Consortium

for stronger lgbt+ communities

Briony Williamson

LGBT+ sector responds to the EHRC guidance on single sex service provision

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Yesterday, April 4th, the EHRC produced a new guide ‘for service providers (anyone who provides goods, facilities or services to the public) who are looking to establish and operate a separate or single-sex service’.

The new guide is advisory, it does not override the EHRCs own existing Statutory Code of Practice and organisations are not required to follow it.

The guidance has received criticism both from the LGBT+ sector and beyond. Issues highlighted included the terminology and language used being inconsistent with legislation, examples that seemingly focus on legitimising blanket exclusion, and the reliance on specialist trans-inclusive support services which does not reflect the reality of local service provision.

A number of our member organisations reacted to the report on social media and/or published responses to the guidance. We have linked to these below. If you have produced a response you would like us to include here please email [email protected]

Mermaids have produced this guide for trans young people navigating their rights in relation to single-sex spaces.

Consortium Blog: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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Pink background with a circle of hands with different skintones surrounding the progress pride flag. Underneath black text reads 'International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21st 2022'

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st 2022 

Written by Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer Camillea (they/them) and Equity Fund Project Officer Leyla (she/her) 

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination? 

Organised by the United Nations and originating in South Africa, this day commemorates those who lost their lives in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960, and those affected by racial discrimination across the globe. This day is often overlooked, but we can all address our biases and privileges year round! 

The UN 2022 campaign aims to: 

  • Highlight the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination. 
  • Reaffirm the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space. 
  • Recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face. 

Over the weekend, protests protests took place in three UK cities: Glasgow, London and Cardiff.

What can the LGBT+ sector do to support the elimination of racial discrimination? 

  • Racial discrimination can be found everywhere and it should not be left up to those affected to educate others about it. Take responsibility for educating yourself. 
  • Understand intersectionality. It’s important to recognise someone who is LGBT+, and also facing racial discrimination, experiences multiple and simultaneous oppressions.  
  • LGBT+ groups can support their members by listening and creating space for conversations around racial discrimination that are safe and centre those affected.

 

Available funding  

If you are an LGBT+ organisation working with communities that face racial discrimination, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities (we use this language as broadly as possible and are actively working to better represent the affected diverse communities) you could be eligible for funding.  

The LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund launched at the start of February was co-produced with community organisations, consultations and previous grant giving data to gather information on which areas of our LGBT+ communities need additional support and funds. 5 Key areas were identified as:  D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people, LGBTQI+ Women, older people, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities and Trans and Non-Binary people. 

This Fund was created to contribute towards Equity within the LGBT+ sector and the communities that need explicit and specific support. Find out more about the Equity Fund here: LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund. 

 

Links to videos and more information 

Information on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: 

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination origins video explanation 

International day for the elimination of racial discrimination video text explanation 

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination 

United Nations anti racism day blog 

LGBT Foundation #IDAR2018 video 

Allyship resources: 

Allyship resource Nova Reid 

Challenging racism in the LGBT community Stonewall  

15 things LGBTQ people of colour want you to know Stonewall Scotland 

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race Reni Eddo-Lodge 

Inclusion and representation video Two Two’s 

Member resources: 

Equity and inclusion resources  

Diversity Series – Including LGBT+ People of Colour video 

Wellbeing resource page  

LGBT+ sector responds to the Cass Review Interim Report

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Yesterday, March 10th, The Cass Review, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, submitted an interim report to NHS England, setting out work to date, what has been learnt so far and the approach going forward. The report does not set out final recommendations at this stage.

The report has received a mixed response both from the LGBT+ sector and beyond. A number of our member organisations reacted to the report on social media and published responses to the interim report. We have linked to these responses below. If you have produced a response you would like us to include here please email [email protected]

LGBT Foundation statement on The Cass Report

Gendered Intelligence press statement

The importance of looking after yourself during the festive period

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A post from Camillea Johnson (they/them), Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer.

Dear friends,

The Team at Consortium recognise that this can be a difficult time as we are fast approaching the festive period and New Year! Due to this, we want people to know that you are not alone. Take good care of yourself during these times. We recognise that it may not be easy for some to experience, especially if surrounded by homophobic or transphobic family members/housemates. It can be equally challenging during these unprecedented times with Coronavirus. However, where possible, please take the time out to ensure your mental health and wellbeing needs are being met.

Below are some thoughts on self-care written by our Equity Fund Project Officer, Leyla Helvaci (she/ her):

Festive Period Self-Care Tips

December can be a great time to relax and reflect on the past year, but it can also be an upsetting time for some. The last year has been incredibly difficult, so we have collected some self-care tips that may be helpful when you need to take a moment for yourself.

Self-care is an excellent way to support and improve your wellbeing. Still, we recognise that it may not work for everyone and is incredibly personal. You know yourself best and whatever you do to take care of yourself and feel safe or get through tough times is enough.

  • Putting your needs first- whatever they look like, prioritise yourself. This could include taking regular breaks away from family or choosing to remove yourself from uncomfortable/ unsafe situations.
  • Getting fresh air- going outside or just opening a nearby window. A change in environment and temperature can be refreshing.
  • Collective care – lean on your communities for support and help each other. Meet up or do a group call for a quiz or maybe do a pet show and tell!

 

Links and resources:

Young trans man shares simple but effective Christmas self-care tips (pinknews.co.uk)

LGBT Foundation – An LGBTQ+ Guide to Surviving Christmas Alone

LGBTQ+ Christmas/Holidays Self Care Survival Guide – YouTube

Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth – The Trevor Project

 

The Consortium team wish you all a safe and prosperous festive holiday and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year, 2022!