LGBT Chartermark Update - April 2022

We have been continuing with our planned work and activities to achieve the Silver LGBT Charter; this forms part of our work towards becoming a more inclusive and accessible service. Earlier this year, our staff and Board members undertook awareness training through LGBT Youth Scotland; the training was really engaging and insightful, and we all took a lot away from it.

We have continued to make use of social media for celebration and activism on key dates, including Trans Day of Remembrance, LGBT History Month, and a sponsored walk with young volunteers for Purple Friday. We have planned social media posts and events coming up for International Day of Trans Visibility. International day against homophobia, biphobia & transphobia, Pride month, Bisexual Visibility Day, and National Coming Out Day. We will also be taking part in Shetland Pride on 2^nd July 2022 and plan to hold our own small, event for survivors linked to Pride.

We believe it’s important that LGBTI+ survivors don’t feel silenced about what’s happened to them or what support they need. It is important that LGBTI+ people see their identities, experiences and issues reflected in information about sexual violence.

We hope that by working towards the Silver LGBT Charter, we to send a positive message that the Compass Centre is a champion of LGBT inclusion where LGBT employees, customers, or service users will be safe, supported and included. We plan to submit our Chartermark application later this year.