L&Q host staff LGBTQ+ network conference

Spectrum, L&Q’s LGBTQ+ colleague network, held its annual conference jointly at Pennington Manches Cooper’s London office and Friends Meeting House in Manchester last week.

Live-streamed to colleagues working remotely, Spectrum’s event featured inspiring and informative talks given by a range of LGBTQ+ activists, allies and professionals working in the diversity, equality, and inclusion arena, with a key focus on intersectionality, exploring the full range of LGBTQ+ identities, and the support needed for this.

Staff members from Pennington Manches Cooper kicked off the day’s talks, with partners from the social housing management law team welcoming audience members to the event and outlining the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion to the firm.

The chair of their LGBTQ+ staff network also spoke about the work being carried out to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages respect and equality for all colleagues and clients. 

Reverend Jide Macaulay, Founder and CEO of House of Rainbow, shared his personal experience as an openly gay British Nigerian Christian Minister, his activism on challenging HIV stigma, and what inspires him to work on the reconciliation of sexuality, spirituality and human rights.

In London, representatives from Spectrum’s mental health charity of the year, ELOP, joined the conference. During their talk, ELOP highlighted the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ activists and untold stories of those who have stood up for justice and existing barriers to progress.

The award-winning LGBT charity offers counselling sessions for LGBTQ+ people, is run by LGBTQ+ people, and was chosen by Spectrum after members of the network spoke about the importance of mental health and well-being support within the LGBTQ+ community.

Previous Charity of the Year relationships have led L&Q to sign up to initiatives and pledges that are helping us to improve the support we provide to staff and residents who identify as LGBTQ+ and boost overall LGBTQ+ inclusion within the organisation. In recent years, we received the Pride in Care quality standard, an Opening Doors accreditation which is helping us to improve the quality of our care and support for older LGBTQ+ people living in our supported housing schemes.

Spectrum’s Co-chair Karl Lewis led a moving tribute to Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old British transgender girl who was murdered in her hometown of Warrington. He also shared that the network will hold a Trans Day of Visibility event for staff on Wednesday 5th April.

Staff members from Micro Rainbow gave a presentation on LGBTQ+ people claiming asylum in the UK, exploring the issues these individuals face in their home countries, and how phobias can affect them throughout their lives.

The second half of the presentation focused on what the charity are doing to tackle the issue, including opening safe houses in London, offering one-to-one Universal Credit support, and running employability workshops with corporations.

The day finished with a social mixer, which provided Spectrum members and attendees with the chance to meet and chat with colleagues based in the South East and North West.

Fiona Fletcher Smith said:

“We are proud of our inclusive culture and the huge role all our staff networks play as driving forces for equality, diversity and inclusion within and outside of the organisation. 

It was fantastic to celebrate the significant achievements of Spectrum with colleagues from across L&Q and THT, whilst reflecting on the ongoing work needed to create a truly inclusive culture where all voices are heard."

Bev Johnson, Co-Chair of Spectrum said:

“A huge thanks to everyone who helped organise the conference and to Pennington Manches Cooper and Friends Meeting House for kindly hosting us. Thank you also to everyone who bravely shared their thoughts and experiences for making the event the great success it was. The conversations had were engaging, informative and moving, and reminded colleagues of how we can all play a role in raising awareness, challenging discrimination, and celebrating our collective diversity.”