This month, indeed every February, is LGBT History Month. It’s a chance to reflect on the positive contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people make to our society, and to promote diversity and inclusion.
The theme for this year’s LGBT History Month has been “religion, belief and faith”. It reminds me that despite our differences – whether they be of faith, sexuality, race, gender or background – our diversity makes us stronger. That’s evident through the progress we’ve made over the years as a country and as a civil service.
The theme is also intensely personal for me.
I married my husband, an incredibly dedicated and caring parish priest, a year and a half ago. As the Church of England’s official stance on our marriage is less than Christian, I think I could be forgiven for despairing of the role of religion in modern life, and in my life. But I don’t despair. My husband’s congregation and the wider network of inclusive churches (who believe in a church that does not discriminate, on any level) have been amazingly supportive. Although not religious myself, their generosity and welcome have restored my faith in people of faith. It also makes me thankful to work in an organisation where diversity and inclusion are valued and, indeed, championed.
Civil servants at the forefront
We shouldn’t forget to celebrate that the UK has come a long way on LGB&TI equality – and civil servants have been at the forefront of this work.
Together, we’ve supported the introduction of marriage equality legislation, ensured fair treatment in the workplace and in the sale of goods and services, and much more. We are some of the most open and inclusive organisations in the country for LGB&TI staff.
As the Cabinet Office LGB&TI Diversity Champion, making the department one of the most inclusive and diverse organisations in government is something I care passionately about; and that sentiment is shared by my executive committee colleagues. Improving diversity is something we’re actively discussing, building on the excellent work we already do as a department.
I want particularly to highlight the great work our diversity networks do at times like this. This year, members of the Cabinet Office LGBT network have done a great job in submitting our bid to Stonewall for its Workplace Equality Index. We’ve just had our results back and will be sharing more information about that, and the things we’ll do because of the results, soon.
Follow Stephen on Twitter: @s_foreshew_cain/blockquote>
No Likes
3 comments
Comment by GDB posted on
"As the Church of England’s official stance on our marriage is less than Christian"- A rather disturbing comment by a senior civil servant, identifying as non-religious, on a blog post about diversity and inclusion! By what authority can you decide what is considered "Christian"?
Comment by MarkK posted on
Gender does not need to be specified in gov.uk Verify, but can you confirm that the 90% cover for go-live includes 90% of transgender people, despite names in everyday use not always matching official records?
Comment by BEJL posted on
I enjoyed reading this blog and the author has an important story to tell, but would you consider hosting a blog from someone who doesn't think that "the Church of England’s official stance on our marriage is less than Christian"? Or, given that this is meant to be about faith and LGBT, what about a blog from (e.g.) a Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Jewish author who olds a traditional view of LGBT issues, rather than someone who says they are not religious themselves, like the author?