Proud to value diversity

We celebrate those who have made a difference to the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Leicestershire We celebrate those who have made a Proud difference to the lives of gay, lesbian, to value bisexual and transgender people in Leicestershire diversity

East Midlands Ambulance Service, Leicestershire seen and heard first-hand about County Council, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue some of the fantastic work that’s happening in the area. Service and Leicestershire Police are proud to We’re delighted to see such a wide range of role work together through our LGBT networks for all of models – who share a local connection – featured in our LGBT staff and residents. The fire, police and this publication, and we hope that you’ll enjoy reading ambulance services also have a joint staff network – their stories. the 999 LGBT Network - and this year we joined up Role models are massively important to LGBT to showcase our work together and meet the people people – a role model is someone to look up to, who we serve at Leicester’s Pride. celebrates diversity, champions equality and has a We’re committed to celebrating diversity voice on behalf of those who need the most support. and combatting discrimination across Leicester, Whether you identify as LGBT, or are a ‘straight ally’, Leicestershire and Rutland, and through our be inspired by these stories and think about how you involvement in the LGBT Role Models initiative we’ve can be a role model too.

Sue Noyes ACC Phil Kay CFO Richard Chandler Gordon McFarlane Chief Executive, Leicestershire Police Leicestershire Fire Assistant Director East Midlands and Rescue Service and Equalities Lead, Ambulance Service Leicestershire County Council

Ruth Hunt Chief Executive, “People perform better when they how much better they feel when they know another can be themselves. Stonewall’s gay person and staff in big and small workplaces alike Remembering Kelvin Irons Programme say they can imagine being successful when they see Kelvin was one of our 2013 role models, who sadly passed away earlier this year. supports employers who want to create a workplace people like them succeeding. where their staff can do just that. The programme has We’re pleased that Leicestershire County Council Born and bred in Leicester, feeling comfortable and confident with them on the Supporting over 600 members employing 5.5 million staff. The have taken inspiration from our role models guide Kelvin spent 32 years at the with who you are.’ Leicestershire Families project. He reason these progressive employers work with us is and have produced this important publication Department for Work and Through his work as Social was nominated to be a role model because they understand that their lesbian, gay and that recognises the contribution these successful Pensions, and his career saw him Justice Manager for Leicestershire by a colleague on this project, for bisexual staff are more efficient, confident, creative and lesbian, gay and bisexual role models have made in take on roles as diverse as office and Northamptonshire, Kelvin his enthusiasm to help vulnerable motivated when they feel able to be open about their Leicestershire. These role models show up within all management to prison adviser. supported people and helped turn families. sexual orientation. areas of the community, have a positive influence on Kelvin was a great role model lives around. Staff at Leicestershire Kelvin will be remembered and At Stonewall we know exactly how important role the people around them and pave the way for others and in his own words, ‘A good County Council remember him missed by those who knew him. models are to our sense of self. Young people tell us to feel able to be themselves too.” advocate for being yourself and for fondly from his time working

2 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 3 During her time at Leicestershire Police, Stephanie Morgan was the most senior ‘out’ gay police officer. She still plays an active role in making the county a safer Stephanie Morgan, QPM place to live for everyone through her role as advisor for the office of the Police Recently retired former Crime Commissioner and has been involved in charity work including 15 months as Deputy Chief Constable, a trustee of Leicester’s LGBT Centre and supporting the Leicestershire and Rutland Leicestershire Police Community Foundation. She also received the QPM (Queen’s Police Medal) in the 2015 New Years’ Honours List and an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University for the work undertaken with LGBT Communities. Here, in her own words, she describes why she is seen as a role model…

“I joined the Hampshire my life with my family. Six years LGBT officers and staff to progress. Constabulary in 1983. I’ve had a ago I told my father the truth when “I am also proud to have led varied career which began with the my mother was seriously ill with a national initiative - the ‘It gets Fraud Squad, dealing with complex a terminal illness. My father found better DVD’ where officers from ‘white collar’ crime. this difficult to accept but him all over the country were filmed “In 2010, I was appointed knowing the truth meant that my giving personal stories in order as Assistant Chief Constable of partner was able to be a part of my to discourage LGBT youth from Leicestershire Constabulary taking family, and help out in the nursing committing suicide and encourage up the operations portfolio. I was of my mother. them to report bullying and hate. regional commander for the Olympics, “I want young people growing “I accept that there is further and oversaw the torch relay. up today to have positive role to go but take heart in the fact “In my line of work, I had to models and be able to share who that there is an enthused LGBT judge success as an absence of they are with their friends and community here that is doing all it crime and disorder and of people, family. I’m very optimistic for can to ensure that ‘coming out’ is including all LGBT people, being the future as I know how far the made as easy as possible.” and feeling safe in the communities LGBT community has come, since Proud I policed. those days when we feared being “We lived in fear “My partner and I have suffered arrested. of being found to value prejudice in the 29 years we’ve “Being both the national policing been together. My partner was in lead for LGBT issues and the most out - several of our the services at a time when same senior ‘out’ police officer put me diversity sex relationships were illegal. We in the spotlight as an LGBT role close friends were lived in fear of being found out - model. “I’m proud of the fact that several of our close friends were I reached the position in my career arrested and their arrested and their homes searched. where I made a difference by homes searched...” “My father was homophobic influencing the national agenda and and I felt unable to share much of hopefully make things easier for

4 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 5 Elly Barnes LGBT Schools Advisor Proud Originally from Leicestershire, Elly Barnes topped the to value Independent on Sunday’s Pink List in 2011 for her commitment to LGBT in education. In 2012, Elly was ‘highly diversity commended’ in the TES ‘Teacher of the Year’ awards and she remains one of the country’s leading voices for equality.

Elly was the driving force behind Schools rep for LGBT History create an enlightened environment, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans month and SchoolsOUT. where everyone can be who History Month celebrations at Elly says, “I started the LGBT they want to be, without fear of Stoke Newington School, Hackney initiative in my school in 2005 discrimination.” from 2005. She aimed to eradicate when I was a newly appointed Elly has worked tirelessly over homophobic language, bullying and Head of Year. This meant I had recent years to ensure that young challenge her students’ perceptions 240 year 7 students with whom people value diversity, and her of LGBT people. I could work on a new culture of efforts mean that discrimination is As an experienced teacher, Elly acknowledgement, respect and becoming a thing of the past. went on to set up her own school understanding. as a Diversity Training Centre. “Our teachers were witnessing She now offers LGBT training to widespread homophobia on a daily teachers nationally. Her approach basis. Every 5 minutes I would was recognised by Ofsted as hear students use the term ‘gay’ as “Every 5 minutes a centre of best practice for an insult. I would hear successfully tackling homophobic “The most effective methods bullying. I found were eradicating students use Elly is now the LGBT Schools homophobic language, giving facts the term ‘gay’ Advisor for Birmingham City about LGBT people to my students Council, the Equality and Diversity and educating them through the as an insult...” Lead at Stoke Newington School curriculum by studying famous and a freelance diversity trainer. LGBT people. She also volunteers as the National “By working together we can

6 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 7 Andrew Murphy Chair, LGBT Workers’ Group, Leicestershire County Council

Qualified social worker Andrew Murphy has worked in local government since 2001. He has been married to his husband Phil, since 2007.

Andrew established the council’s “I’m more interested in how we like a couple; the fact that holding LGBT Workers’ Group in March engage the wider community, who hands in public or kissing goodbye 2008, and has worked tirelessly perhaps think this is irrelevant. The on a train platform still feels like since, in his role as chair, to Straight Allies scheme is a really a big deal; the fact that when you promote the needs of the LGBT successful way of doing this.” change jobs you have to think workforce. When asked about what about how to come out all over He is humble about his challenges he has faced as a gay again. I don’t think many straight achievements as chair, but the man, Andrew says: people are aware of all that.” reality is that he has overseen the “When I think back to being at When asked what the future council’s rise from 166th in the school, the thought of being where holds for Leicestershire’s LGBT Stonewall workplace equality index I am now: out to pretty much residents, Andrew’s optimistic: to its current top 20 place. everyone, living with my partner “Leicestershire is a great place Andrew says: “I am proud of and with a gang of lovely friends, to live. I hope that the world and being part of a really successful would have been unimaginable. Leicestershire will continue to be and innovative Workers’ Group Then, to be gay felt like an utter a more tolerant and accepting which actively supports the council disaster and something that would place, where we see diversity as to think about LGBT issues and condemn me to isolation. something to be welcomed, not the needs of the LGBT people of “The world has changed so feared or suppressed. Where LGBT Leicestershire. much since then, and visible LGBT people of all ages feel that they “Activities like our conference role models I think have played a have a place.” really encourage our staff to think huge part of this. It’s people like Proud about how to consider the needs of Clare Balding, who are fantastically the LGBT people of Leicestershire good at what they do, happen to “To be gay felt like throughout their lives. be a lesbian, and while they don’t “I’m also really pleased to have make a huge song and dance an utter disaster to value been part of the Straight Allies about that, nor do they hide it. and something that programme that we have set up. That would have been pretty hard One of the things I’m passionate in the 1980s. would condemn me diversity about is that too much equality “And yet, the stares that Phil to isolation...” and diversity work can feel like and I have got in supermarkets ‘preaching to the converted’. just for being two men who look

8 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 9 Leicester Wildecats The weekly kick-a-bout is still a Gareth Miller, founder of the links with Leicester City Football 11-a-side league games, allowing their preconceptions and allow very important part of the club and club, says: “The Wildecats provides Club with a view to fighting people to show their abilities at them to see that there is more than Established in 1996, it’s open to everyone who signs a unique platform for members of homophobia in football. different levels. We are also proud one type of gay person, and not the Leicester Wildecats up to the club’s ethos and ideals, the LGB community to play football “There is a great togetherness of our long and distinguished just the stereotypes portrayed in was the third gay football regardless of their age, ability in a friendly, safe, non-judgemental and bonding within the club, history. the media.” team to be set up in or sexual orientation. The club environment, and players of all regardless of people’s backgrounds. “Most of the legal barriers currently has around 60 members orientations, ages and abilities are The team allows LGB people to facing LGB people have now been the UK, and the first from Leicester, Leicestershire, welcome to join. make friends outside of the normal removed, but there is still some gay and lesbian team. Rutland and neighbouring counties. “The club has played a channels available and some very social prejudice to overcome. It “There is more The Wildecats was a founder significant part in improving the strong friendships, and indeed, can be very difficult for young LGB member of the Gay Football lives of a large number of LGB relationships have been forged people to discuss their feelings than one type of Supporters’ Network National people and LGB-friendly people through our club and amongst with friends, family and colleagues, gay person, and not League and took part in the very in the area over the last 17 years. other gay teams we compete especially if they are involved in first game in 2002. As well as promoting beneficial against. football, which has a reputation for just the stereotypes The team’s biggest achievement physical activity, the club provides “The club is proud to have a homophobia. portrayed in the so far is the 2008 victory in the a strong, vibrant social scene for its good balance between the weekly “Meeting gay people in a Gay Football World Championship. members. The team has also made kick-a-bout and the more serious football environment can challenge media.”

Proud to value diversity

10 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 11 Rebecca Shaw Project Co-ordinator, Next Generation

Having moved to Leicestershire in 2011, Rebecca Shaw has had an instant impact upon the equality and inclusion agenda in her local community.

In 2013 she was the driving force to turn her long standing passion February 2013 she worked with behind a series of initiatives to for social justice towards LGBT Proud Generation, an LGBT group champion the voices and lived equality. started by Next Generation, to experiences of LGBT people living As co-chair of Rainbow promote LGBT History Month, in Hinckley and Bosworth. Hamlets, which exists to champion a first for Hinckley. She followed In 2003 Rebecca realised that and celebrate the lives, needs and this up with weekly community she could no longer ignore an issue experiences of LGBT people based awareness events in the town which had been troubling her for in the London Borough of Tower centre during March and planned years and decided to embark on a Hamlets, Rebecca campaigned an event to celebrate International process of gender reassignment. It against homophobia and Day against Homophobia and was not a decision this former civil transphobia and spoke on LGBT Transphobia in partnership with servant took lightly, nor one she issues in meetings with the council Hinckley and Bosworth Council in regrets, but she acknowledges that and its partner organisations. May. But she sees herself as an she underestimated how it would She found herself challenged to unlikely role model. impact on her life. continue that work on moving to “I don’t think there’s anything “I took for granted the Leicestershire. brave or heroic about what I do. ‘privileges’ I had enjoyed when “I moved to Hinckley in To me, it is vital that trans people presenting as a white, middle-class September 2011 and stayed with are seen to be capable of standing heterosexual male; suddenly people a friend until July 2012. It was a up for themselves. Because if we were looking at me in a different difficult time. I was kept awake don’t, who will?” way, making value judgements at night by stones thrown at my about me which had no basis in window and people shouting “To me, it is fact. Unemployment, homelessness names. I looked to community and hate crime were a rude shock.” safety plans for answers and vital that trans Rebecca suffered head injuries found none; I saw no strategies people are seen in October 2003 when she was for dealing with homophobic and to be capable attacked by a group of youths transphobic anti-social behaviour.” Proud after leaving a gay bar in east Since then, Rebecca has been of standing up London. Three months later an working with Next Generation, a article by Guardian columnist Julie community organisation based in for themselves. to value Bindel reinforced the message: Hinckley, to raise awareness of Because if we transgender people are much LGBT issues and to help improve diversity misunderstood. Rebecca decided services for LGBT people. In don’t, who will?”

12 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 13 Soroya MacDonald County Youth Worker, Leicestershire County Council

With more than two decades dedicated to youth work, Soroya has spent her career supporting young people to achieve their potential.

She has been recognised for “I don’t think of myself as a “But I am very proud of my going the extra mile for LGBT role model, but I think I’ve been kids and how they reacted and young people in Leicestershire nominated because I set up a supported me and I’ve come and providing a space for them dedicated group for LGBT young through the bad times. I believe it to be themselves. people. is going to get easier and easier to Soroya says: “I have been a “I try to think about the come out and live the life you want youth worker for over 20 years. I support that young people need. to live.” have worked with young people I am always cheerful and respect with many different issues and in young people’s views and opinions. many different settings. “I suppose it helps that I’ve “I hope I can play “I set up a group for LGBT faced my own challenges along the a small part in Proud young people at Mountfields way. I think back to when I told Lodge in Loughborough. Although my kids that I was in a relationship showing people the numbers started small at the with a woman, and how I tried to value moment I am confident that we to make them understand. that it’s good to will attract more young people “I also lived in a small be yourself.” who identify as LGBT and will community so some people diversity help to support them if and who I had known nearly all of when they need it. my life stopped talking to me.

14 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 15 Tracy Ward Head of Service, Adults and Communities, Leicestershire County Council

Tracy grew up in Leicester and despite a spell at university in London, she was drawn back to her roots. She has worked in adult social care in Leicestershire since the early 1990s.

Tracy has been a recognisable role of the fact that people around me friends and do not feel stigmatised model for the county council, has have felt supported to be out at or fearful of what may happen to regularly participated in events, work, and that I’ve played a part in them just because of their sexual articles and is an active member of valuing people’s differences. orientation.” the council’s LGBT Workers’ Group. “As a manager within adult Tracy was nominated as a role social care, I’m also proud that the model for being a good manager – organisations I have worked with “I hope that for establishing working practices deliver services which allow older people will read which value diversity and promote people to maintain a sense fairness and respect. of identity.” this publication She says: “I believe everyone Thinking about the future, Tracy in Leicestershire has the right to is keen to work with partners to and see people access services which treat people deliver good services, and reduce like them...” Proud with respect and dignity. I have hate crime and bullying: to value worked hard to promote equal “I want to make Leicestershire access for Leicestershire residents. a good place to live if you “I have faced homophobia in are lesbian, gay, bisexual or diversity previous roles, and when I first transgender. I hope that people started at the county council, I was will read this publication and see uneasy with being open about my people like them – who are able sexual orientation. I’m now proud to come out at work, to family to

16 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 17 Sergeant Laura Millward Chair of Leicestershire Police’s LGBT Network

Laura Millward’s main motivation to join the police force back in 2005 was to help people and communities. This is a theme that has carried over into her role as Chair of Leicestershire Police LGBT Network.

“I’ve been out since I was 16, leading the way for trans employees. achievements of female officers - and I’ve always been comfortable in Laura explains that, “Our trans those women that are role models coming out to people at work. I do policy exists not only to protect themselves and paved the way to recognise that to some people, it is the rights of trans staff, but also to the more inclusive police force we a massive step though - especially make them feel comfortable about have now. I wore a bracelet with to have to tell your boss or your working here, to know that this is a her name on, and presented her colleagues. So while I don’t need safe, trans-friendly employer.” niece with it at the police memorial the support of our LGBT network, Laura is also joint chair of in Staffordshire.” others do and that’s why it still the 999 LGBT Network with Laura has a simple vision for the exists in 2015 and why I want to another of our LGBT role models, long term future of Leicestershire stay involved. It’s not helpful to say Andrew Brodie. The network Police’s LGBT Network. “In an “There’s not a problem here”, even covers the emergency services ideal world in ten or fifteen years – if there isn’t a problem for you.” in Leicestershire, and allows a however long it takes – there won’t Laura knows that the UK bigger voice in involving three be a need for an LGBT network Police Service still has some way organisations (police, fire and because being LGB or T won’t be to go – there are very few openly ambulance). It also means that an issue, you won’t be more likely gay male officers for example, and staff have somewhere to turn to to be bullied, or suffer mental when you get to highest level (the for support that sits outside their health problems for example. I Superintendents Association) there employer; a third party LGBT don’t know if or when that will are less than five out male officers in network that enables an extra layer happen, but I do know that more than two thousand members. of confidentiality if needed. right now, the network is vitally Leicestershire Police has a culture of Laura recently joined other important to LGBT staff and is here more openness encouraged by senior officers from Leicestershire on the for the foreseeable future.” leaders such as LGBT Lead and Police Unity Tour – a 180 mile ally ACC Phil Kay “We’re definitely bike ride to honour fallen police encouraged to ‘bring ourselves officers in aid of the Care of Police to work’ and not shy away from Survivors charity. Laura rode to talking about our family or partner. I honour PC Catherine Godfrey, who Our chief officers march at Pride, Chief Constable Simon know that it’s important for me, as died in a cycling accident after chair and role model to be out and being recalled to duty on a stormy Proud Cole and ACC Phil Kay in 2014 and DCC Roger Bannister open, but it’s equally important for night in 1947. PC Godfrey was in 2015 – that is a huge statement. They’re not LGBT so our ‘allies’ - role models within the being recalled to deal with a female police force who aren’t LGBT - to as was the culture back then. to value it’s not about them; they’re doing it to show their support make people feel that they can be Women dealt with women and men themselves at work.” with men. “Riding for Catherine diversity for LGBT officers and residents. Leicestershire Police is also was an emotional reminder of the

18 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 19 Sue West Fostering and Adoption Service, Leicestershire County Council Family is extremely important to Sue West - both her own and the families she works with in her role as a manager in the fostering and adoption service at Leicestershire County Council.

When she came out (as lesbian) recruitment campaign to encourage contacted the group in confidence, to her family, she faced a unique same sex couples to adopt. Our was referred to the ‘rep’ for our challenge in telling her husband of advertising featured two mummies department and just meeting them 25 years, and her two children. “I or two daddies as the norm, not for a coffee and talking about the love being a mum, and my children as a token gesture. The ‘make issues around coming out at work have always been the centre of my up’ of adoptive families has seen was a great help.” world. Yet coming out to them and significant change in the last few Sue feels very optimistic being true to myself meant ending years. It’s very diverse – straight about the future from a personal the loving family unit in which they couples, lesbian couples, single gay and work perspective, “My own had grown up and felt like such a men, single women...but fostering, experiences have helped me big risk.” But Sue’s experience was where we urgently need to recruit, grow in confidence in terms of a positive one, she remains friends isn’t attracting LGBT foster carers supporting other LGBT people. with her ex-husband, and both her yet. Applicants can expect a very Workwise, the big step we need to children have been nothing but fair, open and honest assessment take is to recruit more LGBT foster supportive. “I’ve learned that it’s with us and social workers that carers – we only have a handful at never too late to be who you really don’t make assumptions about the moment. are.” Sue has even shared her story them.” As a senior ‘out’ manager at in DIVA magazine so that women the county council, she knows that in her position could read about she has made a difference with “We need loving her experience. the help of her team in creating a foster families Family is also an important service that celebrates diversity, part of her job. Sue has worked in and hopes that that this starts and homes for the children’s services since 1989. Her to filter through in their fostering role in fostering and adoption helps recruitment drive. children in our to make sure that children in the Sue says: ‘it’s important as a care. LGBT people care of the council are placed with role model to be visible, to make Proud loving foster carers on a long term both staff and service users feel can provide those basis, or in some cases, adopted comfortable and confident that homes and be to value by their ‘forever family.’ In the last they can be themselves too. At the couple of years, the number of county council we’re very lucky to those families that adoptive families with gay mums or have a committed LGBT Workers’ make a difference diversity dads has increased rapidly. Group who are very positive and “We did a successful supportive. When I came out, I to a child’s future.”

20 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 21 Inspector Aimee Ramm Control Room Inspector, Leicestershire Police and champion swimmer Born in Scarborough in North Yorkshire, Aimee Ramm came to Proud Leicestershire to attend university, and has lived here ever since. She recognises the positive attitudes to diversity that the area has to offer. to value “Leicestershire force goes beyond the day job. She and status to be the best they can is also the current holder of seven be. I am passionate about my job diversity is extremely police swimming records. “I was and committed to being a good a keen swimmer as a child and leader. I am privileged to be in diverse and has continued to swim and compete a position where I can influence such a variety through university at national and encourage others to develop standard – and just missed out themselves. I am a firm believer of race, religion on representing Great Britain at that the most important thing in and culture that the Beijing Olympics in 2008. any organisation is the people Swimming has taught me to work and by putting people first we get is it naturally hard and never give up.” Aimee’s better overall results.” achievements in swimming also Aimee thinks that attitudes at the forefront include the British, European and towards LGBT people have come of promoting World Masters records (team and a long way, but that ideally in individual events), national medals the future we’d move towards a diversity.” in Fly and Freestyle and 9 times time where any ‘differences’ are Aimee joined the county’s police consecutive Champion of UK Police so acceptable that we won’t need force in 2006, after graduating swimming events. labels anymore. “I have never from Loughborough with a BSc She ranks her swimming faced any prejudice and in a in Sport Science and a MSc in records and medals as her perfect world I would hope neither Management. She qualified as a proudest personal triumphs, but is would other people. I know for sergeant in 2010. Since qualifying, equally proud of her professional some people life can be made into Aimee has been involved in a achievements. “I take great pride a challenge by the attitudes and number of areas, including child in my work as a Police Officer - behaviours of others and I would protection, before her current knowing my team and I have made like to be part of changing that. role in the control room. “My job someone’s life better by seeking Honestly - my only ever challenge requires me to assess of incidents justice for a terrible crime, and that has been me accepting myself. I coming into the organisation those responsible are punished.” don’t like to categorise myself by and make decisions as to an Aimee hopes that through a label and like to think that I am appropriate response. I am a her personal and professional known by people for who I am, not tactical firearms commander so I accomplishments she can be a what I am. I hope that our society run the initial stages of incidents role model, and encourage others can become that – accepting that require specialist firearms to succeed. “I hope that I can people for who they are and not officers.” inspire people – regardless of label them.” Aimee’s success in the police sexuality – and of all backgrounds

22 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 23 Luke Hutchinson Housing department, Charnwood Borough Council

Luke is modest about his achievements in helping to create a more equal playing field for trans people in the East Midlands. He shouldn’t be – he has achieved a lot in a relatively short space of time.

Luke started working at Luke has done some follow up access medical treatment. “It took Charnwood Borough Council 5 work with the equalities team at a long time to get that sorted, but years ago, and transitioned 4 years Charnwood. “I recently produced if trans people can now get access ago. Around that time he was some top tips for our staff to the treatment they need, it was moving to a new job in the Private newsletter. When I transitioned, worth it.” Sector Housing Department. “It there were so many occasions Luke is very positive about the was a chance for a new start, so that I found there just wasn’t future for trans people in the UK, on the first day I went into the the level of understanding that’s “We all need to make sure that office for the first time as Luke. needed in place. This made the trans issues are not forgotten about Everyone at the council has been task of updating my details with or tagged on the end of LGB issues absolutely brilliant, especially our organisations like banks, the NHS, or policies. These issues need to Human Resources team. HR did my Local Authority, utility providers be part of everyday life, everyday not have a trans policy, so with to be a herculean task. I thought services that we access. my help and with Stonewall advice the top tips might help our staff we created one immediately. As if they’re providing a service to a “It’s fantastic that terrifying as transitioning was, I felt trans person. It was simple, but totally supported at work and in really important things like making organisations like my personal life. Before I started sure you use preferred pronouns at Charnwood, I hadn’t worked and asking if you’re not sure, not Stonewall are in an environment where I felt making assumptions and being trans inclusive – comfortable to be me.” very respectful with the questions Luke hopes that his work you ask.” the next step is to on the policy will have wider Luke has also worked hard to make sure that all repercussions. “Hopefully trans change health policy in his native people will see that we have Nottinghamshire. Luke noticed organisations are a policy and recognise that loopholes which meant he couldn’t trans inclusive.” Proud Charnwood is a supportive get access to the medicine that potential employer. Having a policy he needed – even though his GP to value shows trans service users that we had prescribed it. His subsequent understand their needs too, and campaigning through his local that they can expect to be treated councillor and MP resulted in a diversity fairly. change to the way trans people

24 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 25 Andrew Brodie Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Proud Andrew Brodie has been a Fire Officer for over 25 years. He’s worked in Cumbria, London, and is now Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Leicestershire to value Fire and Rescue Service. He ‘came out’ to his colleagues in 2014, shortly after starting the job in Leicestershire. Coming out last year made Andrew diversity one of the most senior male openly gay fire officers in the UK. This is not a fact that Andrew anyone else. We make sure that takes lightly. He explains, “The early “I’ve had to be our ‘shOUT’ (Leicestershire LGBT culture in the fire service in the willing to stand up network) newsletter goes to all 1990s was extremely homophobic, staff – not just LGBT staff - and we there was very little diversity and and tell my story, make sure that those staff are not there was a bullying culture. The and hopefully by afraid to ask the questions to help initiations were pretty horrific. It them do their job.” was not a time or a place where doing so making Of all the brave things that you could have even thought about other people Andrew has done – coming coming out.” There were several out in the fire service, saving factors that led to him being open feel they can be countless lives as a fire officer, about his sexual orientation when even paragliding on the weekends he got to Leicestershire - a new themselves.” – he easily picks his proudest start, a more senior role, more moment. “I went to a school to Andrew is co-chair of the 999 confidence in himself, but the do a fire education session, and Network with Laura Millward, and overriding factor was the culture of in the class was a nine year old is vice-chair of the fire service’s the organisation. The (now retired) girl called Michaela Brown. Not national LGBT network ‘QUILTBAG’. Chief Fire Officer Dave Webb made long after I’d been to the school, Through these roles he hopes it clear that this was a workplace Michaela was in a terrible house he can make things easier for in which you should be yourself. fire. She remembered some of the LGBT fire service staff and also Andrew explains, “Dave was proud things I’d said, and saved her little for residents. “We have a big that this was a fire service that you brother’s life. She even went on presence at Leicester Pride, and could bring your same sex partner to win a Pride of Britain award for the reason behind that is very to the work do, that you didn’t have her bravery. That’s what I’m most simple – we want to reach all of to hide who you were, he was very proud of, and that’s why I do the the communities we serve. We clear that this was an open, honest job that I do.” want to make sure that every gay workplace.” couple would feel comfortable Andrew knows that being having a fire safety officer come out holding a senior fire officer in to their home, or that a trans position brings with it a certain person involved in a car accident responsibility. would be treated no differently from

26 LGBT Role models LGBT Role models 27 Proud to value East Midlands Ambulance Service diversity

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