iTunes and STITCHER for free Keep updated by following the show on Twitter @HeSaidShow and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hesaidhesaidshow

Darren Hayes www.darrenhayes.com www.facebook.com/DarrenHayesOfficial @DarrenHayes

“I’m a little twelve year old on the inside at times. Never lose your inner child as I think that’s when people go wrong and they lose their ability to enjoy the little things in life and get too serious.” Read our interview with ‘Finally’ hit-maker CeCe Peniston at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/entertainment/cece-peniston/

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 12

it’s Molly CARES ABOUT WRITING ABOUT THINGS SHE

Is careers advice in schools up to scratch? I have always been a young age I appreciatvery ambitious person. From a ed the importance of wo hard and valuing my education. I believe th rking me, a lot of that cam at for e fro parents and grandpar m having very supportive en grandpa. In a way I alw ts- especially my lovely would be able to achi ays felt that if I worked hard, I eve what I wanted. As I got older the cla ssic question “So wh at do you want to do when you grow up?” started to crop up more and more. For some youngsters ev en the thought of growing up is extremely daun ting. In the past, the question im decision and stick to plied that you had to make the it. Once you have de cided your career path, that’s it. That’s your whole lif e planned out. Now it is much m or have a career change e common for individuals to , some even plan for this in advance! My mothe r for 20 years before takfor example was a city lawyer ing the brave decision her own business in to start an entirely new field. I only really remem ber having one ‘appo intment’ which was meant to help me decide my ca reer path. An external party ca me into school to tal k to all of the year 9’s. We wer e put into groups of 3-5 and asked to fill in a form and career ideas. It th detailing our skills, interests en got converted into points system where a we were then allocate kind of d a big catalogue type book with all the jobs that suited us. At the time I found it qu can barely remembe ite exciting, but in reality I suited to’. I think thatr what job or industry I was ‘best in itself indicates ho w this was. The only ot her advice I remembe helpful r receiving was a webs ite link, you had to sit down for a good hour answerin g lots of questions an d then at the end it would tell very boring and uninyou what job would suit you. A spiring process. My secondary school was an extremely go od ticking all of OFSTED ’s boxes. But employa school, bility and life skills weren’t re ally on the priority lis t and unfortunately I don’ t th For me, I think that is ink this is an isolated case. every school should really worrying. I believe that have real careers adv ice and

Molly Aldrich-Winc er mollyaldrichwincer .wordpress.com

information accessibl leaflets and posters e to every student, not just with web addresses. Students often need to talk through their career ideas and have the rig ht information avail able to establish what they need to do to get ther e. A lot of young people I know now have had to figur e it all out on their own. This is pa students that don’t wi rticularly a problem for sh to go to university. I believe the real question we need to think about is what is the point of education ? It is now a legal requ for young people to irement stay in (some form of ) education until they are 18. Man school and college wi y young people are leaving th impressive grades but little understanding of wh at skills and experie nce you need to be employable .

“I believe that ever y school should have real careers advice and information access ible to every student, not ju st leaflets and poster s with web addresses.”

I believe every optio n that is out there in term working, apprentices hips, training, universi s of colleges, evening cla ties, sses and Open Unive rsity courses and so on sh ould all be explained in detail. They should be expla all equally appealing ined in a way that makes them , wi which is ‘better’. Ever th no bias leaning towards yone is different and the education system sh ould make sure that everyone is prepared for their ow n journey, allowing yo ung people to access the ca reer path that they tru desire. ly

To get in touch with Molly, follow her on twitter @maldrichw email her at mollyaw incer or @hotmail.co.uk

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

IN groups In Issue3 of Network Buzz we highlighted the inspiring and fantastic work of lots of network groups all over the UK. We’re thrilled that lots of networks continue to respond to our open invitation for news and snippets for future issues. March was a very active time for lots of networks with many key diversity and awareness raising days falling, including International Women’s Day and Transgender Day of Visibility that saw hundreds of events taking place all over the UK and many organisations and networks hosting events.

Big thanks to everyone that submitted news and updates for this issue. Keep checking our website and follow us on Twitter for lots more network group related content. Well done to all of the active network groups who continue to support inclusion in the workplace and beyond. We’re seeing many incredible examples of innovation. Keep having fun! Keep them coming! Email us your network news and updates to info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 14

in brief

Disability, GLEE and Military Networks On 30th March, PwC's Disability, GLEE (@GLEE@PwC) and Military networks hosted a panel debate and Q&A session at their offices in London. The event focused on the potential issues around the disclosure of disability, mental health, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith. Some of the many thought provoking topics covered were: • Why, when and how to disclose; • The benefits of disclosing or not disclosing; • The business value for creating an inclusive environment. The panel was hosted by Warwick Hunt, PwC UK Executive Board, Chief Financial Officer, and the distinguished panel included: Dr Christian Jessen, TV's Embarrassing Bodies Kate Nash OBE, Leading consultant and campaigner on disability in the workplace Sarah Churchman, PwC UK Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Sir David Walker KCVO OBE, Former Senior RAF Officer and Equerry to Her Majesty The Queen Here’s what some of the attendees had to say about the event on Twitter Some powerful observations and messages in tonight's debate #todiscloseornot @AnneHurst1 Very interesting and insightful session on the subject of #todiscloseornot with @GLEEPwCUK. Fascinating experiences being shared @SimonRodgers

Photo by @KulveerRanger

PwC

Tesco were recognised by Stonewa" Scotland for their work supporting the charities #nobystanders campaign and promoting transgender equality. This is being driven by their inclusive LGBTI network group, OUT at Tesco.

On 11th April, the @EYSikhNetwork in collaboration with the Mayor of London hosted an amazing series of events at City Hall in London to celebrate Vaisakhi. The events were well attended and ranged from traditional dance to artist @Inkquisitive amazing the crowds with his artistic skills. We heard amazing things about the day.

The Girl’s Network In late March, the fantastic ‘The Girl’s Network’ hosted two mentoring events in Portsmouth that focused on the art of networking and helping those attending gain confidence when speaking to diﬀerent women. They began with a demonstration of just how many people can help you with either their own knowledge and experience or the connections they have to other people. They used a long ball of string to illustrate how we can support each other. The attendees loved this activity and the evening had a special 'buzz.' We can’t wait to hear about what’s next. @TheGirlsNet

Glasgow University KC Soc On 25th March the RBS Focused Women’s Network hosted their annual conference. The theme of this years event was 'Inspire the Future'. Speakers included Helene Reardon-Bond, Deputy Director, Government Equalities Oﬃce.

The KC Soc ‘Retreat’ event on 22nd March 2015 @ Krishna Eco Farm was a day packed full of nourishment and finding out how to harmonize the demands of the body, mind and soul! Attendees experienced the tranquillity of a harmonized spiritual lifestyle in South Lanarkshire. The programme included yoga, meditation, an eco-farm tour, music, dance, joy, bliss and a delicious vegan meal. www.facebook.com/gukcsoc/

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Shining a light on diversity in the workplace Shine is the LGB+ network for employees of Fujitsu in UK & Ireland and we formally launched in November 2013. Fujitsu has a global philosophy which includes respect for individuals and society, so creating Shine seemed a natural step. We recognise the importance of people being able to bring their whole selves to work which helps with recruitment, retention, productivity and a more positive and respectful environment. Not only is that vital in attracting and retaining the best talent, and therefore driving us forward as a business, but it also demonstrates Fujitsu cares about how we do business and our impact on communities and subgroups within them.

By Martin York Chair, Shine LGB+ network, Fujitsu

I’m Chair of Shine and, alongside a small number of colleagues, form the active nucleus of the group. We have joint responsibility for core functions including communication, internal engagement and social. Anyone in Fujitsu can join whether they are LGB+ or not. Steven Cox (VP and Head of Public Sector) is our Executive Sponsor and is very supportive, playing an active part in the group. We are fortunate that diversity and inclusion has visible support from the top of our organisation. “As Executive Sponsor for Shine I am passionate about harnessing the potential to be had from difference in the workplace. Creating a truly inclusive environment where we can all be ourselves is a fundamental part of how Fujitsu chooses to operate in UK & Ireland. I am proud of the progress Shine has made in a short timescale and look forward to continuing to champion the network group as it grows and matures.” Steven Cox, Vice President and Head of Public Sector, Fujitsu UK&I

Martin York

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 16

FUJITSU

Network members proudly showing their support at Manchester Pride

Taking action At Shine, we have regular meetings alternating face-to-face and conference calls. This year we will be holding video conferences too. The network also sends out regular emails and we have an intranet site and Twitter account (@ShineLGB). Across Fujitsu, managers are encouraged to accommodate requests to attend from team members, and D&I-related objectives are set for employees. Of course participation is on a voluntary basis. Diversity is not something we consider as an afterthought. It runs throughout the company and is built into how we attract entrylevel employees. Fujitsu is one of the only companies in the IT sector to promote corporate responsibility and an inclusive approach as an integral part of our graduate and industrial placement. With that in mind, we took part in National Student Pride for the first time this year. We

believe building this into the induction process makes a positive difference to how we engage with customers and suppliers; it’s something our new entrants say they value so it’s a win-win. Shine also participated in London and Manchester Pride events last year and will do the same in 2015. Michael Keegan, our Chief Executive, has volunteered to march with us at London Pride. How’s that for visible support? I developed an LGB+ Mentoring programme with the help of fellow Shine members which launched across the UK in November. We have a number of corporate Mentoring programmes which focus on specific areas of the business or job roles. I felt the confidential and respectful nature of a mentoring relationship would lend itself to exploration of LGB+ related topics and issues. We had a really positive response from colleagues keen to become mentors and we continue to promote this as an additional way Shine is providing support. Shine also hosted an Inclusion Motivates event in February. Over

70 internal and external guests attended a thought-provoking event with speakers including Sarah Foster (Stonewall), Roland White (IBM), our own Steven Cox and our keynote speaker John Amaechi OBE, who gave an inspirational talk on motivation and the impact your actions can have on others. Working with my fellow leads in our other inclusion groups is also important. We also recently held a national Fujitsu Diversity and Inclusion week where members of each of our groups (Shine, SEED disability, Gender and Cultural Diversity) hosted awareness stands at our major sites, published an information site and newsletter, held a prize competition and created our first Inclusion video.

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

“

It’s important for us to provide more visible and direct support and awareness raising for subgroups that are within the LGBT “family”.

”

Effecting change outside the organisation

Apart from our membership and engagement with Stonewall, we are working with InterTech LGBT to help them establish a regional presence in the Northwest. I spoke about our LGB+ Mentoring programme at their inaugural event in Manchester in March. We are also exploring options to support other charities that promote LGBx equality and combat homophobia and transphobia.

Network members smiling with Pride with icon Sir Ian McKellen at London Pride It’s important for us to provide more visible and direct support and awareness raising for subgroups that are within the LGBT “family”. We are in discussion with colleagues who have a focus on gender identity and hope this might lead to a more formalised Trans+ representation within the group. I’m also keen to increase visible female representation. With a welldeveloped approach we can deliver tangible benefits to the business and our colleagues within it. Building sustainable relationships with similar networks in other organisations is important. My counterparts have been extremely open and willing to share what they’ve learned to help us

establish ourselves quickly, even in organisations that are traditionally our competitors, which is particularly encouraging. And of course as we grow and become more mature in our approach I’m equally keen for us to help others who are less far along their journey. If you are in an LGBx group in another organisation, we’d love to hear from you! Ultimately I’d like us to be recognised as being a benchmark organisation that delivers LGBx (and other types of) diversity and inclusion for its employees and business contacts particularly well. I know this is a continual journey and we are always learning. Long may it continue.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Over the last four issues of Network Buzz we’ve featured a diverse

We need you We want to be even more inclusive

range of network groups features and interviews, with lots more on the way too. There are a few network group strands that have been underrepresented and we’d love to hear from more disability, faith, race, ethnicity and cultural heritage networks. If you know a network group that may be interested in having their work profiled and shared with thousands of people, we’d love to know about them. Drop us a line at info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk Speak soon!

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 18

Equality never sleeps We chat to Jen Gagg about her 27 years working in the prison service. Her role as an Equality Officer is one she does with passion. I have been in the Prison Service as a Prison Officer for 27 years this year. I have always been passionate about fairness, decency, respect, equality and diversity. In the 70’s I came out as gay and went through some difficult times and personally faced discrimination and isolation and at one point I was homeless. My zest for raising diversity awareness has not waned. I wanted to learn more about different cultures, disabilities and difference, I was never confident at getting things down on paper but preferred trying to achieve better outcomes for all by raising awareness so people did not feel how I felt in the 70’s. I was given the opportunity to be the Equality Officer in 2008, first part time and then full time. My role is to ensure that we can demonstrate and assist the Governor in our General Duty under the Equality Act 2010. We do have Government Inspections and Equality is audited, so my responsibility is to provide them with evidence that we are achieving their expectations.

I knew what I wanted to achieve, we have a diverse workforce and a diverse prison population. Equality is at times the last item on the agenda but my vision was for managers and staff to think about equality in their decisions and equality and diversity to be embedded. I am thankful to the Governors and to my present Governor Diane Pellew, that I have had, in the last 5 years been able to go into the community, to learn from what the agencies and other people are doing and then bringing that knowledge into the workplace e.g. autism, learning disabilities, human trafficking and Trans* issues and there are many people to thank for that. Although I am shy at heart I love presenting equality and diversity to an audience and the achievements and the positive feedback from delegates does mean so much to me. I was invited onto a:gender steering group (support network for transsexual and intersex staff in government and agencies) and recently have been asked to work with them for another 2 years as

the Diversity Lead under their new Chair Karen Dawn Harvey and feel proud to do so. I have just completed the training to be a dementia champion and will deliver information sessions this year but I will never stop wanting to learn more.

“I truly believe that people should feel that they can be themselves and with education and raising awareness, ‘acceptance’ is key, we can all make a difference.”

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

One of the highlights so far this year was to receive a Butler Trust Certificate from HRH Princess Royal for my work in Equality and have been nominated in the Excellence and Diversity Awards and still can’t believe that it is me . I do not find it easy to talk about myself and always put my heart

and soul into my work and I care about people. My day job keeps me grounded and I work with great people. I set myself high personal standards, I try and keep myself visible and network as much as I can in and out of work. I truly believe that people should feel that they can be themselves and with education and raising awareness,

‘acceptance’ is key, we can all make a difference. My motto is ‘equality never sleeps’ and I shall keep going even in retirement.

What has been the proudest

Are there still things you

What role do you think

moment in your career

want to achieve?

diversity celebration days

to date? One of my proudest moments was having worked from a blank canvas at the establishment, it was my first equality audit and it is tense time waiting for the outcome. We got a green audit but when she said it was the best Equality work she had ever seen in any organisation , my emotions took over and felt so proud of the work and for everyone who contributed.

Ha, Ha. Working full time, there are not enough hours in my working life but I would like to be a Diversity Role Model and go into schools. My involvement with a:gender means a lot to me and I am looking forward to working with this Government support network and raising their profile further. I enjoy interacting with people and there is still so much to learn about life. I just want to make a difference.

COMMUNITY NEWS It’s movie time with Rainbow Biz Our friends over at Rainbow Biz have been busy planning a community cinema in Connah's Quay, North Wales. They hope to do their first screening in August. They need lots of support to make the initiative a huge success and want to hear from people who can give some time, and also from people who want to learn new skills and would benefit from some community work experience. You’ll get a full reference to reflect your contribution too. A project with a huge positive social impact.

If you’d like to be involved email the team at flicks@rainbowbiz.org.uk and follow them on Twitter @RainbowBizUK

like 'International Women's Day' and 'National Coming Out Day' have in promoting greater understanding and inclusion in society? Oh, I go back to my school years when history was a 2hr dictation. It would have been great if we were taught about the Windrush boat, Alan Turing and influential women e.g. inventors. We had no technology like today or speakers coming in. I believe it would have helped others and inspired those that felt they were in a minority group. Teaching difference is important and it benefits society in so many ways in fostering respect. One day we may not need International Women’s Day, National Coming Day or Black History Month, everyone is invited to the events. Today it is important to embrace it, celebrate it as it is tomorrow and I want to be a part of that.

Follow Jen on Twitter @GaggWitch

Rainbow Biz talking about the project in local paper ‘The Leader’

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 20

NEW MOVIE

Amar, Akbar & Tony

their Catholic take stock of sh Iri an d an lim us M A Sikh, a ra’s coming London in Atul Malhot ry ra po em nt co in es liv y drama. of age romantic comed stars of the movie, We chat to two of the ft). t) & Rez Kempton (le Martin Delaney (righ

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

We’d love to know more about the new movie REZ : Amar, Akbar & Tony is about three childhood friends – a Sikh, a Muslim and an Irish Catholic who have grown up together in the suburbs of West London. The film follows their story as they come of age and search out the loves of their lives.

How did you get involved in the movie and what attracted you to the role? MARTIN : I met for it, did a reading with Rez and the Director Atul, then came back and did a chemistry read with all three of us lads together. Atul then offered me the job in the room! I loved the character of Tony, I thought he would be so much fun to play and I was right, it really was. Plus, I really liked the idea of a coming of age style movie set in London. REZ : I had previously worked with Atul Malhotra (Director) on a short film and a couple of commercials. I was always a huge fan of his work and knew he’d make a fabulous feature filmmaker. So when he told me he’d written a script I was really keen to read it. It was worth waiting for – I loved it. Amar’s a great part. He goes on quite a journey in the film and I could really relate to his experiences. He’s the “sensible” one of the three

and carries on his shoulders his families honour. Having grown up in similar circumstances I could really understand Amar’s character.

Do you think some prejudices like racism, sexism and homophobia are still as widespread and commonplace as they once were?

Amar, Akbar & Tony all practice different religions and faiths – a Sikh, a Muslim and an Irish Catholic. In 2015, does three friends, with three different faiths, pose any cultural challenges when socialising and getting involved in each others lives?

MARTIN : Well it’s really hard to know what the answer is, as the answer might not be universal. Personally I feel it’s all about being more open as people. Understanding that because something isn’t what, or who you are, shouldn’t mean you can’t have a love, understanding, or at the very least, a respect for it. I do believe society is moving towards a healthier place, which is encouraging.

MARTIN : It might do, I really can’t say, but I think it all depends on what type of person you are. I personally don’t feel like it should in any way. My friendship groups are made up of different faiths and cultures and it has no impact on us as friends. If it does have its challenges, I think that’s a sad situation. That’s what I loved about the film, these three friends don’t allow their cultural backgrounds to affect anything in their friendship and I believe that’s how most people feel in London. REZ : No, they might have a different faith but it doesn’t affect how they relate to each other at all. It actually enriches their lives and creates a better understanding of our differences. Thats the beauty of the film, it celebrates diversity and I for one am all for that.

REZ : Having a film like Amar, Akbar and Tony is definitely a step in the right direction. Yes Britain has these issues still and thats highlighted in the news most days. But I feel on the whole this is a great place to live and as the film shows, on the whole people get on with it. Yes people are different but the differences can be overcome, accepted and as long as we keep open minded we can surpass anything.

The movie is released in selected UK cinemas on 17th April 2015.

read the full iew with Rez and Martin. You can erv int r ou of et pp sni a ly on is is Th ntertainment/amar-akbar-tony/ k/e o.u s.c ork etw ven usi ncl w.i ww interview at

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

What it’s like being a member of.... RBS Focused Women’s Network

By Ebi Obode, Analyst, Global Restructuring Group, RBS and Focused Women volunteer How did you become aware of the network? I became aware of the network after attending some events they organised. Judging from the quality of their events and the positive impact they were having on me and on my career, I decided I wanted to be a part of the network.

Do you think the network contributes to an inclusive workplace? Yes, I think the network contributes to an inclusive workplace. Not only for women as our target audience, but for men too. The network provides avenues for people to appreciate the need for a diverse workplace. It also highlights the importance of respecting and accommodating diversity for more productive outcomes.

Have you attended any of the network events and have you enjoyed these? Yes, I have attended network events and enjoyed them so much that I have gone on to help organise quite a few events for other members and Group-wide colleagues.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of the network? I enjoy the networking and training opportunities. It also gives me opportunities to challenge myself thereby maximising my strengths and improving my areas of weakness

Do you have any role models?

Do you think you've learnt anything from being involved that could help with your development and career progression? Definitely, I have also had the opportunity of having access to informal mentors whose career experiences I can use in drawing up my own blueprint.

Would you recommend other employers considered setting up network groups? Certainly! I am currently championing the network amongst new recruits - both male and female. Always good to catch them young!

Yes, indeed I do. My role models span various fields of endeavour as I look to different people for direction/inspiration in different aspects of my life and career.

Read our interview with Heather Melville, Director of Strategic Partnerships, RBS, and Founder and Global Chair of the Focused Women’s Network at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/groups/ focused-womens-network/ Connect with the network www.facebook.com/RBSFocusedwomensnetwork @RBS_FW

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 22

Equality HERO

MICHELLE VISAGE

Fresh from appearing in the Celebrity Big Brother house, she’s been on the road with the fabulous Battle of the Seasons show alongside many of the stars of past seasons of the hit TV show Ru Paul’s Drag Race. We had the pleasure of chatting to Michelle about all things Drag Race, role models, Katie Hopkins and our fight for equality. INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Why do you think Ru Paul’s Drag Race is still so popular? You know how sometimes a show takes a minute to take off, you hear about it then realise there’s buzz about it but you’re already three seasons in. I think Ru Paul’s Drag Race was that way. I really think that Season3 is where it really started. Even though that’s when I became a judge on the show too, I swear to god it’s got nothing to do with that. I feel that’s when it really started to get legs and from there it’s only got bigger and bigger. So a lot of people then went back and revisited the earlier seasons and Season4 was even bigger. People are starting to open up to the idea of drag being a viable art form and not just looking at it as being a bunch of freaks and gay-boys who don’t fit in. There’s so much more to it than that and people are just starting to realise that. So the more mainstream it goes, the bigger it’s going to get and that’s what’s happening.

Does the show receive any negativity? Of course. I mean homosexuality still gets negative press from all areas. We

are still not completely accepted in mainstream. Even when we have full equality there’s still going to be negativity as you have people out there who don’t want to hear it any other way than the way they think. You can’t always have the tide being in your favour and that’s fine. It’s not ever going to be everything that we want it to be but the closer we get, the more we fight and the more positive the outcome is going to be.

Due to technology, the show is popular in countries where being gay is illegal or where equal rights are way off where we’re at in the UK It’s still taboo in a lot of places. Not just here in the United States but countries and places where you can’t even be out as homosexual in the open and you can get sent to prison or even killed for being who you are. It’s really sad that we live in a world like that. That’s why we need to keep fighting. Just because we have equality where we live, in England or whatever State you live in, that’s not the end of the fight. That’s what a lot of kids these days don’t realise. We need keep pushing ahead and

pushing and pushing. We are all humans and it’s a human right to have equality. It’s not gay rights. It’s human rights. Until we have that everywhere, the fight is not done.

How did you settle on the countries and venues for the ‘Battle of the Seasons’ tour? We don’t have anything to do with that. The promoter Live Nation picks the venues and we just go with it. So when I go on Twitter and I get a lot of people saying, ‘Come to Brazil. Come to Scotland.’ We want to go everywhere but I think we’ll conquer a few areas at a time, the promoters will see what we do and we’ll go from there.

Do you enjoy being on the road? Yes I do. I mean I miss my children and my husband and thank god for FaceTime and Skype and all things technology. I love being out here and seeing the fans and meeting lots of people, and seeing how our show, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, is changing lives.

“If you want to have your homophobic, hateful pizza restaurant then you go and eat that pizza that’s made with hate. We’re going to go to the places where our pizzas are made with love and we’ll fill our bodies with love, acceptance and equality. That’s the food that I want to put in my body. Food that’s made with love and good intention.”

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Indiana's "religious freedom" law has resulted in some businesses refusing to cater LGBT events. What are your thoughts on the homophobic pizza restaurant that’s raised almost $1million following them losing some key revenue? Things likes this are always going to happen. I’m going to reiterate. As long as these people are out there believing what they think is right, there’s always going to be people who support their side of it. And that’s fine, let them do their thing but keep it away from us. If you want to have your homophobic, hateful pizza restaurant then you go and eat that pizza that’s made with hate. We’re going to go to the places where our pizzas are made with love and we’ll fill our bodies with love, acceptance and equality. That’s the food that I want to put in my body. Food that’s made with love and good intention.

Did you have any role models when you were growing up? Madonna. She’s always been my role model, since 1984 when her first record came out. But before that Belinda Carlisle and the Go-Go’s were the first people who changed my life and opened my eyes to being free with who I am and being self expressive. Cyndi Lauper was another person who did this to me. I was a huge punk rock fan and I loved the Sex Pistols and The Buzzcocks and Suzi Su was a big one for me. I kind of grew up as a punk rock teenager and then switched over to new-wave and then it all switched over to Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. I used to have the biggest crush on Limahl from Kajagoogoo. I loved Adam Ant too. These were the men that I wanted to marry.

Are you enjoying Madonna’s new album ‘Rebel Heart’? Are you kidding me. I’m completely knee deep in Rebel Heart. I’m travelling with Pandora Boxx and Manila Luzon and all the Queens that love her as much as I do so we can’t get enough of her. I think this album is her best in years. I want the younger generation to love her and know what she’s done as much as I do. I don’t believe that’s too much to ask. I said this in an interview and I got a lot of shit for it. I do believe the younger generation doesn’t know who Madonna is and what she’s done as a pioneer and as a trailblazer. That’s not a bad thing and I’m not saying it to be shady, I’m saying it to be factual. I don’t want them not to know. My own daughters know who Madonna is and yes it’s a parents job to educate our children but the more she’s not on radio, and with BBC Radio 1 banning her, the more she is going to be forgotten. I don’t want her to be forgotten as she still has so much to say and her messages are so pure, proud and important.

How important do you think it is for younger people to see positive role models, from all backgrounds and of all differences, in the media? In my article this month for Gay Times I talk about body image as I’ve struggled with body image since I was thirteen years old. I’m an eating disorder survivor. I think it’s so important as a mother of two girls that we put the right message out there. That’s why I get so annoyed when Katie Hopkins opens her gob and speaks stupid shit about Kelly Clarkson laying off a cheese burger. It’s not that easy. It’s about self love and about being on our own journey. If Kelly is overweight after having a kid or even overweight after not having a kid, let her do what she wants with her life. It’s her path. More women are like Kelly

Clarkson. I was a very large woman when I gave birth to my daughters and I had a bit too much fun with food when I was pregnant. Was it the healthiest thing to do? No. But it was my journey and you come around when you feel it’s necessary. To be honest, it’s not our place to say it. I’m not defending people who choose to be morbidly obese and not move in their homes as I want everyone to be healthy but I also want everyone to be happy. To have people from the outside world constantly attacking you because of your size does not make you feel any better about yourself. It doesn’t help people suffering from depression and those that are fighting other things in life. It actually makes things worse. I’ve survived that.

Katie Hopkins.... It’s not ok for people to attack other people on social media. I told Katie Hopkins that she can make a difference as she has this big mouth. She can make a difference to do something good. I think she fears that if she says something positive, people won’t care about what she has to say. This is how she makes her living. The things she has said since she left the Big Brother house have been so repulsive and offensive that I can’t even believe she can rest her head at night. I told her that in the house. We got on so great in the house and she made me laugh. I work with Drag Queens who are some of the most offensive people on the face of the earth (as part of their act) and that’s why I think I can take her lightly as I know she doesn’t mean it whole heartedly. When I see things like her attack on Ed Milliband’s wife and talking about putting her head in the oven and turning the gas on and being adopted by a Jewish family, though I can see what she’s trying to do with the comedy, it’s offensive. There has to be a line where she thinks, ‘I can’t say this.’, but she doesn’t know where that line is. She’s an idiot.

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 26

“It’s not ok for people to attack other people on social media. I told Katie Hopkins that she can make a difference as she has this big mouth. She can make a difference to do something good.” What was your reason for taking part in Big Brother earlier this year? I did Big Brother for the gays. I swear to god I didn’t do it for any other reason except to get our TV show known in the UK and to give a voice to the gays. Yes, you have equality in the UK but it’s not country wide. Lots of people are still bigoted and people still don’t understand the fight we’ve got. It’s never enough to spread the word, we’ve got to keep fighting and showing our colours and pride. Look at Northern Ireland, it’s in quite a state. I mean it’s a mess up there. Yes, in England, Wales and Scotland things are good but they can always be better. Northern Ireland needs our help. We can’t stop now.

When are you at your happiest? Probably when I’m with my husband and my kids. I know it sounds like a simple answer but even though I may be fighting with my husband or yelling at my kids, my husband texted me this morning to say my daughter had flooded the house with the bath tub. As awful as they are at times I wouldn’t change them for the world. And secondly, it would just be being surrounded by a bunch of gays,

transgender, bisexual or confused people. That’s when I’m at my most comfortable. That’s my blood. That’s my family.

Will a UK version of Drag Race happen? We’re working on it. Jonathan Ross has been my guardian angel. He’s been unbelievable with it. It’s just a matter of finding a commissioner who wants to take a risk. I believe in my heart of hearts that it’s going to happen. I don’t know when or where, but it’ll happen. But at this point I have no definitive answers. They’d rather show shows like Embarrassing Bodies where we can look up someones ass at 9pm at night, then seeing Drag Queens on the screen. It’s not just about Drag Queens either. The thing with the show is it’s about life changing moments. It’s about these kids working through all of their issues live on TV and coming together with their family and friends and crossing over that hub that’s taken them down. It’s really life altering for these kids. That’s what I’d love for the TV commissioners to know about. It’s so much more that catty Drag Queens yelling at each other and dressing up and make up. My god, I don’t want them to belittle our TV show as it’s so brilliant.

Keep connected : michellevisage.com | @MichelleVisage

HIV charity George House Trust are hosting their first Drag Ball in July in Manchester. Do you have a message for them? I think it's important that not just in Manchester, but the world knows about their status of HIV. The kids today still believe it's ok to have unprotected sex because of PrEP drugs, they think they're invincible. They couldn't be more wrong. HIV infections are on the rise now because of this way of thinking. Kids need to know they're not invincible. Safe sex is still the best way to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HIV is not gone. HIV is not just in Africa. HIV is huge. It's here and it's still in the gay community and beyond. It's everywhere and can affect anyone. The more that we're out there thinking that it's not, the more it's going to spread. We need to keep spreading the word about getting tested and having safe sex. I would love for anyone that wants to drag it up to support a great cause to come out and support George House Trust's 'Drag Ball', an event to support an incredible charity in Manchester. More at www.ght.org.uk/dragball

You can catch up on episodes of Ru Paul’s Drag Race on Netflix

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

things that we’re enjoying

the

you may enjoy them too

list Book available to purchase now

Reasons to Stay Alive By Matt Haig

Aged 24, author Matt Haig's world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again. A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive. 'A small masterpiece. It might even save lives.' Joanna Lumley

RRP £9.99 | Available in all good book shops, digital outlets and online now | Published by Canongate www.matthaig.com | @MattHaig1

Out Now

All I Ask of You

British singing sensation, soprano Charlotte Jaconello teams up with one of musical theatre’s brightest stars, Australian tenor Daniel Koek for their new single, ‘All I Ask of You’ – a track made famous by featuring in the huge musical Phantom of the Opera.

We recently had the pleasure of chatting to Charlotte and Daniel about working together. Charlotte told us, “It was a song I’d always wanted to record and I think with Dan being a Tenor and myself being a Soprano, and Phantom being a great musical, I think it’s a song that people know, but it’s not overdone. It’s a beautiful song.” Daniel’s new album ‘High’ is released on 4th May. Charlotte’s debut solo album ‘Solitaire’ is out now. We love them both!

Read our interviews at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/entertainment/

Released throughout 2015

Disney’s Movie Soundtracks : The Legacy Collection Walt Disney Records’ newly created line of collectible CDs celebrate the anniversaries of Disney’s most cherished and classic movies. Throughout 2015, Walt Disney Records will celebrate twelve anniversaries including “Cinderella” (65th) “Mary Poppins” (50th) and “Toy Story” (20th).

www.disneymusicemporium.com

FAST acial weakness

Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

rm weakness

Can the person raise both arms?

peech problems Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

ime to call 999

Stroke is a medical emergency.

Item Code: A08FA03

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

A network thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading the way in the education sector

2015

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 30

Karen Cooke is the Chair of the LGBT+ staff network at Cardiff University, Enfys. As the highest placing University in the 2015 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, No24, we find out more about their awesome work. When was the network group founded and what was the catalyst for launching the network?

Enfys was launched in November 2006 and followed the early commitment in 2005 of Cardiff University joining the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme. We featured in a very tongue in cheek article in the Times Higher Education who labelled us as Wales' number one pink university! Staff saw this commitment by the University as a huge positive (in contrast to the Times Higher!) and believed that creating a staff network was the sensible next step.

You have a unique name for the network. What does this mean?

Enfys is Welsh for rainbow and was chosen by the members of our network when we first launched. A sense of identity is crucial, not only does it help with bringing people together under a shared

cause but it really helps with promotion and branding across the institution. You never stop promoting the network as your staff group always changes.

Who can become a member of the network and how do staff and students become aware that you exist?

We define our network as LGBT+ for staff and postgraduate students at Cardiff University. The '+' is to represent the fact that LGBT isn't representative of all sexual orientations or gender identities and we aim to be as inclusive as possible. We include our postgraduate students as sometimes their experience is often different to the undergraduate community and they find it easier to relate to staff issues. We've also had members from other Higher Education Institutions be part of what we do, especially if there isn't anything to support them in their own University. We promote ourselves at University induction, we have a

dedicated space on the University website, we have posters around campus, we maintain an active social media presence via Facebook and Twitter and we attend events such as Pride Cymru for prospective staff and students to see what we do.

How do you communicate with your members?

We have a confidential mailing list for members of our network and communicate a lot of information via this channel. As I mentioned above we also use social media in a very proactive way and we also regularly feature in news articles that are communicated internally around the University. We take every opportunity to get our message out there.

“A sense of identity is crucial”

The Pride flag proudly flying over the University building for LGBT History Month

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

What types of events and other engagement initiatives do you host and arrange for your members and beyond?

We base our events around significant dates in the LGBT calendar for example National Coming Out Day, Bivisibility Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and of course LGBT History Month. This year for LGBT History Month we hosted stalls at different places across campus, ran coffee break sessions for people to come and find out more about us, ran some Trans Awareness sessions and hosted a showing of the film Pride. As we are a city based University we also believe in showing the local community how LGBT+ supportive Cardiff is so we raise the rainbow flag over the Main University building for the whole

month and we also turned our Main University building red for the evening of World Aids Day in December.

Do you have the support of leaders within the University and do they get involved? Our senior team are absolutely excellent. We launched our straight ally scheme two years ago which we call 'Friend of Enfys' and our Vice Chancellor was the first member to join. He has his Friend of Enfys sign on his door so every visitor that comes to see him sees his commitment straight away. Other members of our University Executive Board have spoken at events we have held and also at national and international events such as our Deputy Vice Chancellor opening the Iris Prize Festival and our VC being a

Showing their support of Stonewall’s ‘No Bystanders’ campaign

Congratulations on being featured in the 2015 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. Why do you take part and is it important to you to be placed in the Top100? The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is a useful benchmark to test and stretch any organisation. I also think that you can apply the theory behind it to any diversity indicator. The important aspect of taking part for me is that we give a strong, clear indication of how

keynote speaker at the Stonewall Cymru Workplace Conference. In fact at that conference the VC said 'how important leadership is in ensuring that LGBT+ members of staff and students feel supported and that their voices are heard. Universities need to give a lead on inclusivity, diversity and equality.'

“We also believe in showing the local community how LGBT+ supportive Cardiff is.”

Visible support of LGBT+ Pride events. Karen is pictured to the left. much this work matters to us as an organisation and the message that we give to prospective staff and students as well as our current students and members of staff. If you come to work or study at Cardiff University this is the culture you can expect. We also take part in the Stonewall Gay by Degree index for the same reason, it sharpens and improves what we do. The badge is great but it's the work that we do that really matters.

Does the network have a role to play in your submission of the annual submission document?

Absolutely, we complete the submission document alongside colleagues in our Equality and Diversity team and we've extended this to meetings throughout the year to ensure we stay on target with the objectives in our action plan. We use the action plan across the year to influence our engagement and activities.

Follow the network on Twitter @EnfysCardiff

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 32

Does the network collaborate with other networks or community groups?

We collaborate internally and externally. We work with other staff networks at Cardiff University, as Chair I meet with the other staff network chairs formally once every 6-8 weeks. We also work with staff networks from other organisations such as the National Assembly and the Welsh Government organising socials and information events.

What about working with and supporting LGBT charities and beyond. Is this something you get involved with?

We work a lot with Stonewall Cymru but we are always keen to build relationships with other groups and sectors. We've been building a relationship recently with Race Equality First who also do work on LGBT issues and we've been supporting the LGBT work that some of our local housing authorities have been getting involved with. On a larger University scale we have sponsored the Iris Prize Film Festival for the past two years and particularly in 2014 we were the sponsor for the Youth Jury Prize which I believe is a hugely positive mention to send, not just locally but internationally.

Do you think having a visible network is positive for attracting students and staff to your university?

I think the best way for me to answer this is from messages I've been sent from our network and our Friends of Enfys network. One colleague emailed to say after working in another organisation that was to say the least not very enlightened how fantastic it was to come and work somewhere where so much was being done to offer support. One of our Friend of Enfys colleagues emailed to say that the work the network does on

LGBT+ issues is one of the reasons they are most proud to work for Cardiff University. We know students look at a huge range of factors to decide on their University place so making sure we do everything we can to support our student LGBT+ network is one of our absolute priorities. It just makes good business sense no matter how you look at it.

How is the network coordinated?

The network is co-ordinated by a Chair, Vice Chair and then a range of staff who have different roles such as Lesbian Officer, International Officer, Bi Officer etc. We try really hard to get a good gender balance and regularly look to increase the people we have who get involved, new ideas and suggestions are always welcome. As Chair of the staff network I also sit on the University Equality and Diversity committee so we have a direct line in to strategic decisions around equality.

What would you say is your biggest challenge as a network?

I think the biggest challenge for any network is building your profile and striking the right balance between challenging the organisation to do better as well as recognising where people are trying really hard to do the right thing. In my experience, being part of the conversation is much better than shouting from outside. As Chair I constantly raise the profile of the network wherever I am. I drop it into most conversations, it's on my email signature and I'll go and talk to anyone about the benefits of getting involved. Also setting up the Friend of Enfys scheme has been an incredibly positive and beneficial initiative and we have a whole committed group of people who promote our message for us, which in many ways is as powerful as it gets.

times when finding the time is a challenge alongside the day job but I'm given great flexibility and the organisation sees how it benefits from the time I spend on the work I do for Enfys.

“In my experience, being part of the conversation is much better than shouting from outside.”

What do you have planned for the rest of 2015? We are looking to launch two guides this year, our improved Line Manager guide, focussed on supporting colleagues who may have questions about LGBT+ issues and how best to support members of staff and our International Guide which has been written to support staff and students who may be taking placements overseas and what they need to consider from an LGBT+ perspective.

We are also hoping to increase our work on Trans issues as we know that's an area we haven't done enough work on and also encouraging colleagues to take a fresh look at University policies and see if they are still fit for purpose. Alongside that we will be continuing to work with other LGBT networks outside the University to allow colleagues to network across South Wales. We are always open to suggestions!

From a general point of view there is always more to do so there are

Careers : www.cf.ac.uk/jobs/

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@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 34

RBS

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought together a selection of upcoming diversity and celebration dates that may be of interest to you, your employees and your network group members. A great way to engage with your members and beyond!

Getting involved Supporting diversity and inclusion

May

National Stroke Awareness Month Make May Purple for Stroke

Every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK. That's one stroke every three and a half minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies. Join charity Stroke Association for an action-packed month that will see whole communities having fun, going purple and raising money to conquer stroke. Get involved and wear, knit, bake or paint it purple!

www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth @TheStrokeAssoc

11th - 17th May

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental health and depression do not discriminate

Stroke k ills cancer a twice as many wo nd testicula more men than men as breast r cancer combine prostate and By the a d a year. ge of 75 * , 1 in 5 w men will omen an have a s d 1 in 6 troke.*

Now in its 15th year, Mental Health Awareness Week aims to encourage the conversation around mental health to fight discrimination and stigma and promote good mental wellbeing. For one week in May, the campaign is focussed around a specific topic and this year the them is mindfulness.

www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/mentalhealthawarenessweek/ @MHF_Tweets

Did you know? *Facts from Stroke Association

335 | Network | NetworkBuzz Buzz| January Issue 4 -|

April February - May 2015 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia Stand up to all hate crimes

The day represents an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and inter-sex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

dayagainsthomophobia.org @May17IDAHOT

70% of t he and regu world populatio n la expressio tions that limit fr live under laws ee n gender id around sexual o dom of rientation entity.* and

Did you know?

21st May

World Day for Cultural Diversity Dialogue and Development Take concrete action to support diversity

The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better. "Our cultural diversity is a stimulator of creativity. Investing in this creativity can transform societies. It is our responsibility to develop education and intercultural skills in young people to sustain the diversity of our world and to learn to live together in the diversity of our languages, cultures and religions, to bring about change." Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

www.un.org/en/events/culturaldiversityday/

Will your network be supporting any of these days? If the answer is yes, let us know and we’ll help share your awesome work!

Check out the useful Diversity Calendar on our website at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/diversity-calendar/

ADVERTISE WITH US Reach thousands of diverse people from all walks of life by advertising in one of our inclusive publications and on our website. We oﬀer bespoke packages and opportunities to suit every budget - starting at only £50.

Our publications aim to inspire, celebrate and support inclusion and by working with us, you will support us in achieving this. Check out our website and see who we’ve been working with and supporting. You can contact us at info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk or call our Editor Thomas Anderson on 07702 130 348.

www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/support

*Fact from Day Against Homophobia

17th May

Network Buzz in print...we were buzzing

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 36

We were thrilled with the positive response to our last issue of Network Buzz. Big thanks to everyone that read the issue and took the time to let us know what you thought of the issue. Indy Hothi who’s the Co-lead of the EY Sikh Network was our cover star and it was fantastic to see the warm response from his colleagues and friends within EY. We were delighted when Indy told us the network had a small print run of the magazine produced for their supporters to read.

e e r h T

s n o i t s e u Q

We put Sergeant Lee Broadstock, Chair of the Greater Manchester Police Pride Network, in our hot seat. Will you be voting in the upcoming general election?

Will I be voting in the upcoming election? Despite being extremely interested in politics, I did not vote in the last general election. The reason for not voting being that I live in Manchester which has an overwhelming Labour support and I feel that the set-up of our first past the post system, alienates voters who have no way of influencing the result within their area due to safe seats for political parties. I will however be voting this time round, as only this weekend I saw a political parties leaflet being posted through my letter-box and I had to take it out and follow the canvasser down the road and hand back the leaflet. Due to my career and being unable to show any political allegiance the party of the canvasser will have to remain anonymous, however I hope others do not allow a party with members who are overtly racist and homophobic to make in-roads into Parliament. I have alluded to the current political first past the post system which alienates voters, this is one of many reasons why young people have no interest in politics. I believe the main reason as to apathy from all groups and especially young people is the re-establishment of a political elite, who do not reflect the vast majority of the country, why should you have to have an Oxbridge education to represent others? Until this changes and Parliament is truly diverse and reflective of society, I can only see continued apathy from young people.

Our shopping habits have been in the headlines. What three items that might be deemed 'non-essential' would you be sad to see disappear from your shopping basket?

Shopping you either love it or loathe it, I love it and as a bit of a foodie, I love food shopping and I am not sure what I personally would class as non-essential. I am not a huge drinker of alcohol at home but I would however miss that one bottle of beer after a busy weekend night shift. In the Summer I am not sure what the neighbours think of me as I sit in the garden (on a nice morning) beer in hand at 8 a.m. so I would miss picking up that odd pack of beer. My cat’s would also miss me picking them up their discounted fish or meat items, that I cannot resist picking up for them (yes they are spoilt).

Following Dolce & Gabbana's remarks about ‘synthetic children’ and ‘wombs for rent’, many people have called for a boycott of the brand, including Elton John. What was your reaction when you heard about the fashion designers remarks?

A member of the EY Sikh Network with a printed copy of Network Buzz where he was talking about the issue at a recent diversity event at EY.

I was really disappointed with the comments made by Dolce & Gabbana around ‘traditional families’ and ‘synthetic children’ and I do support the boycott of their products. I have never been a customer of Dolce & Gabbana personally so they will not miss my pink pound. I have friends both gay and straight who have hugely benefitted from IVF and I would challenge anyone who would criticise their family structures or values. We all have in some way or another a prejudice but we also need to realise and embrace the fact that we are all different, and that individuals differences are what make the world a better place.

@GMPPrideNetwork

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Vanessa Pellegrin We meet the Director of ‘The trouble with....The F Word’, a documentary about feminism and antifeminism. What is wrong with the feminist word? Why does feminism have such a bad reputation? How do we fight against inequalities without feminism?

The team behind the film are all volunteers taking time out of their "ordinary” lives to bring you this film and debates. INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 38

We'd love to know more about your documentary ‘The trouble with the F-word’

‘The trouble with the F-word’ is more

of a performative than a classical documentary. The two central characters, Lucy Anne Holmes from No More Page 3 and TV presenter Nick Lancaster – a woman and a man with differing views – are participating in an experiment to test their established beliefs about feminism and antifeminism. The aim is to take them out of their comfort zone and face them with a reality they didn’t expect. Nick, despite being absolutely in favor of gender equality dislikes Feminism as he thinks it is a movement that goes too far sometimes, whereas Lucy doesn’t understand how people can be against a movement that liberated women. Therefore, Lucy will meet antifeminist groups and Nick will get involved within feminism activism. After this adventure, they will be capable to tell what is wrong with the F (feminism) word in the western world. Indeed, we focus on the issues of modern feminism in the UK and the US.

What was your inspiration for making the documentary? After the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Suffragette Emily Wilding Davison’s passing in 2013, surveys establishing the ‘death of feminism’ were spread across the media and I felt the need to investigate more around this topic, together with my friend, Executive Producer Beverley Morisson. We have discovered an incredible amount of people, men and women, rejecting feminism and claiming it has become a sexist movement that was no longer representative for the majority of women. In 2013, Caroline Criardo Perez received death threats for suggesting to put a woman’s face on a tenner, and sex workers were complaining about modern feminism because it was ostracizing them. Last

year, after the tumblr page called ‘women against feminism’ which broke to the news and the launch of Emma Watson’s He for She campaign, we had no more doubt that the debate around feminism had become a hot topic.

How did you approach turning the idea in to a reality? We didn’t find this idea straight away. First we made a pilot with Lucy for British Broadcasters but it wasn’t convincing enough. It is after digging into the debate around feminism on Twitter that we thought we should also get a man on board. Indeed a lot of men feel discriminated by feminism so we chose to expose their thoughts too.

Did you encounter any challenges? Oh yes! We have been working on this project for the past two years and the main issue has always been the same; it is a controversial film that raises questions some people think we shouldn’t ask. Moreover, some feminists and antifeminists are doubtful about our intentions. Both think we want to portray them from a bad angle which is not what we are trying to do. We really want a debate and to let people speak for themselves.

Why do you think the issue of feminism is an important one to cover in film? The UN launched the He for She campaign and asked Emma Watson to be the spokeswoman of feminism, Patricia Arquette’s speech at the Oscars became viral...so why not a film about this movement that seems to put off 36% of UK and US population?

Women should have the same rights as men!

“ Men cannot be dissociated from the debate around gender equality. The battle of the sexes as we knew it in countries where both sexes are equal by law isn’t helping the debate.

”

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

What impact do you hope the documentary has and what has the response been to date? We really have an informative and educational goal. Our aim is to answer: What is wrong with feminism, especially modern Feminism and how can we reach total equality between men and women today in the western world? Is feminism the answer? Has it become a sexist movement itself or is it misunderstood? The characters will provide their own answers to those questions.

Why do you think some women are hesitant to be open about being a feminist? When did feminism begin to get an image problem? Feminism includes a lot of different movements: the radical, the activists, the sex positive and often they interfere within each other. Sex workers claim themselves Feminist but feel ostracized by feminist organisations as they are mainly abolitionists and this has an impact on their lives. Moreover, men have been targeted individually on the name of feminism. Everybody remembered how scientist Matt Taylor burst into tears for wearing an alleged sexist T shirt and the Manspreading campaign on New York’s underground. All these events portray feminists as ‘men haters’ and a lot of women don’t want to be associated with this label.

Female representation in the board room, in more senior roles and in lots of industries is extremely low with organisation EY recently publishing that we are 80 years away from gender parity. What can be done to get to equality quicker? Maybe the UK could be a more family friendly country? Women choose to stop their careers or to combine family life and work together, which is extremely difficult to achieve

considering the cost of childcare, the time spent and the lack of investment from big companies to open their own nurseries for example. Even if paternity leave has been extended, maybe there is something to do on a national scale, which will make women freer to success in their careers if they are willing too. I don’t think it is the only reason women aren’t in boardrooms but according to studies, even the one shown by anti feminists, the most successful women are often childless. Of course, you have very powerful mothers such as Nicola Horlick at the head of the city but a lot of mothers are struggling.

What role do you think gender and career network groups have to play in this? Do businesses have a responsibility to be visible and vocal about their support for gender equality? Businesses should definitely support gender equality; I think most do already. However, depending on their size, the number of employees, their duties and possibilities are quite limited. Gender equality has a lot to do with socialism and human rights. The less social the more unfair society towards men and women will get. The UK and the US are indeed democracies but far from being focused on social solutions. Liberalism will always make some people have access to more social rights whereas others will continue to struggle to get them. Something on a worldwide scale should be done about this.

What are your thoughts around quotas whereby businesses must have a certain % of female representation in the board room or in certain roles? It is a divisive debate. Even within the women. This documentary will develop that issue. Do we want meritocracy? Is quota for women not going to bring more prejudice to

them? Or is it going to help the mentalities to change? It is a tricky question.

How important are male allies who speak up in support of equality? Men cannot be dissociated from the debate around gender equality. The battle of the sexes as we knew it in countries where both sexes are equal by law isn’t helping the debate. We need to rethink the way we can tackle inequalities and men are playing an important role.

Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? If I stick to the definition of feminism, I am absolutely 100% for equality, so yes I am. Now if I believed there was any issue with modern feminism, I wouldn’t be making that film.

What's next for you? Lots more projects, but I can’t tell much more now. The important thing at the moment is to show this piece of work to people as I am sure they will be really interested to find out more about a society debate that has been on going for years.

Keep connected www.facebook.com/ FwordFilm @FWordFilm

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 40

@Scarlet_Voice www.beautthing.com

Vanessa

Babirye

Jonathan Harvey’s modern classic Beautiful Thing has returned to make audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Beautiful Thing is a glorious urban love story between two young men set on an inner city housing estate. No stranger to the stage and small screen, we chat to Vanessa about playing the role of Leah. She kicked off her stage career starring in Debbie Tucker Green’s Truth & Reconciliation at The Royal Court Theatre and most recently played Tybalt in The National Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet. How did you become a part of the Beautiful Thing play?

Were you familiar with the play and film before auditioning for the role? I’d seen the film about ten years ago so I knew of the film and the play. For the purpose of the audition I didn’t revisit the film. It’s a fantastic film and I’m a big fan of it.

The play is currently touring the UK. Is touring a play something you’ve experienced before? I toured a play a few years ago so it’s something I’ve done before. It’s always different playing each town and city and it always feels like the first night again. I look forward to the freshness of each city. I love life on the road. I

wanting to go back to this place that’s meant to be your sanctuary. Leah is a very strong woman.

Do you have any home comforts on the road with you? I’ve got my hoody and mug and a big tub of vaseline. They 100% make me feel like I’m at home.

We’d love to know more about your character in the play I’m playing Leah and she’s a young, bright, so intelligent women. The crazy thing is when we were rehearsing, I think it was in the first week, me and Nikoloai, the Director, were there and I kind of just broke down. He asked me what was wrong and I had to say it’s not like I was sad, it was more of a thing that I felt for Leah as she is so misunderstood and she’s alone, so young and vulnerable. I can relate to feeling alone and feeling like the ‘other’. When I was younger I felt very misunderstood so I can completely relate to that feeling. Even her thoughts of not wanting to go home, I can relate to that feeling of not

Vanessa performing alongside Charlie Brooks

Photo by Anton Belmonte

My agent gave me a call and was like Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing is reviving again and I was like, ‘What, what do you mean? Get me that audition.’ Then I auditioned in London and then got a recall in Leicester and then my agent called me and said they wanted me for the role. It was insane.

don’t really get to travel much unless I’m working so when you tour it’s great as you experience lots of things you wouldn’t normally get a chance to.

Did you watch how the actors that had played Leah before you portrayed the character? I had watched Temeka Empson playing Leah in the movie. I also have a friend who played Leah about three years ago when the play was in Manchester. Randomly, it’s one of those coincidences in life. I made a promise to myself not to look at previous performances as I think it would spoil it in a sense and I’d always be referring back to how they portrayed Leah instead of playing the character as I wanted it to be.

“In society, if you don’t fit into the box people want you to be in you’ll always be an ‘other’. I don’t mind being an ‘other’. Others rule the world.”

Photo by Anton Belmonte

How is it working with the rest of the cast and crew? The cast are lovely and amazing. They are so willing to work and so willing to give. They’re very giving. It’s a weird feeling. I feel like I’m a part of something amazing and it’s nice. Everyone is really nice.

Do you have any Beautiful Thing highlights to date? At the press night in Birmingham we had a standing ovation and it was very touching. People don’t have to do that. It’s not by force that people stand up and clap. And also it was also a cast members birthday the week before, Natalie Law - the understudy, and that was great as we all got to know each other a bit more.

What’s the biggest message of the play and do you think the themes of the play are still relevant today? Oh my god, one billion percent so relevant. It’s a bizarre sort of thing. I spoke to a friend the other day and I said she should come to the show and I’d sort her out with some tickets. She said to me she’d read up on the show and she said she can’t come to see it.

She said she didn’t like the way homosexuality is being forced in to society and I was taken aback. I mean, wow, that way of thinking is insane. I don’t understand what she meant, it’s so weird. There is still homophobia throughout the UK and people’s attitudes are still not fully accepting, some are so unnecessary and damaging. I feel very proud to be a part of something which I feel will always be relevant. In society, if you don’t fit into the box people want you be in you’ll always be an ‘other’. I don’t mind being an ‘other’. Others rule the world. Let’s all be others together!

What more needs to be done to help change peoples attitudes so they are more accepting of other peoples differences? It’s so frustrating. I don’t have to come out and say ‘Hey, I’m straight guys’. We live in a society where if you don’t meet this standard that others think you should be at that you’re an ‘other’. Like I was saying earlier, we’re all an ‘other’. This standard that’s been created is so incorrect and is so

irrelevant as literally no one is this perfect thing. We need to talk more about subjects like this. I think talking is underrated and it’s one of the most forgotten about methods of healing and understanding. It’s not just relevant to homophobia, it’s the same thing with racism.

If you were asked to play Leah in a remake of the film, what would your reaction be? Oh my god. I don’t even think that would happen as the movie is so iconic and they don’t need to re-do it. It’s perfect how it is. But I would obviously love to be a part of any remake. That would be insane.

What’s next for you? The play is going to keep me busy up until the end of Summer then I’m going to go on a very nice holiday. I’m going to Jamaica and I think I deserve it. I’m going to be a new series called ‘Acting Selfish’ when I get back from that holiday. It’s by an amazing Director. I can’t wait to do this series.

Watch out for our interviews with two of the other cast members, Sam Jackson and Thomas Law. Coming to www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/entertainment soon.

TH PL E A TH AY W A E 1 TH RD 9 A 9 T W 6 IN I CU S NN LT PI IN R FI ED G LM

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| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

NOMINATE A NETWORK CLOSE TO YOU TO BE AN AWESOME NETWORK Following the announcement of out inaugural Awesome Networks in February, Inclusive Networks invites you to nominate network groups that are close to your heart to be recognised as an Awesome Network. Don’t be disappointed if you missed the deadline or your network was not recognised in the first unveiling of your Awesome Networks. You can still nominate up until 11:59pm on 28th June 2015 and we’ll be announcing the second and final 2015 Awesome Networks in July.

2015 If you know of a network you think is awesome and should be recognised and celebrated, then let us know about them. To nominate a network for consideration to be named an Inclusive Networks ‘Awesome Network’ all you need to do is complete the form on our website, giving us as much information as possible. We won’t ask for more info so if your nomination is vague and lacks detail this will make the decision making more difficult. The Awesome Networks are decided on the information submitted in the nominations alone. From 29th June 2015 up until 10th January 2016 you can nominate a network to be recognised as a 2016 Awesome Network. We know we have only touched the surface with our first list and we know there are hundreds of other networks doing wonderful things all over the UK. We’d love to recognise these networks too!

Nominate at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/ awards/awesome-networks/

Three

s n o i t s e u Q

We put Kevin Sargent, Chair of the fabulous baking network group Village Bakers, in our hot seat. Will you be voting in the upcoming general election?

I will most definitely be voting in the next general election, it is so important that we use our right to vote as so many people around the world do not have this right. As for who I will be voting for, I'm not sure yet. I normally work on the principle of voting for whoever looks like they would enjoy a cream horn and won't introduce a fat tax. If politicians wish to engage the younger voter they need to forget about appearing on boring programmes like Newsnight and target mainstream shows. Any PM that appears on Celeb Bake Off with Dame Edna would get my vote.

Our shopping habits have been in the headlines. What three items that might be deemed 'non-essential' would you be sad to see disappear from your shopping basket? All items in my shopping basket are essential. However I couldn't live without my Just Add Water Betty Crocker Cupcake Kit, Jus Roll Puff Pastry and Ready Rolled Fondant Icing... I feel Mary Berry's disapproving looks everyday.

As for who I will be voting for ,I'm not sure yet. I normally work on the principle of voting for whoever looks like they would enjoy a cream horn and won't introduce a fat tax. Following Dolce & Gabbana's remarks about ‘synthetic children’ and ‘wombs for rent’, many people have called for a boycott of the brand, including Elton John. What was your reaction when you heard about the fashion designers remarks? At Village Bakers we look forward to putting our buns in ovens, and don't really care who's ovens they go in... however we do have issues with the fact that Dolce & Gabbana have never produced a nice pair of oven mitts or designer aprons. Clearly our buns aren't good enough for them.

The next few Village Bakers events at the The Molly House, Manchester Sunday 10th May at 1pm Sunday 14th June at 1pm

Connect with Village Bakers

Facebook: facebook.com/villagebakers Twitter: @villagebakers

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 44

Say hello to the LGBT foundation

Celebrating 15 Years Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to many more

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) are celebrating their 15th Anniversary as a national charity this year with the launch of their new name: LGBT Foundation. A name that better represents who they are, what they do and what they mean to their service users and supporters.

Some of the LGBT Foundation team proudly wearing their new branded t-shirts.

Since the announcement to become an LGBT inclusive charity in August 2014, they have been working hard to include bisexual and trans people more visibly in their services.

excited about the potential this change provides us, especially in terms of the range of services this will allow us to provide and the diverse range of people we will be able to engage with.”

Development of the new look and feel of their branding was shaped by discussions and input from their volunteers, staff team and trustees. Incorporating rainbow colours into the logo highlights their commitment to LGBT equality and further emphasises their belief in a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential.

This is an important step forward for the charity as they are passionate about the work they do with LGBT communities and want to continue to offer support to those who need them the most.

Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation Paul Martin OBE said: “Today is a really exciting day for all of us here at the LGBT Foundation and for the LGBT communities. We’re not only changing our name from The LGF to LGBT Foundation, we’re also changing the way we approach delivering services to everybody in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities. “We will be looking at making sure all of our services are much more inclusive of meeting the full needs of LGBT people, and we’ll also be making sure they’re more culturally sensitive. LGBT Foundation will build upon the proud tradition of inclusivity from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, building firm foundations for the future. We’re incredibly

First Therapy Group for Gay and Bisexual Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) in Greater Manchester Survivors Manchester and the LGBT Foundation are launching a new therapy group for adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, who also identify as gay, bisexual or questioning. They also welcome applications from trans men, who identify as gay, bisexual or questioning.

The charity are also changing their Helpline phone number from an 0845 number to 0345 so it’s even cheaper for people to call when they need advice or support. The new number is: 0345 3 30 30 30. Established in April 2000 following the merger of Healthy Gay Manchester and Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard Services, they have continued to provide a wide range of support and services including a national helpline, sexual health testing and support, free mental health and wellbeing services, the Village Angels volunteers, support groups, and advice for tackling LGBT hate crime and discrimination. For further information, please visit the newly refreshed website at: www.lgbt.foundation. You can also follow @LGBTfdn on Twitter using #WeAreLGBTfdn or on Facebook.

What can you expect from the group?

they feel more able to manage these symptoms and issues in an effective and helpful way.

This group will be the first of its kind within the North West of the UK, and will build upon the learning taken from existing psychotherapy groups, led by Survivors Manchester, along with LGBT Foundation’s expertise in supporting gay, bisexual and questioning men.

Sessions eleven to twenty will be unstructured, with an aim to encourage members of the group to take ownership of their space. In this safe space you’ll work together to create and offer the opportunity for group members to raise and explore issues related to their individual experiences and recovery journey.

The first ten sessions will focus on awareness and understanding of the common symptoms and experiences associated with childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The aim of these sessions is to help focus and empower group members, so

Contact : Tom Taylor, Clinical Lead at Survivors Manchester on: tom@survivorsmanchester.org.uk Or alternatively contact the Survivors Manchester Helpline on: 0161 236 2182

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HERE IF YOU

NEED US 0345 3 30 30 30

5 Richmond St, Manchester

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| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

We meet photographer Tom Dingley and find out more about his new project, ‘Outcome‘ - portraits of people from the LGBT community, each holding a photograph of themselves as a child. He wants to portray them as their current selves, wearing what they wear for work, or with a tool/accessory to represent their profession, hobby or passion. Let’s find out more....

@IncNetworks | April - May 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 4 | 48

PC Susan Hailes – PC & LGBT Liaison Officer

We'd love to know more about the #Outcome project. Where did the idea come from? How did you start making it a reality? The idea started from a desire to do more portraiture. But as I always like to have a concept in my projects I decided to photograph LGBT people to show the variety within in the community and break down stereotypes. The idea of adding the childhood photo came from talking the idea through with my boyfriend. Adding the child pic of each person adds another dimension of maturity and the notion that they have grown up and living successful, happy lives on the other side of the rainbow – after coming out. Although, as I’ve said in my project brief this is not an attempt to sugar-coat the coming out process, it is different for everyone, some OK and some not so good, but the portraits show the people beyond that episode. They haven’t let it hold them back and are the better for it. I set out to do a test shoot which helped form some of ideas of the size of the child photo, to use it or not etc. I have to thank model Gregory Gaige for being the first to step up!

Peter Tatchell – Campaigner & Activist

How have you got so many people involved and are there still opportunities for people to take part? Through the power of social media and word of mouth. It’s great to be able to connect with people who you want to be involved and directly request their involvement. Others have volunteered. So far there are 35 portraits done, with more people on a list to arrange a shoot with. The project is definitely ongoing and I want to keep adding portraits to the portfolio so there is a constant stream of new faces. I have a few faves for different reasons. Peter Tatchell’s portrait stands out as I had a small amount of space and time to get the photo done and I admire his tenacity for LGBT equal rights. I saw the loud hailer in his room and immediately wanted to get it in the photo. The portrait of drag superstar La Voix is also up there… parading her through Greenwich in full drag to the studio I use, was a highlight. Her portrait is colourful, vibrant and fun and it was a pleasure to work with her. People can still get in touch to take part: Email Tom at tom_dingley@hotmail.co.uk or reach him on Twitter: @TomDingleyPhoto.

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

What are your hopes for the project and what impact would you like it to have? What will happen to the photos when the project is over? I want to create a large and growing portfolio of #Outcome portraits including a broad variety of people from the LGBT community, with a few well known faces in the mix too. Top of my wish list is Stephen Fry, Clare Balding and Tom Daley. #Outcome is not just about the nice portraits though; I do want the project to be used as a visual resource, showing the positive potential we all have. Aiming this project at young LGBT people or those confused or feeling isolated with their identity/sexuality, they’ll see from my project that there are a number of people who have been where they have. The coming out process unites us all; for some it wasn’t a huge deal, for others it would have changed their lives and relationships. Personally, I know I held myself back because of the fear of coming out. I allowed myself to get caught up in hiding until I had someone tell me it’ll be OK. It was OK, more than OK. In hindsight I should have came out sooner. If my portraits give someone the hope that they can leave the closet and be who they want to be then the project has delivered. Whether we grow up to be equal rights campaigners, photographers, drag queens, doctors, builders etc, the portraits show there is a life worth living as an out adult. I don’t see an end point to this project as I want to keep adding. There will be a time when I have to give my attention to other things but there will always be a resurgence now and again of #Outcome. Furthermore, I feel that #Outcome can also stand as a way to break down stereotypes and combat some homophobia and ignorance that can still exist. Showing that there are LGBT people in all aspects of society shows just how equal we all are, regardless of sexuality or gender. Lastly, I want the style of the portraits to stick out so if you saw one out of context you would be able to attribute it to being an #Outcome portrait.

How can people view the project? You can view lots of the images on my website: www.tomdingleyphotography.com/category/outcomeportraits/ Or on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ tomdingleyphotography

Also, I will have exhibitions this Summer at London Pride, held at New Bloomsbury Set, 76 Marchmont St, London, WC1N 1AG. Launching July 22nd for up to two weeks after Pride (w.e 27th June). It’ll also be at Brighton Pride, held at Brighton Jubilee Library, Brighton, BN1 1GE from 17th July until 4th August. I am a great believer if you have a project or piece of work you want people to see, then you have to go out and show them. I use social media very well and approach the right people. I got in touch with the Arts Festival Coordinator of London and Brighton Pride’s to see if there was any possibility of working together. To my great joy the project was warmly received and the potential for a good exhibition was recognised. I aim to have more exhibitions over time in different places, aimed at different sections of the community. For example I held a small exhibition of eight portraits in Lewisham with the Positive Ageing Council where the portraits used were of people older than 50 years old.

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I feel that #Outcome can also stand as a way to break down stereotypes and combat some homophobia and ignorance that can still exist. Showing that there are LGBT people in all aspects of society shows just how equal we all are, regardless of sexuality or gender.

Hear my voice

People with a learning disability and their families, families like ours, face many challenges in life. There are 1.4 million people with a learning disability in the UK and many more who love and support them. This means millions of people who want to see change. In May 2015 we will elect the people who will run the country for the next 5 years. Together we must tell our future leaders what needs to change.

Our voice counts. Yours does too. Have your say and join the Hear my voice campaign.

www.mencap.org.uk/hearmyvoice #HearMyVoice 020 7696 5583 | hearmyvoice@mencap.org.uk

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

How did you get in to photography?

Do you have any role models in the industry?

I did photography A-Level as the creative course on the side of my academic choices. I enjoyed it too much to let it go, so I continued to a Higher National Diploma in photography, which in turn I upgraded to a BA Hons in Creative Industries with photography my main focus. I enjoy that you can tell a story with one photo, there’s a concept and a narrative in one shot; or it’s simply capturing a moment in time that cannot be recreated. I’m a very visual person, using photos, annotations and emoticons to almost all tweets and messages etc.

Artistically, there is an American photographer called Gregory Crewdson who creates elaborate sets to create one photograph. His work is very centered on concept and creating an image rather than capturing a moment in real life. I love his use of cryptic clues, colour, light and shadow.

Read our interview with La Voix at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/pride-2015/

Career highlights have been organising my own projects and exhibitions – it’s a thrill to see a packed room of people coming to look at you work. I have had exhibitions locally in Greenwich and also in central London. I’ve also been part of numerous group shows in London and Brighton. Commercially, it was an honour to be able to photograph my cousins wedding for her!

La Voix

I also have to credit Adam Bouska, a celebrity photographer in America who has a project called ‘NoH8’ which is a silent protest in response to Proposition 8 in California. His campaign portraits formed part of my influence in my own #Outcome project. I have many more favourite photographs. Too many to list but I have a great collection of books from the likes of Mario Testino, Robert Doisneau, and David Bailey.

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