Posted on 25 January 2022
It's LGBTQ+ history month and a great chance to learn about LGBTQ+ history and experiences. Our dedicated staff network group for LGBTQ+ members and allies – PRYDE, have been getting involved by holding lunch and learn events in some of our offices.
Staff got together in their lunch breaks, to learn more about the issue of homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community. According to The LGBT Youth Commission on Housing and Homelessness as many as 24% of young homeless people are LGBT, and 77% state that their LGBT identity was a causal factor in them becoming homeless.
As well as listening to the personal experiences of LGBTQ+ community members who've previously been homeless, PRYDE have also been working with Stonepillow, a charity that supports and empowers homeless and vulnerable people in the Chichester and Arun districts.
Monika Wadey, Deputy Head of Operations at Stonepillow, spoke to our staff about the amazing work they have been doing to support people in the LGBTQ+ communities that have been affected by homelessness.
Emmy Stock, Digital Communications Officer and Chair of PRYDE said: “It's been great getting together with colleagues for LGBTQ+ history month and hearing more about the amazing work charities like Stonepillow are doing in the communities we work in. My aim as Chair of PRYDE is to keep up the momentum driven by LGBT+ history month throughout the year, to continue supporting our LGBT+ staff and those in the communities we work in, to look at new ways to engage in conversations, spread awareness and promote inclusion.”