What should employers and workplaces be doing to create more inclusive environments and policies to support employees who are LGBTQ+?
This conversation was recorded with five people who have their own individual experiences of being LGBTQ+ in the workplace. They share their advice and learning to help you understand how to build the right culture to create a truly inclusive workplace environment for LGBTQ+ people.
Our guests:
Craig Stephenson OBE (He/Him)
Craig received the OBE for Services to the Senedd/Welsh Parliament and Equality. Until early retirement in September 2019, he was a member of the Welsh Parliament's Executive Board and Leadership Team and Strategic lead on Dignity and Respect, delivering improved policies and cultural change. He sits on the Employment Tribunal England and Wales as a non-legal member; is Chair of Board for Tai Pawb which promotes equality and social justice in housing in Wales; and is Chair of South Wales Gay Men's Chorus and Deputy Chair of LGBTQymru. Craig Stephenson OBE | LinkedIn

Steve O’Donoghue (He/Him)
Steve is the Director of Corporate Services and member of the Board of the Trade Remedies Authority. His career has covered a range of public bodies and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Steve has two grown-up daughters. He came out as gay in his early 40s and well-understands the complexity in understanding, embracing, and celebrating one’s sexual identity. Steve enjoys shaping the workplace to be diverse, welcoming and inclusive for all. Steve O'Donoghue FCPFA | LinkedIn

Harris Eddie Hill (They/Them)
Harris is an out-and-proud nonbinary podcaster, best-selling author, and founder of Bulletproof; a platform supporting other unique people to become resilient so they can enjoy their lives despite others' unaccepting attitudes. Mx. Harris Eddie Hill (they/them/their) | LinkedIn

Hen Cowen (They/Them)
Hen is a communications manager for the England & Wales Cricket Board and leads the internal LGBTQ+ network as part of the organisation’s diversity, inclusion and equity awareness programme.   / hen-cowen-662a8385  

Emma Goswell (She/Her)
Emma is a broadcaster and podcaster. She co-presented the breakfast show on Gaydio, the world’s biggest LGBT radio station, is host of the ‘Coming Out stories’ podcast and her book of the same name tells the stories of people from across the LGBTQI+ spectrum.   / emmagoswell  

Hosting the discussion is Jane Robertson (She/Her), Director of Communications for employee wellbeing platform provider Frog Systems.


00:15 – Introduction to livestream
01:20 – Introducing the guests
03:14 – Sharing their experiences of coming out
03:40 – Craig’s experience of discrimination
09:23 – Hen’s experience of coming out
13:25 – Harris’ experience of coming out
16:30 – Emma discusses the concept of constantly coming out
19:25 – Steve’s experience of coming out
25:40 – The importance of inclusivity in the workplace
28:11 – Craig explains how to create a more LGBTQ+ friendly workplace
33:24 – Comparing industry sectors
35:31 – What training should be provided to support LGBTQ+ employees
40:45 – How Steve has made his workplace more inclusive
44:29 – Why pronouns and inclusive language are important
48:40 – Emma on LGBTQ+ parenting and misgendering children
49:30 – More on the importance of pronouns
51:40 – Being an ally for transgender people suffering hate crime
55:20 – What we can do to support LGBTQ+ employees
59:55 – Conclusion

This conversation was hosted by Frog Systems who provide first line employee wellbeing support.
To find out more, or to book a demo, visit https://frogsystems.co.uk/
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