No Bystanders - Positive Role Models for the OT LGBT Community

Introduction / Background: This presentation will present and discuss the importance of creating LGBT friendly and inclusive workplaces and occupational therapy services in order to re-address some of the negative impacts on... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction / Background:
This presentation will present and discuss the importance of creating LGBT friendly and inclusive workplaces and occupational therapy services in order to re-address some of the negative impacts on the health and wellbeing for LGBT people, who feel invisible, marginalised or discriminated in the workplace or by service providers. Stonewall (2015) provide evidence of examples of such discrimination by health and social care providers in the UK.

Description of the policy
In 2010, the UK Government revised previous anti-discriminatory legislation and brought these all together under the Equality Act 2010. Previously, UK legislation, made it illegal to discriminate in the workplace or in the provision of services, but under the Equality Act 2010, the legal duty upon employers and service providers is to PROMOTE equality and inclusivity for people protected under the Act.

Application of the policy to practice:
York St John University responded to this legal requirement by supporting the Stonewall ‘No Bystanders’ campaign and setting up a LGBT staff network which, which has successfully raised the profile of LGBT issues and creating a visible LGBT inclusive environment. This paper will share ways that the author has participated and contributed to the promotion of inclusivity and equality for our LGBT community.

References
Stonewall (2015) Unhealthy Attitudes, the treatment of LGBT people within health and social care services. Accessed online 30.10.15 http://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/unhealthy_attitudes.pdf

Stonewall (no date) Role Models being yourself: Sexual Orientation and the Workplace. Accessed online 30.10.15
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/role_models.pdf