?? Steph's Inspiring Journey: Celebrating Pride Month 2023!
HM Revenue & Customs
We are the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority. We collect the money that pays for the UK's public services.
Let me share a secret with you: I'm not someone who enjoys being the centre of attention. I prefer a quiet and low-key approach, often finding myself in the kitchen at parties, talking to the cat, dog, or plant. So, you might be wondering why I'm writing about visibility. Well, here's the thing.
I want to show that being a lesbian (or any other term you prefer) is perfectly fine and definitely not a barrier to success at HMRC.
And you know what? I can honestly say that.
Having been with HMRC for a decade now, any issues I've faced due to my sexual orientation have been mild, isolated incidents that never affected my career. In fact, I've received promotions and had great roles and colleagues along the way.
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Before joining HMRC, my experiences varied greatly during my career. I encountered homophobia and hostility and had to fight against prejudice of various kinds. However, at HMRC, being gay has never hindered my achievements.
But we can't afford to be complacent. We must ensure that we don't lose the progress made in the last decade. As lesbians, gay women, sapphics, we need to be better at speaking out and supporting ourselves. Let's prioritize our own well-being alongside everyone else's. Remember the traditional airline safety message: affix your own mask before helping others.
As a broader HMRC community, we want you to see us in all our vibrant rainbow colours but not treat us as "other." We are as diverse as any other part of the community, and even if we're a little quieter, we still need your inclusion, support, and upliftment. So, when you meet someone new, please don't assume their gender or the gender of their partner. Don't tolerate "jokes" or "banter" that may not feel inclusive to some of us. Let's keep HMRC and the Civil Service welcoming, wonderful, and diverse.
If making that happen means me scuttling out from under my West Country rock to blink in the spotlight for a few minutes, then it will be worth it.
Senior Finance Business Partner & Head of Business Planning
1 年Great note Steph ??♂?
Business Sponsor - MTD
1 年Agree. Lovely note Steph. It has been my experience too at HMRC for the last 7 years - genuinely feel I can bring my whole self to work every day and given I’ve worked in so many different parts of the organisation it can’t be a fluke! Like you it hasn’t always been the case in life and because of that I’m never complacent.
Chief Security Officer & SRO
1 年??????????????
Director, Making Tax Digital
1 年Great to read this Steph. We unfurled our flag today at our Edinburgh Regional Centre and I had the privilege of saying a few words. It was amazing to hear first hand experiences from colleagues who joined us saying how inclusive HMRC is while also reflecting on their past experiences. I’m proud to work for a department and team of colleagues who believe passionately in a culture where we bring of full and true self to work.