This Isn’t Working

'LGBT': What Are Employers Getting Wrong? (Ft. Kate Barker)

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Employers - we need to talk about pronouns. And ‘LGBT’. And Pride. And Stonewall. And staff networks. And diversity training that only gives one side of a complex and nuanced story. Oh, and drag queens…

This is an interview with Kate Barker, CEO of the UK charity LGB Alliance.

So, what are employers getting wrong about ‘LGBT’?

The short answer, according to Kate, is that they are failing to consider the full range of perspectives that exists among this group of employees, and to find ways for everyone to feel comfortable at work.

During this conversation, we discuss the following:

  • Have employers been too quick to adopt what they thought was a ‘progressive’ and ‘inclusive’ approach to ‘LGBT,’ not realising they have only been listening to certain voices, and looking at this through a somewhat limited lens? 
  • Have ‘LGBT’ staff networks become too political and powerful – and do they really represent the range of views held by the groups they claim to include? 
  • Why do a lot of gay and lesbian employees find their organisation’s Pride celebrations embarrassing – and is it time to dial down the drag queens?
  • What message are employers sending to their lesbian and gay staff by continuing to work with Stonewall, and hiring external ‘gender diversity’ trainers with dubious credentials and content? What are the risks of following their advice about what ‘LGBT inclusion’ should look like in the workplace?
  • Is it time to replace the acronym ‘LGBT’ with a different term? After all, we ditched ‘BAME’ when we realised it was simplistic, unhelpful and crass…
  • Is enthusiasm for 'pronoun declaration' starting to wane, and should employees feel free to not to participate in the invitation to state their beliefs about gender identity in their workplace? 
  • How can employers move away from ‘no debate’ towards calm, professional conversations about how to manage these complex and sensitive issues in the workplace? And what other solutions can Kate offer to employers who are keen to get this right?

    • Not everyone is ready to talk about this stuff – and a few of Kate’s words may sound jarring to some people’s ears.

    But can employers afford to keep dithering, when resentment is ‘festering’ (Kate’s word) in workplaces around the UK?

    Is it time for employers to re-think ‘LGBT’, acknowledge that a range of perspectives exists among this group of workers – and agree that it is not acceptable to silence some voices, while celebrating others?

    Is there a better way ahead, if we start talking?

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    This Isn’t WorkingBy Tanya de Grunwald