Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Just another University of Greenwich blog
Our LGBT Staff Network held their 2nd Anniversary celebrations on 9 September. They started with their AGM outlining what they had achieved over the past year and what they were looking to do in the next, following which they held their anniversary party.
A well known gay entertainment venue in London has been given Grade II listed status.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in Lambeth has been listed for its architectural interest and its historic and cultural significance as an “enduring symbol of the confidence of the gay community”. More
The England Sevens player Sam Stanley has become the first English rugby union professional to come out as gay. Stanley, 23, part of one of rugby union’s most famous families who has represented England at under-16 and under-18 level and has played for Saracens, revealed he contemplated suicide because he was scared telling the truth would ruin his rugby career. More
The former Australia international is a true pioneer who left an indelible mark on the game by braving vile abuse and taunts to be true to himself. More
Batley Bulldogs player captains side after announcing his sexuality, saying he hopes it encourages others in ‘macho’ sport to feel they can come out. More
On 12 August it is International Youth Day and with this in mind we have chosen Charlie Condou as our Inspirational Diversity Champion of the month.
Charlie is an actor and writer best known for playing Marcus Dent in Coronation Street. He is a supporter of Manchester Pride, a patron of the Albert Kennedy Trust, and a volunteer for the Terrence Higgins Trust. He also works closely with Stonewall.
We have chosen Charlie for his work with children and families. He is that he is a Patron of the organisation Diversity Role Models. This organisation actively seeks to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying in UK schools. They stop bullying before it happens by educating young people about difference, challenging stereotypes and addressing the misuse of language. Their workshops feature positive LGBT or straight ally role models who speak directly to young people about their experiences. To date they have worked with over 80 schools and reached over 16,000 young people across the UK.
In 2013 Charlie set up the company Out with the Family, which organises events aimed at LGBT families and straight allies to aid networking of gay parents and children of same-sex parents. The aim is to create a safe and inclusive space where children of LGBT parents can play and engage with others in similar circumstances and not be the odd one out. Parents also have the opportunity to discuss issues in a safe and supportive environment.
To find out more about Out with the Family or Diversity Role Models see their websites at:
http://outwiththefamily.co.uk/
http://www.diversityrolemodels.org/
To keep up to date with what Charlie is doing follow him on twitter at:
Equality, diversity and inclusion issues at Greenwich were the subjects of a major event at the university. Over 70 people attended The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI) Symposium, where guests from Greenwich and other institutions enjoyed presentations and talks, including an analysis of results from the recent Staff Engagement Survey.
Cinthya Quijano, from Human Resources, says: “The whole day was a real success. We are doing good work at Greenwich but cannot be complacent, as shown by results from the recent Engagement Survey.
“Questions on equality, diversity and inclusion showed that generally lesbian and bisexual staff responded more negatively. Also, 18 per cent of staff preferred not to say what their sexual orientation is. We want to create an inclusive and engaging place to work. The ability to be yourself at work is important.”
Anne Poulson, Chief Operating Officer of the university, gave the opening speech which looked at the importance of diversity and the university’s work on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the university.
Stonewall’s Peter Mercer praised the university’s work in diversity issues, especially since its involvement in Stonewall. Greenwich is the first university to become an accredited training partner with Stonewall, the LGBT equality rights charity. This means that the university is now recognised as a centre of excellence for training schools about issues relating, in particular, to homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
The event was followed by a drinks reception, opened by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Maguire.
Greenwich is the first university to become an accredited training partner with Stonewall, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality rights charity.
This means that the university is now recognised as a centre of excellence for training schools about issues relating, in particular, to homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
More
A Norwegian player was sent off for calling an opponent “gay” as referees in the country toughen their approach to homophobic language. More
A newly formed group, Proud Valiants, has been founded by a number of Charlton Athletic fans for supporters of the club who identify themselves as part of the LGBT community. More