The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans , Queer or Questioning, plus) inclusion ambassador forum would like to invite everyone to celebrate Pride Month in June.
Meaning of Pride Month - Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness– Click here
How to get involved - Staff who have completed the ‘NHS Rainbow badge’ E-Learning have been emailed to ask to share their view of being LGBTQ+ or an LGBTQ+ ally within the Trust. These will be shared on social media and displayed on the Trust information screens.
If you would like to wear a ‘NHS Rainbow badge’ Click Here, which will take you to the E-Learning site, for you to complete the module, to then receive your badge.
How to support – Please check out over the month of June the Trust’s social media platforms to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ all the inclusive LGBTQ+ work the Trust is doing.
Change your Microsoft Teams background - To support Pride Month you will be able to change your background with the ‘Progress’ Flag. This will be with the Trust template backgrounds (as per above photo).
If you would like to get involved in Pride Month, please email Barrie Morgan-Scrutton
Flying the ‘Progress’ Flag’ - Throughout the month, the Trust will be flying the Progress Flag over Chorley Hospital and Royal Preston, to show to our staff and patients that we are here to support and take care of our LGBTQ+ community. The intranet site will be transforming to fly the Progress flag within it’s background.
Meaning of the Progress flag - In 2018, a designer began a campaign to “re-boot” the Pride flag to make it more inclusive by adding a five-coloured chevron to represent queer people of colour as well as the trans community.
Daniel Quasar, who identifies as queer and non-binary, recently made-over the six-coloured rainbow flag, saying they added a five-striped arrow to reflect “all aspects of our community.” Find out more about the LGBTQ+ flag – Click here
Why staff are sharing their Pronouns - Pronouns take the place of a noun in a sentence to refer to someone without using their name, such as he/him/his or she/her/hers or they/them. Some languages have more pronouns than others as they change depending on case, gender, or even the relationship between speakers. It has become more prominent in recent years to see pronouns being used in email signatures, online meetings/webinars and social media profiles. If you are less familiar with the LGBTQ+ community, or if you don't have to think about your gender regularly, this may be unusual to see and could initially be a little confusing and/or difficult to relate to. Please share your pronouns within meeting and add them into your email signature. To find out more – Click here
LGBTQ+ Staff Inclusion forum - Come and join our Inclusion Ambassador forum and help us progress equality and inclusion in our own organisation. Create a sense of community, discuss issues affecting you or other colleagues and define actions for change plus more. More information Click Here or Email: inclusion@lthtr.nhs.uk to join.
Happy Pride Month #LTHTRPride
