Support the fight against racism
The Network for LGBT People Working in Social Housing
By Asif Rashid
HouseProud BAME Officer
The HouseProud Committee recognise that it’s been a very distressing for us to see the images from America over the past week - it’s been a really difficult time.
The huge outpouring of grief and protest across the world is not just about one individual injustice, but the fact that racism is institutionalised in so many ways.
It’s really important that we all take the time to think about how these events impact our customers and colleagues, as well as ourselves. HouseProud acknowledge that we still see massive inequality and it’s important that we recognise this and talk about it and work to address such inequality.
HouseProud is based on principles of inclusivity and diversity and we all need to speak up in solidarity against any oppression and racism, irrelevant of our race, gender or sexuality.
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You can find a list of organisations to support and ways to get involved for LGBT+ BAME people here
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.....and why we need more black role models here
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and Stand up to Racism's Facebook page is here.
You may be interested in this LGBT+ workplace conference
From the 22nd to 26th June there is a FREE online conference for the LGBT+ community with an additional focus on careers.
My G Work say:
Due to Covid-19 LGBTQ+ helplines are experiencing twice the usual amount of calls and many people have lost their jobs. Research shows the LGBTQ+ community is particularly isolated and at risk (Trevor Project, 2020).
This has serious implications for the mental health of the LGBTQ+ people. With most Pride events being postponed or cancelled around the world, we want to make sure the LGBTQ+ business community is visible and celebrated.
This is why we are launching the WorkPride Week Conference.
The website is:
https://www.mygwork.com/en/work-pride
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Resources to help us fight CoVID 19
We may be 'all in this together' but the virus, the current lockdown and ways of working in the housing sector have a very distinct impact on LGBT+ people working in social housing, and also for our LGBT+ residents/customers/service-users.
HouseProud would like to give this front page of our website over to any resources, or initiatives that would have particular impact on either colleagues or customers - and of course some of these will be useful to both groups. Please do email in any suggestions and we will put them up here!
One of the best resources and signposting points is London Switchboard.
They have created an Emotional Well-being Support Pack.
This is full of useful and practical exercises and thoughts on dealing with feeling lonely and isolated. As we know from our research that many LGBT+ residents feel isolated in their homes even when they are not on lockdown, it is important that as Housing Providers we redouble our efforts to reach this group,
Another good resource page is that of our old friends at AKT (the Albert Kennedy Trust). Their resources page has very clear guidelines for LGBT+ residents affected by CoVID19 in respect to being evicted, benefits in both our sector and in the privately rented sector.
They also have a really good list of free or fair-cost arts events, exercise classes and online wellness led by People of Colour, Womxn and Queer folks.
Of course the lockdown and self isolation can create an atmosphere where domestic violence becomes a major concern. GALOP coordinate the National LGBT Domestic Violence Hotline 0800 999 5428 and the details are all on their website
For younger trans people Mermaids has updated information on their website. What we liked about Mermaids is that they said 'Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are determined to offer more support not less during this period of uncertainty'.
There's some great new resource for intersex people - on Soho Radio. Anick will be discusses the experiences of an intersex person, mixed with songs every week. He will be inviting guests on his show to get perspective on different issues. 'Queerantine' with us!!
There's also....
Have put together a resources pack which is great for people with kids at home; providing maths, English, creativity and LGBT+ history:
Gal Dem. Online resources for women of colour.
Imaan - LGBTQI+ Muslim Support
We also really liked the London LGBTIQ+ COVID19 Mutual Aid Facebook Group where volunteers can skill share to support vulnerable people in our community, you can find out about that here
Please don't do this to your property without your landlord's
written permission!
