Just Like Us’ Post

1 in 5 adoptions in England in 2023 were to same-sex couples, according to new statistics published by the Department for Education - https://lnkd.in/e7XbGpyw In the ever-developing landscape of adoption, LGBT+ individuals have become pivotal part of the journey for cared for experienced children. It is imperative for the sector to evolve by establishing and developing standards of excellence when engaginig with our community. These standards should be designed to instill confidence in LGBT+ individuals, ensuring that, regardless of the agency chosen, they will collaborate with professionals who prioritise the unique strengths, and past traumas and recognise the resilience factors that LGBTQ+ individuals bring to the adoption process, dismantling misconceptions and prejudices. Our lived experiences from the community show that not all LGBTQ+ individuals navigating the adoption process in England enjoy a journey free from discrimination. The introduction of standards of excellence is a proactive step, offering agencies a framework to more effectively assess and support our community. By implementing these standards, we aspire to create a more inclusive and affirming environment, developing positive adoption experiences for everyone involved.

One of the starting points of being an ally is knowing what key terms and concepts of LGBT+ inclusion are. Here’s what the letters mean in LGBTQIAP+

#NationalComingOutDay 🌈 As below, coming out is a different experience for everyone. Even in a safe space, it can be incredibly daunting, and is rarely the rainbow celebration we often think of. (💡links to find support below⏬) ❗ It isn't unknown - being able to be your true self at work offers great advantages for a company's profitability and success, but there is such a long way to go. 👀 I hope that reading this post is enough to encourage you to go out of your way and research how you can make your place of work somewhere that all can be their true self. 💼📊 At work, McKinsey reports showed that LGBTQ+ employees have to come out multiple times, with 50% of employees saying they have to come out more than once a week at work. They speak to a lesbian Partner at a law firm being asked what her husband does, and a gay man at a multinational firm being asked the race of his wife. "All in all, coming out at work can be a fraught experience. Some 37 percent of survey respondents reported feeling uncomfortable at least once in the past month with coming out at work. In some cases, coming out may lead to abuse. One Canadian interviewee recalled, “My colleague overheard a conversation when I was making plans for the weekend and figured out I’m gay. My life was a living hell. She lobbed Bible verses over the cube. Since she was a senior person compared to me, I thought that my life was over.” 💻 https://lnkd.in/exCZYFdW Also important to note in #blackhistorymonth that: 4️⃣2️⃣% of black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people feel the need to hide or disguise who they are at work - higher than the average of 35% across all LGBT people. 1️⃣ in 8️⃣ black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT employees (12 per cent) have lost a job in the last year because of being LGBT, compared to four per cent of white LGBT staff. ⏩(Stonewall LGBT In Britain Work Report) Some amazing places you can find support: Switchboard - National LGBTQ+ Helpline (helpline support for LGBT people) Phone: 0300 330 0630 Email: [email protected] https://switchboard.lgbt Brighton Switchboard (helpline support for LGBT people) Phone: 01273 359042 https://lnkd.in/e2QBAGcj Give Us A Shout (24hr crisis text service) Text Switchboard to 85258 https://giveusashout.org MindLine Trans+ (emotional support helpline for trans people) Phone: 0300 330 5468 https://lnkd.in/eHEVqn3P

The top 10 states with the largest number of LGBT adults are also the states with the largest overall populations, except for Washington, which is 13th overall and 10th in terms of the number of adult LGBT people. bit.ly/LGBTAdultPop

Today I was able to virtually attend Klaudia Matasovska talk on 'School staff and pupils and their experience of LGBT+/SEND intersection' The impact of fear that adults have regarding LGBT+ discussions with SEND children was evident - Such an interesting and valuable piece of research. To learn more about Klaudia's research please go to - https://lnkd.in/eAemuurK So much more needs to be gone to support and protect our SEND LGBT+ kids in schools. Supporting and Celebrating Neurodiversity, Jess x x

Schools need to be and feel safe for our students. It would be difficult to find an educator who disagreed with this. Do you believe it needs to be safe for our SEND students? A place that works to combat violence against women and girls? A place where people from all religions and cultures feel safe? These are just some of the protective charteristics we will see in our students. Trans students are another ("gender reassignment"). They deserve the right for school to be a safe space, for the voices to be heard, for their rights and data protection to be respected just as much as an individual of any age. One of the single most important things you can do this month if you believe all students should be safe, is read the #supportiveschools guidance and respond to the government's draft non-statutory guidance around trans students. Many lawyers have already outlined the ways in which suggested practices by the government violate existing laws and statutory guidance: from KCSIE to Equality Act 2010, from GDPR to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Let's let the government know that we stand with an equal society for all and for keeping our children safe. Follow the links below.

Welcome to the new and improved Ipsos Update. In this edition we delve into a sundry of topics. If you haven’t already, get the latest understanding on generations and what demographic change will mean for businesses and politics in Ipsos’ 2024 Generations Report. Also take note of the newest and popular Equalities Index and Pride Survey, the former exploring important issues around inequality in society and the latter looking at global perceptions towards the LGBT+ community. https://lnkd.in/dgFS-_ez

There are two main reasons people tell us they contact an LGBT+ focussed adviser. Invariably, the first is that financial planning involves sharing personal information, and people want to ensure they do that with someone they are comfortable with. The second is that they want to speak with someone who will understand their lifestyle and unique needs. https://lnkd.in/dPQyPyfx

Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! 🏳️🌈 In this reflective article, Rosie Hazeldine takes us back to a time before 2003 when Section 28 was still in effect. She reminds us that a significant portion of today's workforce was educated under this legislation. Whether we were aware of it or not, this impacted what we were taught, what attitudes and behaviours were left unchallenged, and how we are doing now, long after Section 28 has been consigned to history. Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was introduced by Margeret Thatcher’s government. It stated that local authorities, and by extension schools, “should not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish materials to promote homosexuality”. In the spirit of promoting inclusivity, Rosie, who praises settle for their #EDI efforts, shares some best practices: 🗣 Don't assume someone's gender or sexuality. 🌈 Embrace gender-neutral language, especially in policies. 👩🏽🎤 Ditch formal dress codes for a more comfortable environment. 🧰 Add pronouns to your email signature to respect diverse gender identities. 🎊 Celebrate LGBTQ+ milestones #LGBTQHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #section28 #housingassociations https://lnkd.in/e7rEvrS3

🌈 This #PrideMonth, let's celebrate diversity and strive for a more inclusive world. Inclusivity isn't just about acceptance; it's about actively creating spaces where everyone can thrive. It's about listening to experiences that differ from our own, educating ourselves and others, and standing up against discrimination in all its forms. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone is free to be their authentic selves. Let's turn our support into action—not just this month, but year-round. #IAmIntel #Pride2023 #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #BeAnAlly #EqualityForAll