Daisy Carter, who has recently joined our Trust as a High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, has shared why LGBT+ History month is important to her.
“A lot has changed for the better over the last 50 years and LGBT+ History Month is a good opportunity to recognise the legal, political and social changes that have happened for the LGBT+ community.
“There have been so many people who have worked hard to enable me to live my life the way I can today. Even if I think back to when I was growing up, Section 28 (A law which made the discussion of homosexuality in schools illegal) was still in place, and whilst that didn’t directly affect me, I think it is important to recognise that it wasn’t that long ago.
“Not long after Section 28 ended the Civil Partnership Act came into force in 2004 so same sex couples could be united under a civil partnership and 9 years later, in 2013, the Marriage Act was updated for same sex couples to be married.
“Whilst there have been so many positive changes it is important to acknowledge that there are still things that can be improved on in our society.
“It is great to find out about the positive changes being made at our Trust to make it a more inclusive place for everyone. This month we have introduced the option to add pronouns on our yellow name badges. This is a really important step forward as it demonstrates that we respect each other. Having your pronouns displayed, whether that is on your badge or in your email signature demonstrates that you are supportive and on board with others however they identify.
“This year is a really special year to mark LGBT+ History Month as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first London Pride parade that took place in 1972.
“Pride is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our LGBT+ community however it is always important to remember that Pride started as a protest. Now it is more a celebration and way of raising awareness and importance of how far we have come but how it is also important to carry on the conversation as we still have a way to go.
“I am very excited for Isle of Wight Pride in July and although I work remotely in Manchester I will be travelling down with my girlfriend Amy and our dog Olive to join in the IOW Pride festivities. We can’t wait to take part and meet more of #TeamIOWNHS in person.”
