Throughout February we will be embarking on an inclusivity journey as we celebrate LGBT+ History Month with a calendar of events open to all staff, partners, service users and local communities, created by our LGBTQ+ Network.
The LGBT+ History Month theme for this year is centred around 'Behind the Lens' and at a time when LGBTQ+ lives are in the media, we also encourage you to look 'Behind the Lens' and listen to LGBTQ+ peoples' lived experiences.
Chris Oliver, Interim Chief Executive shares why LGBT+ History Month is important for the Trust but also him personally.
Photography Competition
We are inviting everyone to take part in our photography competition throughout February.
We would love you to share your own photographs that depict what LGBTQ+ means to you. All entries for the competition should be sent to pride@lscft.nhs.uk, we will share entries across our social media channels and announce the winner, judged by Alan Kent, University lecturer of BA(hons) Photography, at the end of February. The winner will receive a printed tote bag and mug with their winning design.
Virtual Sessions
We are delighted to announce we have a series of inspirational and interactive virtual events happening throughout February and beyond, these include:
LGBTQ+ and Faith
Hosted by Hidayah and Rainbow House
14 February 1pm – 2pm
Click here to join the meeting
LGBT+ History Month with Pav
Hosted by Pav Akhtar
21 February 10.30am – 11.30am
Click here to join the meeting
The times and dates for additional sessions will be shared as soon as possible, so keep checking back.
Pen and Inc reading group
To celebrate LGBT+ History Month, why not join the inclusive Pen and Inc (inclusive) reading group in reading the novel Mr. Loverman ahead of the next meeting on 23 February?
Written by Bernardine Evaristo, it tells the story of Barrington Walker, a 74 year old from Antigua who moved to London in the 1960s. He's married to Carmel, but is secretly gay and in a relationship with lifelong friend Morris.
Find out more including where to buy the book, please email kevin.mcveigh@lscft.nhs.uk
Our staff will also have the opportunity to attend Lunch and Learn sessions hosted by Lancashire LGBT covering topics such as LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace, supporting LGBT+ service users and supporting trans and gender diverse service users.
At LSCft we want to better understand and improve the experience of our service users and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+. Through February we are asking LSCft staff to complete a survey with the aim of providing a starting point from which to understand how respondents feel about the Trust's approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion and help the Diversity & Inclusion team and the LGBTQ+ staff network plan how we measure, monitor and produce actions to improve the experience of LSCft's LGBTQ+ service users and staff.
Finally staff are being encouraged to take their pledge and wear a progress badge to send out the message that you are an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Being an ally does not simply mean that you are not homophobic or transphobic, but that you are prepared to learn about LGBTQ+ issues, educate others and speak out against inappropriate behaviours or comments.
If you have questions on any of the above activities please email equality@lscft.nhs.uk
