It's not just about wearing a badge; there are simple things we can all do to promote inclusion:
- Use inclusive language in all discussions
- Affirm the identity a person chooses to use
- Assure confidentiality
You may be the first person someone has ever felt confident enough to open up to about how they feel. For them, it may be one of the most important moments of their life, and how you respond to it is something they will remember.
The badges aren't designed as a symbol intended to prompt disclosures, but they may prompt a person to disclose information about their own sexuality or gender identity, perhaps for the first time. Wearing a badge doesn't mean you'll have all the answers, but, most importantly, you should be prepared to listen and signpost to relevant information.
Occasionally, you may feel a person's disclosure means they need more immediate support or that they are at risk.There is always someone to ask for advice and, in the first instance, we recommend contacting the Trust's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Alison Paul on 01925 664 061 or email: alison.paul@merseycare.nhs.uk
Local
- TransForum Manchester is a discussion forum and mutual peer support group for all gender diverse people and those in any way questioning their gender, together with their partners, family and friends: www.transforum-manchester.co.uk
- Embrace is a Sefton community network for all LGBT+ people who live, work or socialise in Sefton: www.seftoncvs.org.uk/networks-forums/embrace
- Knowsley Youth Mutual delivers LGBT+ services in Knowsley: www.youthmutual.co.uk/lgbtq
- Over the Rainbow is a part social, part support group for young people aged 13-25 years in St Helens who identify as LGBT+: www.sthelensgateway.info/organisations/over-the-rainbow
- TAGS is a friendly and supportive group for LGBT+ young people aged 13-19 in Warrington: www.warringtonva.org.uk/contacts/view/10911
- BYou + supports LGBT+ adults in the Wigan borough: www.byoupluswigan.com
- BYou is an under 19s LGBT+ group in Wigan. Email: b
.youproject @wigan.gov.uk - Silver Rainbows is a Cheshire-based older people's LGBT network: www.silverrainbows.com
National
- National charity Stonewall offers resources to support LGBT+ people: www.stonewall.org.uk
- LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of support services to LGBT+ people: www.lgbt.foundation Advice, support and information telephone line: 0345 3 30 30 30
- The Albert Kennedy Trust provides support for LGBT+ people who are homeless or living in a hostile home environment: www.akt.org.uk
- Juno Dawson's This Book is Gay is a guide to sexuality and gender for young people, written by a young adult author and available to buy online
- Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit community interest company aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity: www.genderedintelligence.co.uk
- The charity Mermaids works to raise awareness about gender nonconformity in children and young people: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
- The Proud Trust provides LGBT+ youth information: www.theproudtrust.org
- Gay Farmers' helpline – someone to talk to who understands the farming situation as well as what it is like to be gay. Call 07837 931 894 or email: info
@gayfarmer.co.uk