Why Charity Matters in the LGBTQ+ Community

One of the many advantages of running an LGBTQ+ based charity is being able to witness firsthand the progress the community is making. Despite many queer people still experiencing discrimination, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that the community makes up a huge proportion of workplace talent and skill, and that companies are finally beginning to recognize and value inclusivity.

“LGBTQ+ people have gone through a lot of trauma,” said Skye Modern, Director for Trans in the City. “We've gone through a lot of hate, anger, and self-disbelief, as well as disbelief from friends and families. And there are consequences. But attracting talent from the queer community is now being recognized. There are a lot of people out there with incredible skills, with incredible passion, to actually change the world, to do something different.”

Laila El-Metoui, founder of Pride in Education, UK Queer Arabs and LEM Education, provided a fascinating insight into the progress of LGBTQ+ discrimination worldwide. Through her platforms, she aims to help specific subsections of the LGBTQ+ feel safe and included, with a particular focus on tackling racism through the means of education. She gave a thought-provoking statistic during the panel, stating that “Of the 69 countries that penalize the LGBTQ+ community, 33 are within the Commonwealth, so there’s something to be said about the legacy of colonialism.”

The importance of representation cannot be understated either, with positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and historic moments pulling focus. “That’s what THT is there to do,” said Richard Angell, Campaigns Director at Terrence Higgins Trust. “To take from that time of despair (the 1980s AIDS epidemic) to a time in which love, sexual expression, relationships can be not just normalized, but celebrated. They can be things we explore in safe and welcoming places. I think that journey from It's a Sin to Heartstopper is a nice evocative image.”

Matt Garvey, CEO of Diversity Role Models, works hard to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools. He gave a very sobering reminder that it’s only in very recent years that schools are taking LGBTQ+ discrimination seriously. “If something like Diversity Role Models had existed when I was a kid, it would have had a transformational impact on me.”

During a particularly impactful part of the session, Josh Rivers, Head of Cultural Partnerships at UK Black Pride, relayed a powerful story reminding us of the importance of listening to young voices and valuing their thoughts. “I gave a talk in Cornwall shortly after the Pulse massacre, and one of the students said, “Do you mind if I ask you how you’re feeling after Pulse?’. And this was a 12-year-old kid! So, I think we really shouldn’t underestimate the empathy and compassion of our young people.”

Ciaran Corrigan, Co-Lead for Lloyds Banking Rainbow Network, offered his advice for those looking to assist or join LGBTQ+ charities. According to him, research is the key, finding something personal and important to the individual. “Look to see what opportunities are available. External organizations, like local charities or even national organizations that strike a chord with you. Do some research to understand the purpose and objectives of the charity and see if those align with something that you would feel passionate about supporting,” he suggested.