LGBT+ History Month celebrates the achievements and struggles of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people throughout history. It aims to promote awareness, education and inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues and culture, as well as honour the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities to society.
As part of our celebrations, we’re sharing some personal thoughts and stories from members of the Pride network on why this month is so important to them.
Andy Bassett, Interim Head of Operational Resilience, said:
“For me, I still consider myself relatively new to the community – I came out as bisexual when I was 27 (I’m now 29) and it’s been a really amazing, but sometimes daunting experience. There are some incredible stories from LGBT+ history and I’m grateful to those who came before me who helped build a society where I can be accepted for who I am. I’m also acutely aware that the gains made towards acceptance and inclusion in the UK is not reflective of LGBT+ communities’ experiences around the world.”
Sonia Rajan, Senior Manager Operations – Ally, said:
“My childhood friend came out as queer a few years ago which gave me a close-up view of the struggles she goes through daily to fit into everyone else's version of a normal world. While I learnt more about various aspects of the LGBTQ+ community, I also realised that we need a major culture shift in creating more acceptance and increasing awareness. Understanding the background and struggles of some historical figures gives hope that we will see the change we need and also acts as a reminder that we have a responsibility to continue the movement for an inclusive environment.”
Colin Smith, Senior VAT Manager, Real Estate, said:
“Throughout my life, I have seen the progress made in the fight for LGBT rights and equality. I was born in 1967, a significant year in LGBT+ history as it marked the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales. In 2004, the Civil Partnership Act was passed, allowing same-sex couples to enter into a legal partnership, and ten years later, on 29 March 2014, I married my partner, as same-sex marriage became legal in the UK. We continue to be a part of this ongoing journey, and hope that some of the lessons from the past help us to remain focused on a positive future.”
Pete O’Rourke, Interim HR Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Since starting my professional career, I have always struggled with how open to be about my sexuality. It isn’t a secret to colleagues who know me well, and I have never felt anything other than acceptance and support. The bit I still struggle with the most is when people just presume you have a wife rather than a husband. They don’t do it deliberately, I myself have probably done it to others but I still get that horrible, panicked feeling of should I correct them or not? If I correct them, will they feel bad, and will it then feel awkward for us both? What if I don’t correct them and we become friends? For me, LGBT+ History Month always makes me reflect that at least I have a choice, and compared to those who lived through earlier decades of history, my occasional dilemma isn’t that bad; generations before me did not have a choice.”
Andrew Hudson, Indirect Tax Manager, Real Estate, said:
“I feel very grateful to the LGBT+ community that came before me and fought for rights that are now sometimes taken for granted. LGBT+ History Month is an important time for everybody to reflect and learn about these achievements and think about how we can help people in the LGBT+ community that are still fighting for their rights. In addition, it’s a good opportunity to acknowledge that LGBT+ history is everyone’s history. Often LGBT+ identities have been played down or brushed under the carpet due to prevailing attitudes, but LGBT+ people have always been present, making a contribution to the societies we live in.”
Louise Shield, Group Corporate Affairs and Brand Director, and Executive Sponsor for M&G’s Pride Network, said:
“Having joined M&G just over a year ago, I’ve been impressed by the work our Pride network does to support the creation of an inclusive work environment where everyone can be themselves. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, both now and throughout history. As the new executive sponsor, I'm really excited to be an active ally for our colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ and to help forge a greater understanding of how to shape an even more inclusive community going forward.”