Last month, Victim Support organised the first series of #BeYourself LGBT+ awareness and networking events, in partnership with Action for Children and Equal Approach.
The first #BeYourself event focused on being Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic and LGBT+. Four guest speakers, Khakan Quereshi (Birmingham South Asians LGBT), Vishal Gaikwad (Stonewall Cymru), Moud Gobs (Black Pride) and Vinay Kapoor (Head of Diversity and Inclusion at BNP Paribas), shared their experienced of being LGBT+ and BAME and discussed how culture and faith impact their ‘coming out’. The talks were followed by a panel Q&A, giving the audience the chance to ask their questions.
On 1 September, Victim Support co-hosted a second #BeYourself on trans awareness. The event gave attendees the opportunity to connect with activists, find out more about trans rights, and hear from a selection of inspiring panellists, including a Q&A on the importance of trans equality in the workplace.
Speakers included the newscaster, writer and LGBT speaker Sophie Cook, trainer, counsellor and activist Sam Feeney, Leng Montgomery (Stonewall), trans*formation ambassador Owen Francis and Jacqui Gavin, Chair of a:gender, consultant and radio presenter.
The events have proved very popular, with one attendee saying: “The first two ‘be yourself’ events have been very successful and have been a great opportunity to network and hear about what is important to people’s identity. We have explored sexual orientation and ethnicity and trans awareness, and I’m looking forward to our next event which will focus on bi visibility. It’s so important to raise awareness of the concept of being able to be yourself and how that affected your identity and wellbeing.”
Sign up for our next #BeYourself event on bisexuality awareness
Tickets are now available for our next #BeYourself event, focusing on bisexuality awareness and networking.
When: 6pm-8.30pm, Thursday 10 November
Where: Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, 3 More London Riverside, London
Cost: FREE
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Victim Support. Find out more about our policies and networks.