MI5 NAMED EMPLOYER of the YEAR We Hear from Staff on the Changing Workplace Culture, and What This Success Means for LGBT Staff

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FRIENDS MAGAZINE PUBLISHED FOR STONEWALL’S REGULAR DONORS SUMMER 2016

MI5 NAMED EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR We hear from staff on the changing workplace culture, and what this success means for LGBT staff.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: GCHQ acknowledges historic mistreatment of LGBT people, Stonewall’s landmark conference on equality for disabled people, profi ling our international partners, and much more. Our Doors Are OpenTM.

Our goal has never been to be the biggest rental car company. Only to be the best. But by embracing a diversity of people, talents and ideas, we are now both. Likewise, our doors will always be open, for all who share our drive to be the best.

PAGE 4 WELCOME PAGE 6 ISLAM AND LGBT

PAGE 5 OUT FOR CHANGE PAGE 7 SCHOOL ROLE MODEL VISITS CONTENTS FRIENDS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016

PAGE 8 JUSTINE SMITHIES PAGE 12 MI5: EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR PAGE 15 GCHQ - WORKPLACE CONFERENCE

PAGE 10 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS PAGE 14 WEI: SOUTH WALES PAGE 16 LACE UP. CHANGE SPORT.

PAGE 18 EQUALITY WALK 2016 PAGE 22 BI ROLE MODELS - PRIDE CALENDAR

PAGE 20 BEN SMITH - 401 CHALLENGE PAGE 23 SUPPORTING STONEWALL

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Summer 2016 Friends magazine 3 FRIENDS | WELCOME

WELCOME

Stonewall will stand by your side so that all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are accepted without exception.

We can’t achieve that alone, and it’s your vital organisations has helped to create more Edinburgh, Cardiff and London where we’ll be support that allows us to continue doing the inclusive organisations. And we’re seeing talking about being equal at work and how to work we do. Together, we can ensure that organisations make fantastic strides, such as create a diverse and inclusive environment for all LGBT people are able to be themselves, MI5, which was named Stonewall’s top employer young people in education. wherever they are. in our Workplace Equality Index earlier this year. More than ever, it’s essential that we are able to Since the last issue of Friends alone, your We were also delighted to welcome GCHQ as a continue these specifi c streams of work across support has allowed us to affect so much keynote speaker to our Workplace Conference, Britain, and understand the different experiences positive change in the lives of LGBT people, their where director Robert Hannigan talked about and forms of prejudice faced throughout our friends, families and loved ones. the organisation’s historic mistreatment of LGBT community. people, and its commitment to lesbian, gay, bi Your support has enabled us to host over 65 That’s why I am delighted that, in the latest and trans inclusion going forward. diverse role model visits in schools in the last edition of Friends magazine, we’re able to six months. These enable young people to better With your support, we have also been able to introduce you to some of the faces behind this understand what it means to be LGBT and how begin discussing the specifi c discrimination work, who are sharing their stories to help make being your authentic self can help you achieve that many LGBT people of faith experience. life more diverse and inclusive for our whole great things. Our multi-faith seminar earlier this year helped community. demonstrate that we are stronger together, and It’s also allowed us to work with over 100 young On that note, I would like to extend huge thanks we will continue to support one another and people; equipping them with the tools and to each and every one of you for your ongoing embrace our multiple identities. confi dence to become activists and campaigners, support. We could not do this work without and to bring these skills back into their local As this work takes place across Britain, it’s you, whether you donate, fundraise for us, communities to ensure they are inclusive of all essential that we’re able to meet as many of our volunteer with us, support us on social media or lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. supporters as possible. attend Stonewall events. Or even whether you run 401 marathons for us in 401 days, like the Across sport, your support has meant we’ve Marching through Brighton with around spectacular Ben Smith, whose story you can read been able to continue working with hundreds 600 individuals from the local and nearby inside. of fans, grassroots clubs and athletes to kick communities for the Equality Walk was one homophobia, biphobia and transphobia out of example of this, and this year’s Pride season is Together, we will continue to go deeper into their games, whether on the pitch, in the terraces another. communities, empower individuals, change or elsewhere. This was kicked off earlier on in hearts and minds and transform institutions to the year when Manchester United and Arsenal Stonewall is taking part in 22 Pride events in ensure that all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people exchanged giant Rainbow Laces at the start of a 2016, including UK Black Pride, Bradford Pride, are accepted without exception. game to promote inclusion in football. Sparkle, Liverpool Pride and Leicester Pride. We also took part in the fi rst ever Digital Pride. Until next time, At work, it’s meant that our continued efforts with over 700 public, private and third sector We’ll be holding conferences in Leeds, RUTH

STONEWALL STONEWALL CYMRU STONEWALL SCOTLAND Tower Building Transport House Mansfi eld Traquair Centre 11 York Road 1 Cathedral Road 15 Mansfi eld Place Stonewall is Britian’s leading LGBT charity, working towards a world where London, SE1 7NX Cardiff, CF11 9SB Edinburgh, EH3 6BB everyone is accepted without exception. 020 7593 1850 02920 237 744 0131 474 8019

4 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | OUT FOR CHANGE: EQUALITY FOR LGBT DISABLED PEOPLE

OUT FOR CHANGE: EQUALITY FOR LGBT DISABLED PEOPLE

LGBT communities are What happened? You can fi nd out more about the work of Regard by visiting: www.regard.org.uk wonderfully diverse. When Over 50 LGBT disabled people and allies came Ruth took up the role as Chief on the day to talk about some of the key issues Executive of Stonewall, she that affect them, their hopes for the movement made a commitment to take our and how best Stonewall, Regard and LGBT disabled people can join together to work work even deeper into those towards full equality. communities. After a series of breakout sessions looking at Stonewall’s mission is to create a world where issues including tackling hate crime, improving everyone, everywhere, is accepted without access to social care, the current barriers to exception. That’s why it’s so important that we socialising on the LGBT ‘scene’ and the role of help to create the platforms necessary to make volunteering and community support, the room sure everyone’s voice is heard and amplifi ed. came together to share fi nal thoughts and hear For that reason, on a sunny day in mid-April, we from a panel of inspiring LGBT disabled people. co-hosted an event to hear from members of the The event brought many prominent themes to LGBT disabled community. the fore, and highlighted the links between the Out for Change was a truly inspiring day, and one issues raised. that we were delighted to host together with Regard, the LGBT disabled people’s organisation. What’s next? Founded in 1989, Regard is an organisation that This milestone event is only the start of campaigns to raise awareness of LGBT issues Stonewall’s work alongside LGBT disabled within the disability community and of disability people. Stonewall is now looking at ways to Tom works in our Campaigns, Policy and Research issues within the LGBT community. It represents make its work more accessible, and we cannot team. He works closely with different LGBT the interests of LGBT disabled people in areas wait for all our future opportunities to work with communities to identify issues and strengthen like social care, and works to combat social Stonewall’s policy work, as well as monitoring the LGBT disabled community. isolation by opening up LGBT events and venues parliamentary activity and working alongside to make them more accessible. TOM MORRISON, POLICY OFFICER parliamentarians and local politicians.

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 5 FRIENDS | DR MASUMA RAHIM: ISLAM AND LGBT DR MASUMA RAHIM: ISLAM AND LGBT In February, Stonewall hosted a multi-faith seminar, featuring panellists from a diverse range of faiths. It celebrated some of the great work being done by faith groups and individuals to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia within their communities and congregations. We hear from one of the panellists, Dr Masuma Rahim, a clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting young people who have come out as LGBT.

I am a clinical psychologist, and I write primarily worship. While some imams may be supportive, And we are under no illusions. This is not going in that capacity. But I write also, of course, as there is often a reluctance to engage with to be a short-term project. Most mosques and a Muslim. It will come as no surprise to anyone the topic properly, and all too often people Islamic centres have historically neglected the reading this that people who identify as LGBT are advised to ‘pray the gay away’. It’s hardly pastoral care needs of their members across a are much more likely to experience mental conducive to the process of accepting yourself. range of issues. Domestic violence, substance health problems than the general population. The use, sexual health and abortion continue to be difficulties are well documented. Collectively, British Muslim communities – for taboo subjects. We will have to start from the there is no one homogenous Muslim community beginning, by raising awareness of the existence Young LGBT people consistently report higher – have not done enough to support LGBT people. of LGBT Muslims, by considering the impact rates of depression and substance use than their For too long, we have swept these issues and of marginalisation and homophobia on mental peers, and up to one third will attempt suicide many others under the carpet in the hope that health and wellbeing, and by highlighting the at some point in their lifetime. Among older they will eventually go away. That approach was importance of meeting the needs – spiritual LGBT people, social isolation and depression always doomed to fail. The difference is that and otherwise – of all Muslims, whatever their are common. Unfortunately, many mental now we are saying it out loud. We failed. And identities. health services have a reputation for being make no mistake about this – we have failed heteronormative and sometimes homophobic, magnificently. Ultimately, we want to challenge the with the result that too few LGBT people are discrimination that has been rife for so long. able to access help from mainstream healthcare There are support networks for LGBT Muslims But we also want to increase the confidence services when they need it. out there, like Imaan for example, and they communities have in supporting people who are do incredibly valuable work, but they are not reconciling their faith with their gender identity Life as a queer person is, in short, not always necessarily able to provide the mental health and sexual orientation. In truth, we don’t know terribly easy, despite the great strides towards input that some people so desperately need. what this project will look like in three years, or equality which have been made over the past And so, it is against this backdrop that I and in five. We are very much at the beginning of the forty years. In some parts of society, progress two colleagues, both Muslim psychologists, journey, but we are building on the work which is evident. In others, all that is evident is how are trying to do something different. We all has gone before us and which has created real little progress has been made. But if the LGBT see LGBT Muslims in our clinical work and we change in faith communities. experience is complex, the experience of being are, I hope, the tip of an enormous iceberg. An LGBT and from a Muslim background can iceberg of Muslim health professionals who It’s not good enough to maintain the status quo be exceptionally difficult. Add in the stories – now is the time for change. LGBT Muslims are accepting of all those who identify as LGBT of immigration, of being a minority within a exist and it’s time all Muslims had the courage and who are trying to reduce the impact of minority, of cultures and of faith which are – to defend their right to do so, and be part of shame, stigma and internalised homophobia, apparently – intrinsically homophobic, and it is communities which welcome, accept and love biphobia and transphobia. Together we are trying easy to see that the challenges are enormous. them as equals. And that’s before you even begin to think about to build a network of academics, theologians what it’s like being Muslim on the LGBT scene. and health professionals who can challenge the dominant discourse: that to be Muslim is At Stonewall, we’re proud to collaborate with Small wonder then that queer Muslims often to be heterosexual and cisgender and that any many inspirational LGBT people of faith. Read live in fear of being outed, in terror of exile, variation from that is deviant. stories from eight of our faith role models on that shame, guilt and internalised homophobia our LGBT History Month page: are common themes, and that the process of These are not issues confined to any one ethnic www.stonewall.org.uk/lgbthistorymonth or sectarian group. The problem exists across navigating your identity can be turbulent. The If you are LGBT and of faith, and you have a the board and the solution has to come from question, though, is how and where these story that you think will inspire and motivate people willing to cross those divides. To tackle conflicts can be resolved. Even liberal Muslims young people in schools, you could be perfect such ingrained notions of what it is to be Muslim won’t necessarily welcome a child or a sibling for our School Role Models programme. means many things. Not least, re-interpretation who doesn’t conform to their idea of the For more infomation, email: of texts and a reconsideration of concepts ideal sexual or gender identity, and there’s no [email protected] guarantee that you’ll find sanctuary in places of related to masculinity, femininity and patriarchy.

6 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | SCHOOL ROLE MODEL VISITS

SCHOOL ROLE MODEL VISITS

At Stonewall, we know how important visible role models can be for lesbian, gay, bi and trans young people. That’s why we work with School Role Models: people from different backgrounds with different jobs and life experiences, who visit schools to tell their story about growing up as an LGBT person. Here we hear from Luke Dowding about his School Role Models visit to a school in London.

A considerable amount has changed since I As I spoke, it was obvious that some of and their students that make this initiative so was in secondary school, and it wasn’t even the students were uncomfortable with the vital and so encouraging for those of us who are that long ago… although perhaps that’s the topic, the usual sniggering and attempts at invited to speak. denial speaking. Visiting speakers were a fairly whispering behind cupped hands. However, I regular occurrence, usually from churches or was overwhelmed by the overall attentiveness To fi nd out more about what it’s like to be a charity groups, but I could never have imagined a of the student body. For the most part they Stonewall School Role Model, watch our video spokesperson from the LGBT community coming sat respectively, listened and laughed at my Stonewall’s School Role Models on our YouTube to speak to me and my fellow students; and if attempts at humour (extra points awarded there). channel: www.youtube.com/stonewalluk they had, I doubt it would have been received As I drew to a close, the fl oor was opened If you’re interested in becoming a School Role well. to questions and instead of the expected Model, please contact [email protected] Which is why the Stonewall Schools Role Model tumbleweed rolling past, I was bowled over by programme is just so exciting, particularly now the quantity and quality of the questions, all that a voice is being given to those of faith respectfully and earnestly asked. The questions ranged from ‘do you believe you were born backgrounds who identify as LGBT. I can only gay?’, to ‘did you ever consider atheism?’, to wonder what it might have been like for me, as I ‘how do you explain what the Bible says about wrestled with my faith and sexuality in my teen homosexuality?’ Some of these questions were years and early adulthood, if I had heard from an clearly easier to answer in a 10 minute Q&A out, LGBT Christian, who spoke positively both than others but I was deeply encouraged at the about their faith and their sexuality. obvious level of thought that had been put into Earlier this year, I was invited to do just that: them. speak at an Academy in London about my As the assembly ended, an excited group of experiences of being gay and a Christian. teenagers came up to congratulate me on my Although I have some experience in youth work upcoming wedding and gathered around for a within a faith context, it had been quite a long group picture for the school’s media use. They time since I’d stood up in front of 300 15-18 year chatted, laughed and treated me with the same olds to deliver an assembly, let alone one so respect I had experienced throughout. One Sixth personal. However, I felt incredibly prepared by Former in particular approached me, thanked me the Stonewall team, particularly by the training for speaking and shared that he was both gay day where we were guided through what to and a Christian and that he had been looking expect, what questions to answer and how to for an inclusive Church to belong to; it’s these deliver our ‘story’. sorts of interactions and the openness of schools LUKE DOWDING, SCHOOL ROLE MODEL

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 7 FRIENDS | JUSTINE SMITHIES JUSTINE’S STORY Justine Smithies is a Stonewall supporter, and newly-trained School Role Model, who recently spoke at the Stonewall Scotland Workplace Conference. Here she tells her story of coming out as a trans woman in small-town Aberdeen.

From the earliest age that I can remember, I have always felt there was something wrong. I could never relate and socialise properly with people of the gender in which my body developed externally. As a consequence, I overcompensated We told our children, who were absolutely and tried coming across as the big, strong, brilliant. They decided to call Julie ‘mum’ and away, and right up until his funeral. The media stereotypical male. I knew I couldn’t have spoken me ‘mummy’. We also informed their school just got hold of the story and also found out about to my parents and, if I had, I probably would have in case of any instances of bullying because of me, and it wasn’t long before we were contacted by newspapers and the television. One thing we ended up homeless. me being trans. Julie took me to a doctor, who was brilliant, even though he admitted that he did notice was a refusal of anyone in our village By the age of 11, I knew I felt like a girl, but I didn’t understand. He booked the appointments to talk to reporters about us; it was like we were didn’t know there was a condition called gender for me to see the psychiatrist, psychologist and one big family who stuck together. dysphoria. I felt that if I hid it long enough, it surgeons, and even read up on transgender My employer has been brilliant all the way might just go away. healthcare. throughout my transition, and so has the At the age of 18, I got a job as a marine I started taking hormones and, luckily for me, community in the north-east of Scotland. electronics engineer and met the love of my life, work was easy as I had to wear a boiler suit Without their support and understanding, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far. I work Julie, whom I later married. Life was great, and most of time so I could keep things hidden from on fi shing boats where the men are supposed to we had three wonderful children: Samantha, my employer and colleagues, right up until 2011 be big and burly – when in reality, and don’t tell Cameron and Morgan. But still, in the back of when I changed my name legally. I had no choice but to confess, which was an experience I was them I told you this – they won’t go to sea if their my head, I had that nagging voice telling me not looking forward to. I had a meeting with the Sky TV isn’t working on board and they can’t that I was not being true to myself or others. Managing Director and once again blurted out watch Coronation Street. By 36, I couldn’t carry on with the lies. I had that I was transgender. He looked at me with discovered, with the help of the internet, that I total surprise and then said: ‘What do we do I decided I wanted to try and help others in was transgender. next? What does this mean, and how can we similar situations, so I started to set up an help?’. LGBTI group for people in Aberdeenshire. Also, I I had already heard about people coming out wanted to help Stonewall Scotland by trying to online, and I was convinced that my wife would That response shocked me as I was ready to be raise some money for them. Now, I won’t go on a call me a disgusting pervert, that I would become told to leave. Everything went perfectly. Even rollercoaster and I won’t jump off the top diving homeless, and that I probably wouldn’t be the local fi shermen were brilliant. I’m not saying board, so you can imagine the face my wife gave allowed to see my children. they understood straight away, but they were me when I said I wanted to do a skydive! To my supportive and I told them to ask questions if surprise, I ended up raising £2,000, with most of Also, there would be no way that I could keep they weren’t sure. I was accumulating more the sponsorship coming from the fi shing vessel my job. Fishermen in the north-east of Scotland friends than I ever had before. owners, even after I told them openly what it are a very close-knit, religious community and was for. wouldn’t tolerate me – or so I thought. In January 2015, I had facial feminisation surgery, swiftly followed by genital The world is changing and so are people’s Even though I thought I knew what lay ahead, reconstruction surgery. Everything was going attitudes towards LGBTI people. I’m also proud one evening it got a little too much for me. I sat brilliantly right up until the point when I found to stand up there and say that I am trans – Julie down, and told her who I really was. After out our son Cameron, just four days before his something that I would not have done a few years many weeks of staying up all night, fl oods of tears 16th birthday, had fallen from the cliffs at Slains ago. More and more people are standing up as and conversations like ‘Can we really get through Castle in the village. allies. They don’t always fully understand how this?’, we both decided we still loved each other important this is and what a difference they make and would work through things together, just as I immediately put my welfare on hold to be with just by taking the time to support and understand we’d promised in our wedding vows. him in hospital for the one day before he passed people. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.

8 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | JUSTINE SMITHIES 10% OFF ALL ITEMS* in the Stonewall shop, exclusively for readers of Friends * Excludes virtual gifts, donations and sale items

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Together with our allies, Stonewall has made enormous progress in achieving equality for INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS LGBT people in Britain. There’s still a lot to do here, but we also recognise there are a lot of Sex with someone of the same sex is illegal in 75 countries, and opportunities for us to share our experiences punishable by death in 10. Most governments deny trans people the with, and support, LGBT communities in other right to legally change their name and gender. And around the world, countries. LGBT people are more likely to be at risk of arrest, violence and We know from our own experience that change discrimination than they are to have their rights protected. works best when it’s led by people on the

Jamaica Women’s Empowerment for Change has worked with the Jamaican police to train over 214 participants on the duty of police to treat the LGBT population as equal citizens before the law. Participants are shifting their opinions of how to treat the LGBT community.

Cameroon The Cameroon National Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW) provides specialised health services, information and counselling to the LGBT community. It has also trained staff in providing non-discriminatory services for LGBT clients, and held public sessions to address negative attitudes among the community.

Colombia Santamaría Fundación documents South Africa With support from human rights violations against trans people Action Aid South Africa, the Forum for the and provides legal support to hundreds of trans Empowerment of Women (FEW) has built women who have experienced discrimination the leadership skills of 450 lesbian and bi or violence. In 2015, they succeeded in getting activists in townships in Johannesburg. These the Attorney General’s Office to establish a activists have been empowered to challenge committee that will investigate and prosecute discrimination against LBT women in society LGBT Human Rights violations. and push for justice for victims of violence.

10 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS ground, so we place local activists at the front In this edition of Friends magazine, we want At Stonewall, we are working with the UK and centre of all our international work. to tell you about what some of our partners government, international charities and are doing to achieve equality around the world businesses to make sure they directly support We support them to develop strong, relevant You can find out more information about these projects like these around the world. We are campaigns that bring about change in their initiatives in our policy paper The Sustainable dedicated to sharing our experience with own countries, and we work closely with the Development Goals and LGBT Inclusion. activists in other countries, and developing UK government, international NGOs and other partnerships which will benefit LGBT people institutions to share knowledge and make sure You can read this paper on our website at in the UK too. international LGBT human rights remain high on www.stonewall.org.uk/sustainable- Your donations make all this important work the agenda. development-goals possible. So thank you!

CLAIRE HOUSE & KIT DOREY, Russia The Russian LGBT Network is an INTERNATIONAL POLICY OFFICERS interregional, non-governmental human rights organisation that promotes equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. They unite and IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, develop regional initiatives, advocacy groups (at both national and international levels), and STONEWALL HAS... provide social and legal services. ...trained more than 30 LGBT rights activists from Eastern Europe to campaign for change in their own countries. Thailand In partnership with Plan Thailand, M Plus and Path 2 Health designed a three-year ...hosted activists from more than 20 programme to end bullying of LGBT students in countries at our offices in London to Thai schools. The programme works at multiple share learning and coordinate action. levels simultaneously, by training students, supporting ‘champion’ teachers, and consulting ...worked with the UK government with parents, community leaders and the to develop its new approach government. for supporting LGBT people in international aid and diplomacy, including by training officials to step up as leaders for LGBT human rights abroad. ...published our ground-breaking Christian Role Models guide, telling the stories of 20 LGBT Christians and allies from six continents, which we shared with LGBT and inclusive faith organisations worldwide. ...hosted a London conference Cambodia Micro Rainbow International bringing together LGBTI rights (MRI) provides mentoring & start-up capital for organisations from across Europe and those members of the LGBTI community who North America. want to set up small businesses. For example, Sreyran, a lesbian from Cambodia, received ...stood alongside LGBT activists $300 to start a business and learned important business management skills. Sreyran’s new in New York to ensure the United activity has benefitted her economically and led Nations addresses anti-LGBT violence to greater social acceptance in the community. and discrimination.

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 11 FRIENDS | MI5: EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

‘The dramatic speed of change within MI5 is reﬂ ected in our journey with Stonewall. It started with a meeting in a cafe near Waterloo station. Less than ten years later, we were at the award ceremony.’

12 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | MI5: EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR MI5: EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is a powerful benchmarking tool that measures organisations’ commitment to creating inclusive environments for LGBT staff and communities. More than 400 organisations took part in our 2016 Index, the highest number of entries to date. Since their first entry six years ago, MI5 have risen through the ranks and this year took the top position. We heard from a member of staff at MI5 on the changing culture in the organisation, and what its success means for LGBT staff.

There was an unusual buzz as Ruth Hunt stood The dramatic speed of change within MI5 a first for both organisations. We have other up to announce the winner of the Stonewall thereafter is reflected in our journey with initiatives which we will be launching during Workplace Equality Index this year. News of the Stonewall. It started with a meeting in a cafe this year. winner had hit the airwaves that morning. Now near Waterloo station. Less than 10 years later, it was to be confirmed officially. we were at the award ceremony in Leadenhall In short, we got Stonewall’s ‘three pillars’ Market. right: Board-level engagement, HR input, and The buzz, however, was not only about who an active network. Our success is recognised had topped the Index. It was that there was We entered the WEI. Reflect on that: MI5 as being a hugely motivating force for our absolutely no way that anyone from the entered the WEI. other networks – ‘if the LGBT network can do traditionally discreet winner would possibly it...’ is a phrase often heard and deployed by turn up to receive the award. In just six years we went from nowhere to our diversity team – and for colleagues in the number one. We entered the Top 100 in 2012 at other agencies. ‘If MI5 can do it ... ‘ surely must Not so. number 62. We climbed to 26, then 25 and last inspire other employers and workers in Britain year to seven. That meant only one thing. We and across the globe. ‘Here’s DG’ said Ruth. would aim for number one. What does MI5’s success mean for us as LGBT Andrew Parker, Director General of the Security What does our journey show about MI5? First, staff? First, collectively, a quiet but undoubted Service MI5, strode to the rostrum to receive the it was led from the very top of the Service. Our sense of pride. To see the rainbow flag flying ‘Oscar’ of LGBT workplace awards on behalf of board committed to it and to the changes that over Thames House on 19 January; to witness his Agency. In 2016, MI5 is number one. would be inevitable once we joined the WEI. the international impact as the news broke; to Secondly, being subject to scrutiny – albeit by It is an extraordinary achievement, but one that hear that murmur at the Stonewall Awards - all a campaigning charity – is not new to MI5. We reflects everything about MI5: our board, our of this spoke of a vision accomplished, work are subject to law and answerable to Ministers, employees, our LGBT network, our mission. rewarded and confidence well placed. For us as judges and public bodies for our actions. individuals, it is a visible sign of MI5’s change It is more extraordinary when placed into Thirdly, we are ambitious in keeping our country about gay staff. Our workplace is secure for us. the context of the speed with which change safe and for our colleagues in our daily work. As a colleague said to me recently, we bring has occurred at MI5. For most of our history, When we set ourselves to achieve something, so many talents to our work, but we also just which started only in 1909, lesbian and gay we achieve it. Coming top of the WEI reflects happen to be gay. candidates were barred from joining the our ambition, both for MI5 and as a powerful Service. They could not receive the highest signal to the wider community. Back to DG and his speech in the Aon Centre for levels of security clearance. Without that, they the launch of the WEI. He was – as someone could not serve in MI5. Given the damage done Our HR department and our (very small) tweeted live – ‘a hoot’! He also made a telling in the 1930s & 1940s by the Cambridge Spies, diversity team ‘got it’. Once the historic bar was point, one which resonated particularly with his several of whom were gay or bisexual, perhaps lifted and LGBT employees were welcomed, audience then and is worth repeating now, as those doubts were justified in the sceptical changes to our policies and benefits followed. it underpins everything that MI5 does. We are eyes of the men in Whitehall. The bar also Our diversity team have been steadfast and a serious organisation. Our work – keeping our meant that should an employee of MI5 come effective advocates of change. country safe – is imperative. Throughout history out as gay or lesbian, they were dismissed. and at the current time, those who threaten Our staff network, Dimensions, has blazed Britain’s national security ultimately hate our There are senior staff in MI5 today who a trail both within MI5 and for the other values: of tolerance, liberty, the rule of law. And remember not only those dismissals, but also intelligence agencies – MI6 and GCHQ. we in MI5 – all of us – stand up to them. their own sense of the injustice and ultimately Ours is a ‘can do’ approach. We mix social futility as honourable men and women, who engagement and professional networking had served their country well, were required to within MI5. Five years ago, we started annual leave solely because of their sexual orientation. national conferences for LGBT staff from across In their eyes, MI5 was not reflecting the country the agencies, inviting external speakers and and people it was serving. charting a route for developing our networks. This format is now used by other diversity The bar remained absolute until 1991. Only in networks in MI5. We instituted the internal 2003 did a small number of lesbians and gay Stonewall leadership programme for LGBT staff, men begin to meet regularly – and discreetly again across the three intelligence agencies. of course (we are MI5 after all) – and the That programme has been adapted for our foundations of our staff network were laid. women’s group and run by MI5 and Stonewall,

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 13 FRIENDS | WEI: SOUTH WALES

WORKPLACE EQUALITY INDEX: A PERSPECTIVE FROM SOUTH WALES

The Workplace Equality Index is and the Loah storyline on ‘As The World Turns’ of them don’t. And there are teachers I speak to made up of organisations of many (Luke Snyder was my fi rst love) which is all who aren’t sure if ‘legally’ they can talk about harmless, though some of the other things I ‘gay issues’. For all our progress there is still different types and sizes. We hear did were not. Instead of feeling like I could ask work to be done. from Martyn David, chair of the the adults around me for advice, I turned to strangers on chat rooms and forums, talking to In RCT we have ambitious plans. We are staff LGBT Network at Rhondda anyone who affi rmed my feelings. That’s just working collaboratively with Stonewall and Cynon Taf County Borough not good enough. We have a duty of care to the other partners to complete the Education next generation to give them what they need. Equality Index, and as part of this we are Council in South Wales, which embedding equality plans into our new ranked as one of the top 100 We have come so far in terms of equality, but Wellbeing Strategy, creating identifi cation and employers in this year’s Index. hatred, ignorance and prejudice all still exist. severity tools for teaching staff, and planning I was once thrown out of a club for holding a to pilot a peer-led equality programme in three Over the last two years Rhondda Cynon Taf partner’s hand, and I’ve had a fake Facebook of our secondary schools. Our frontline youth County Borough Council has risen to 78th profi le made using my picture which was and school-based staff will receive Stonewall place in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index covered in homophobic remarks. There is still training, as well as the strategic leads for for its continued committment to improving work to do. Education and Wellbeing. the organsation for the 12,000 staff that work I think it’s imperative that young people have there. I have worked for RCT since the age of 16 I began to move from tolerating my sexuality to the role models that I didn’t. I’m working with and I’ve been asked to share my experiences. accepting myself when I joined RCT council as a Support Worker in my youth club. It’s the best our Staff LGBT Network, and Allies Network, to I came out at 15 years old; well, that’s the age decision I’ve made so far. Despite its fl aws, I give LGBTQ issues more visibility through blogs, I came out to a person. I came out about nine have a deep affection for my work and I have school visits, resources and coffee mornings. We need to let the community know that being months earlier to my bathroom mirror - I was a never found anything but acceptance from my gay doesn’t mean you’re weak, it doesn’t mean confused 14 year old holding onto a secret, and various colleagues, team leaders, and others. you can’t like sports, it doesn’t mean you can’t I was looking at my refl ection with tears in my I’ve had some truly amazing experiences as part be a teacher, a lawyer, an animal trainer, or eyes. I wasn’t scared - I was annoyed - I didn’t of my role. I was the elected Youth Mayor of whatever else. want to be different, not again. Throughout RCT 2014/15, which was crazy to me – I’d never nursery and primary school I was the quiet, won anything, I wasn’t popular, I didn’t look the We have decided to call our equality network fat kid who liked arts and crafts. But when part, but there I was; giving awards out wearing Perthyn: the Welsh word for belonging, because I started secondary school I had a new start ceremonial chains and having my picture taken that is the message that we want to give to all of with awesome new friends - I was just above with other young people across the county - it those 14 year olds looking in their bathroom mirrors invisible socially and it was glorious. Then I was life-affi rming. I was an openly gay 18 year – you are not alone and you do belong here. came out. old elected by my peers to represent them. I didn’t expect it but I became my own role model For a few months at least I was the only out due to the lack of visible ones around me. gay person in a school of 1000-odd people. My coming out experience was generally very Over the last four years I’ve spoken to over 900 positive and I can count using my fi ngers the young people and staff about homophobia. One amount of homophobic incidents I experienced. of the activities I ask them to do in my sessions My family have always resonated a message is to draw their own image of a stereotypical of love throughout my life and my friends go gay man or woman – many of them raise an above and beyond to be supportive. But there eyebrow and stand on ceremony: ‘But gay were turbulent moments. I found my solace in people just dress normal, they’re like everyone YouTubers like Chris Crocker and Gigi Gorgeous, else!’, which is truly heart-warming – but many

14 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | GCHQ - WORKPLACE CONFERENCE

GCHQ DIRECTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HISTORIC MISTREATMENT OF LGBT PEOPLE

The director of GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, addressed the 800 attendees of the Stonewall Workplace Conference in April, and acknowledged the organisation’s historic mistreatment of LGBT people. GCHQ, the organisation responsible for providing intelligence on cybercrime and threats of terrorism, banned the recruitment of gay people until the 1990s.

Our annual Workplace Conference brought so many others were treated in this way, right key partner in GCHQ’s journey to improving together professionals involved in delivering up until the 1990s, when the policy was rightly diversity and inclusion in our workplace. I’m workplace equality, diversity and inclusion to changed. proud of the progress we’ve made, but not share the latest innovative thinking. complacent about the work that we need to ‘The fact that it was common practice for do. Through our own commitment to diversity Addressing Conference attendees, Hannigan decades refl ected the intolerance of the times and our work with Stonewall we will ensure paid tribute to the late Alan Turing and a former and the pressures of the cold war, but it does not that GCHQ is made up of people from different member of staff, Ian, who was dismissed in the make it any less wrong and we should apologise backgrounds and experience and sexualities 1960s. After GCHQ took the decision to light up for it. Their suffering was our loss and it was the and intellects. It is through this mix that we get its iconic building in rainbow colours to celebrate nation’s loss too because we cannot know what the creativity and innovation that helps us to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia Ian and others who were dismissed would have keep Britain safe.’ and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in 2015, Ian wrote gone on to do and achieve. We did not learn our to Hannigan and asked for him to apologise lesson from Turing.’ You can see our exclusive video interview with for his mistreatment during his time with the Robert Hannigan here on our YouTube channel: organisation. Hannigan said: ‘I am happy to do Refl ecting on GCHQ’s relationship with www.youtube.com/stonewalluk. Read the full so today and to say how sorry I am that he and Stonewall, Hannigan said: ‘Stonewall’s a speech on GCHQ’s website: www.gchq.gov.uk. WORKPLACE CONFERENCE 2016 Other speakers at this year’s conference included staff of faith, or perhaps disabled lesbian, gay, bi our CEO Ruth Hunt, our Chair Jan Gooding, Inga and trans people at work. Beale, CEO of Lloyd’s of London, broadcaster and writer Vicky Beeching and EY’s Director of EMEIA ‘It’s vital that we continue to do so, and leave Capital Markets Victor Nieves. no stone unturned, to ensure that every single lesbian, gay, bi and trans person feels able to Ruth Hunt said: ‘It’s so humbling to see so bring their whole self to work and is accepted many organisations represented at Stonewall without exception.’ conferences like this, and involved in all of the work that we do. While delegates here today At this year’s Conference, we launched the fi rst no doubt represent organisations with different two, in a series of six, trans-specifi c workplace structures, goals and ideas, we are all united guides, produced in collaboration with the in our commitment to lesbian, gay, bi and trans organisation trans*formation. You can fi nd these equality. at www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace-resources

‘Stonewall looks forward to getting deeper into We also launched our new campaign video, LGBT communities, tackling issues for LGBT people at Voices, to highlight the experiences of LGBT people work that might not have had as much attention of all ages. Watch the video on our YouTube in the past. For example, the experience of LGBT channel: www.youtube.com/stonewalluk. Nicole Gray, featured in LGBT Voices.

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 15 FRIENDS | LACE UP. CHANGE SPORT.

LACE UP. CHANGE SPORT.

Our Rainbow Laces campaign ‘We are proud to be supporting the Rainbow Ruth Hunt shared the progress being made works for the acceptance of Laces campaign again this year, because through Rainbow Laces to change hearts and discrimination has no part to play in our game minds across sport, as well as the role that non- all people on playing fi elds, at all. Football is about people coming together LGBT players and colleagues can have. We are terraces and in stadiums around for a common purpose, to share emotions and excited to continue working with Team Pride to make sure that the commitment to create and experiences. It should not be important who you the world. We can only rid sport promote an inclusive environment in all aspects are or where you are from.’ of homophobia, biphobia and of sport is realised. transphobia by standing together Arsène Wenger, Arsenal Manager. Around a third of the UK population has heard with players, clubs and fans to of the Rainbow Laces campaign. Now we want In February we also took part in the fi rst Team to broaden our focus. We’ll be moving beyond send a message that it has no Pride conference, kindly hosted by AON, looking football, recruiting sports role models and allies place in today’s game. at LGBT inclusion and acceptance in sport. The to take a stand, working with community clubs day brought together infl uential organisations, and coaches, supporting schools, colleges and This February, Premiership heavyweights decision makers in sports sponsorship, universities to take part in the campaign, and Manchester United and Arsenal exchanged a professional clubs and grassroots organisers, making an international impact. pair of super-sized Rainbow Laces before their as well as LGBT sporting role models Casey kick-off at Old Trafford. This historic moment You can fi nd out more about our Rainbow Laces Stoney MBE, Keegan Hirst and Nicola Adams sent a message to fans and clubs across campaign on our website at: MBE, to share their experiences of coming out the world that homophobia, biphobia and www.stonewall.org.uk/sport as professionals. transphobia in sport is unacceptable.

We’re thrilled that Manchester United and Keegan Hirst, Nicola Adams and Casey Stoney Arsenal have pledged their support to the at the Team Pride conference Rainbow Laces campaign. By doing so, they are stepping up as allies to LGBT people and showing their commitment to making their clubs inclusive and supportive for LGBT players, supporters and members of staff. We hope that other clubs and sports will follow their lead and lace up to change sport.

‘Manchester United is proud to be playing a central part in support of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. The club supports a number of inclusion groups and initiatives to help educate society on equality and this long-standing commitment is something that we believe plays a huge part in sport, which unites so many people from different backgrounds.’

Richard Arnold, Manchester United Group Managing Director

16 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | LACE UP. CHANGE SPORT.

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MCTKW-8871 Friends Magazine LO1 • Autumn ‘13 FRIENDS | STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK 2016

STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK 2016

Our annual Equality Walk this year The Equality Walk is an important opportunity our work will continue until all lesbian, gay, bi saw over 600 people taking to the to come together, be visible and celebrate the and trans people, in Britain and overseas, are LGBT community. However, it was also a time accepted without exception.’ streets of Brighton to celebrate to refl ect on how much work there is still left the LGBT community. to do, coming days after a violent homophobic attack on a same sex couple in Brighton. The event was co-hosted by Radio Reverb, Ruth The Equality Walk is just one way our incredible Hunt and school teacher Tamsin Bartlett, and Ruth Hunt said ‘We are standing by the side supporters raise money for Stonewall. For ideas raised more than £30,000 in vital donations that of all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people who on how you can get involved in fundraising, visit will support Stonewall’s work with schools and have experienced discrimination, abuse or even www.stonewall.org.uk/fundraise young people. violence simply for being who they are. And

18 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK 2016

‘The Equality Walk was a huge success – and for me it’s been inspirational to see the positive impact Stonewall’s work with young people in particular has had. Central Lancaster High School is a proud supporter of our LGBT students and we are inspired by the support that the School Champions programme gives us’

Tamsin Bartlett (left) Teacher, Central Lancaster High School

Enterprise Rent-A-Car supported this year’s Equality Walk in a number of ways: by sorting out a van to transport supplies, donating bottled water for participants and signing up a team to walk.

We hear from Russell Murphy, one of 35 Enterprise staff at the Walk this year:

‘We feel that it is important to support such great charities with values that so closely match those of our company. Our employees enjoyed last year’s walk so much that this was the fi rst event on our calendar for this year.

‘As a business, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is committed to equality and diversity, and the walk was a great way to get many of our employees involved and show their support for Stonewall’s work.’

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 19 FRIENDS | BEN SMITH AND THE 401 CHALLENGE

BEN SMITH AND THE 401 CHALLENGE

How many marathons are too At the age of 29, I experienced a TIA or mini Working hard with specialists, friends, family uncompleted stroke. It came on suddenly at and members of my team, I came up with the many? For Ben Smith, 401 seems work. It didn’t hurt. I wasn’t scared. I was numb 401 Challenge. The objectives are simple: about right. Ben is currently to all feeling. What I hadn’t realised was that raise £250,000 for Stonewall and Kidscape, running 401 marathons in 401 one instance had unconsciously started a series raise awareness of bullying in the UK, get as of events in my life that would lead me to who many people involved as possible and run 401 consecutive days to raise money I am today. marathons in 401 consecutive days. We have for Stonewall and Kidscape. He built up a strong team of people that support I started to take charge. My relationship ended told us why he wanted to raise me on a daily basis from family members to and I changed jobs. I spent the next year and a complete strangers. money for Stonewall. half of my life making any excuse under the sun not to have to exercise, so much so that a friend We are fi nding that the 401 Challenge is My name is Ben. I’m 33 years old, gay and of mine dragged me kicking and screaming to a inspiring people to do things they never thought enjoy doing a little running every now and running club. Walking into the club on the fi rst possible, which is what running did for me. We again. I am 100% happy with who I am. I have day, all the emotions and self doubt I had felt have raised over £45,000 for both charities and an amazing partner and live life to the full. at school came rushing back to me. They’d hate this continues to increase daily. To date I have Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case. me. They’d laugh at me. I’d get left behind. It run over 6,800 miles and this will continue on to couldn’t have been further from the truth. My a grand total of 10,506.4 miles, the equivalent At school I was bullied for eight years; fi rstly journey had begun. distance between London and Sydney, for being different to other kids and secondly Australia. This project also visits schools up because I was gay. The physical and mental Starting to run gave me an endless supply and down the country, where I talk to students bullying took its toll on me. At 18 years of age, of confi dence in myself. My self esteem, my about my experiences. after suffering in silence for years, it became performance at work and my relationships with too much. I decided to take my own life. This my family and friends changed for the better. I am completely different to who I was four wasn’t a cry for help, I knew exactly what I was years ago: 100% congruent, 100% happy doing and it seemed the only way to stop what At 31, I had enough confi dence and self esteem and at peace. I have a loving family, partner was happening to me. to come out to my parents. I had it in my head and friends I adore, plus I am getting to do that they would freak out, disown me, be angry. something that truly inspires me and that I love. After my suicide attempt, things didn’t get I pulled them into the living room one night and much better. I made a conscious decision that told them that I was gay. Stonewall has done a lot for me, a lot I didn’t if I wanted to lead a ‘normal life’ I had to be even realise. They allow me the freedom to ‘normal’. I decided there and then to hide who I If you could write a text book reaction to this love the person I want to love and be the truly was and play it straight. then my parents had read it. My dad simply person I want to be. This is the simple but asked ‘Are you happy?’ to which I answered most powerful and motivating reason why I am I had been conditioned into thinking that being ‘Yes’. ‘That’s all that matters then,’ he said, raising money for Stonewall. gay was a sin, a disgusting way of living and continuing to read his paper. Mum started to that it was wrong on all levels. In my fi rst year cry, gave me a big hug and said that she loved If you want to learn more, get involved, run at university I tried to take my own life again. me no matter what. I could literally feel the with Ben, or donate, visit the 401 Challenge I was lost, I didn’t have meaning to my life, I stress fl ow right out of my body; I didn’t have Facebook page, and the website at didn’t know who I was and had no aspiration to to pretend to be anything other than who I truly www.the401challenge.co.uk be anything. was. To fi nd out about supporting with a corporate sponsorship package, please email Throughout my 20s, I lived what I can only Running became a huge part of my life. I [email protected] describe as a numb existence. I played the travelled all over the world running marathons, game, followed what others wanted me to do, growing in confi dence and setting about Text BEN to 70660 to donate £5, (all terms made decisions about my career based on what fi guring out who I truly was, what I liked, who I and conditions can be found on the 401 others felt was right and even went as far as liked, what type of person I was and what made website) or visit the Virgin Money Giving getting myself a girlfriend. me truly happy. Page at http://bit.ly/The401Challenge

20 Friends magazine Summer 2016 Picture by Matt Ratcliffe, courtesy of the Macclesﬁ eld Express.

FRIENDS | BI ROLE MODELS - PRIDE CALENDAR BI ROLE MODELS We know that bi people face some distinct challenges and frequently feel unable to be themselves. This is often because of untrue beliefs and stereotypes about bi people and their lives, and it can result in exclusion, invisibility and biphobia.

We are hosting two free one-day programmes specifi cally for bi people to empower them to be role models in their communities and workplaces. They’ll give attendees practical ways to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and the opportunity to refl ect on how they can create change in their communities.

Michelle Booth, Stonewall’s Head of Projects and Programmes, said: ‘We’re so pleased we’re delivering these specifi c bi role model sessions for people from across Britain. The experts in creating positive change for bi people are bi people themselves. Not only will participants leave the sessions with a network of bi role models, they will have skills to positively infl uence their communities and workplaces For more information about the programmes so that other bi people can feel free to be themselves. Thank you to Stonewall Ambassador and Trustee running this July and September, visit for Trust for London, Edward Lord, whose funding has helped to make this programme possible.’ www.stonewall.org.uk/birolemodels PRIDE CALENDAR This summer Stonewall is going to be at more Pride events across Britain than ever before. Pride is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wonderful, diverse LGBT community, and we can’t wait to see you there. This year we also want to celebrate those people who are actively showing their support and standing by the side of LGBT people. We BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 28 May NORWICH PRIDE 30 July want to hear the stories of people who have NOTTINGHAMSHIRE been #ByYourSide through the years. People PORTSMOUTH PRIDE 18 June 30 July PRIDE who have supported you, stood up for you and been there for you, through good times and bad. PRIDE IN LONDON 25 June LIVERPOOL PRIDE 30 July If you’ve got a story to tell, we hope you’ll share it with us and take part in our #ByYourSide BRIGHTON & HOVE UK BLACK PRIDE 26 June 6 August Wall of Pride, which will be travelling to all PRIDE of the 22 Prides we’ll be at this summer. It’s an opportunity to say a special thank you, and NORTH WALES PRIDE 2 July LEEDS PRIDE 7 August to showcase those amazing people who have stood up and supported us. PRIDE EDINBURGH 2 July PRIDE CYMRU - CARDIFF 13 August And this is just the beginning. Later in the year we will be hosting a season of exciting events to bring together LGBT people and SPARKLE TRANS PRIDE 9 July PRIDE GLASGOW 20 August allies, celebrate our stories and show support for our diverse communities. We hope you’ll BRISTOL PRIDE 9 July MANCHESTER PRIDE 27 - 29 August get involved. Watch this space for more information! NORTHERN PRIDE - 16 July READING PRIDE 3 September We have a long way to go before all LGBT NEWCASTLE people can be accepted without exception, and we can’t do it without you. So join us this PRIDE IN HULL 16 July LEICESTER PRIDE 3 September summer, share your stories, take part in our Wall of Pride, and celebrate the people who TRANS PRIDE BRIGHTON 23 July CUMBRIA PRIDE 17 September have stood #ByYourSide.

22 Friends magazine Summer 2016 FRIENDS | WHY I SUPPORT STONEWALL - LIFELONG FRIENDS WHY I SUPPORT STONEWALL Thirteen years ago my then girlfriend and I walked together in the Equality Walk in Brighton. As we walked we lamented that marriage equality would not be something we would see in our lifetime. Today that same wonderful woman is my wife. My life and my happiness have been directly affected by Stonewall’s work. Most recently and very directly, it is the work I do as a School Role Model that has opened me up to a deeper journey of who I am. Meeting children in schools, speaking to them, sharing my story, watching their faces and answering their questions awakens me to the continuing journey I have in my own relationship with being gay. I joked recently with a large audience of older students that when I was eighteen I never dreamt I would be standing in front of 200 or so 18 year olds talking about being a lesbian. We were all empowered by that laughter. The day I became involved with Stonewall was the day I found the community for which I had searched. It also marked a profound deeper journey of self-acceptance. YOU CAN BECOME A FRIEND AT Deena Gornick is a regular giver to Stonewall and a School Role Model. WWW.STONEWALL.ORG.UK/DONATE

LIFELONG FRIENDS Acceptance without exception. It’s a bold objective, and we’ve achieved a lot. But our work is not fi nished – not until everyone feels free to be who they are, wherever they are.

More than a third of our income from In April of this year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our civil partnership. individuals comes from gifts in wills, so it’s a Having the ability to have a legally recognised relationship, with all the rights hugely signifi cant way of ensuring Stonewall and obligations that brings, was unthinkable when we got together in 2000. can be here, fi ghting for LGBT rights, for years to come. That we were able to do so is due in large part to the tireless campaigning of If you’ve decided to leave a gift in your will, organisations like Stonewall. please tell us so that we can welcome you as But Stonewall does more than campaigning. Marion has benefi ted hugely from the Stonewall Leadership a Lifelong Friend of Stonewall. Our Lifelong Programme and we have both been to conferences and seminars listening to people who needed Friends receive a unique purple Stonewall Stonewall and the LGBT community to provide the support and affi rmation that every individual should pin, bespoke communications about our work feel entitled to. and invitations to exclusive events. Leaving a legacy gift is an important If we are honest, we would like to live in a world where Stonewall wasn’t needed because society, decision, but it doesn’t have to be a diffi cult employers, the media, families, friends etc. had no interest in a person’s sexuality or gender. process. But we are not there yet. Until we are, we need organisations like Stonewall to campaign for our For more information, please visit community and support the individual. And that’s why Stonewall is in our wills. www.stonewall.org.uk/legacies, or you can call us on 020 7593 1876, or email Marion & Lorna Gibbs [email protected].

Summer 2016 Friends magazine 23 Youdon’t have to go anywhere extraordinary to do something Special

Fostering Teenagers Are you someone special, with room in your life and your home? If you are interested in fostering Up to older children, come along to our £21,000 PA next fostering information evening. fees and Fostering offers you a challenging allowances* and rewarding career, with round the *Terms and conditions apply. clock support, and enhanced fees, so you can make a lasting difference to a local teenager’s life.

To find out more call (020) 8871 6666 AD.1087 A4 (1.15) wandsworthfostering

fostering.wandsworth.gov.uk