LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated every February across the UK to promote the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ folk.
February coincides with the abolishment of Section 28 (more info found here). The theme for 2024 is the contribution of the LGBTQ+ community to medicine and healthcare.
Understanding LGBTQ+ history is crucial for employers striving to create welcoming, supportive and profitable work environments. While many companies prioritise diversity and inclusion, incorporating LGBTQ history into workplace education remains overlooked. Here's why learning about LGBTQ history is important for employers:
- Competitive edge in hiring: want to attract top talent? This can be part of the answer. In today's competitive job market top talent seeks out employers who prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion. By demonstrating a commitment to learning about LGBTQ history and creating inclusive policies and practices, employers can attract and retain valuable employees.
- Reduce churn: inclusive workplaces typically have much higher employee retention rates as it increases loyalty and sense of purpose. When employees feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they are, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.
- Increasing psychological safety: LGBTQ+ employees feel less psychologically safe than their non- LGBTQ+ counterparts. This is normally caused by the added stress of having to live a double-life in work or facing discrimination. Learning about LGBTQ history demonstrates a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and experiences, which can lead to increased employee morale and loyalty.
- Preventing discrimination and harassment: a HR nightmare, right? Education about LGBTQ+ history equips employers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace. By recognising and addressing biases and stereotypes, employers can create a safer and more inclusive environment. This will mean all employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves, so they feel valued and feel respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Aligning with legal and ethical Standards: Understanding LGBTQ+ history is not only a matter of moral and ethical responsibility but also aligns with legal requirements. Employers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ history are better equipped to comply with these laws and create a respectful and inclusive work environment for all.
- Promoting diversity of thought: diverse employees mean diverse ideas! Embracing LGBTQ history in the workplace encourages the celebration of diversity of thought and perspective. By learning about the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ individuals, employers can broaden their understanding of the world and encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving.?
By understanding the experiences and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history, employers can benefit from a strategic business decision that has financial, legal and psychological advantages. Although the moral obligations should outweigh any business benefit there is obviously a huge benefit to all of the above...So, what is stopping you and your business from learning more about LGBTQ+ history?
Podcaster at Carnalknowledge: A Horny History
7 个月Hey Everyone, education on the history of LGBTQ people is important. I ask that you check out my episode from my podcast Carnal Knowledge on sexuality. Looking at LGBTQ people throughout history from the mesopotamians to just after WW2 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IgAHZAwniNvt8nGkQauKo?si=e6e9891bffd4450c
Lisboa Sempre por Portugal e pelos Portugueses
9 个月Two paintings by the Famous Painter, a reference in the LGBTQI+ Community, Luísa Correia Pereira (1945-2009), Lisbon, never before exposed to the public, will be on display until the 20th of this month at a renowned and historic Portuguese auction house Palácio do Correio Velho. Thank you ! https://lnkd.in/dbVrNn3S
As they say, knowledge is power! ?? Thanks for sharing, Ryan!
Thank you for sharing Ryan, very insightful article. It goes to show how important educating employees on LGBTQ+ history is!
London Sales Director [Hiring for CDO / CIO / Director / Head of Data Engineering]
1 年Thanks Ryan - great read and totally agree!