LGBT+ History Month 2021

Published: 1 February 2021

Each year, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated in the UK in February.

Founded by the charity Schools OUT, the aim of the month is to celebrate the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from our past and present, and to promote tolerance and raise awareness of the prejudices faced by the community. 

The rainbow flag colours are routinely used as a show of LGBT+ identity and solidarity. The rainbow colours have become so widely recognised as a symbol of LGBT+ pride and identity that they have effectively replaced most other LGBT+ symbols, including the Greek letter lambda and the pink triangle. Wearing your rainbow lanyard or laces can be a great way of showing your support for LGBT+ colleagues and service users!

The theme of this year’s history month is Body, Mind, Spirit. Living during this pandemic, and all of the stresses and worries that have come with COVID-19 has greatly impacted not only our physical health, but also our the mental health, and has even deepened some of the difficult issues already facing the LGBT+ community. As an organisation we are fully supportive of all of our colleagues’ wellbeing. We have various resources available to help any colleagues who are struggling at the moment. 

We also have an LGBTQ+ staff network called Enfys. This is a network group for members of staff who identify as LGBT+, as well as supportive allies of the community. We offer a safe space where members of the network can be their true selves. This is a forum to discuss issues that affect us, to shape policy and business decisions, to get to know colleagues and members of the community. We fly the rainbow flag to ensure that the LGBT+ community is properly represented in Public Health Wales, through raising awareness of the issues that face LGBT+ people and working to make this an inclusive and welcoming organisation. For lots of people, coming to work may be the only time they are able to be their true selves, around like-minded people. Lots of people live in communities and households where they face prejudice, and networks can be a valuable opportunity for them to meet new people and to seek advice, support and reassurance.

Public Health Wales is proud to have signed up as a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and is committed to ensuring we have a workplace that is free of discrimination, where everyone can be themselves. We are also very proud to have been placed into the Stonewall Top 100 Employers last year for the first time ever.

Sian Bolton, Transition Director for the Knowledge Directorate and Senior Ally, says:

“I am pleased and proud to be an ally to the LGBT+ community, and to provide visible support to all LGBT+ staff. We want everyone to know that Public Health Wales in an inclusive organisation, and no one should have to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity. I want everyone to feel valued, supported and accepted. Our staff LGBT+ network, Enfys, is a great way for LGBT+ staff and allies to shape policy and business decisions, to get to know fellow colleagues and members of the community”.
 

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