Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust are inviting people to join them in February to celebrate LGBT+ History Month.

Throughout next month, the trust will be embarking on an inclusivity journey as they celebrate LGBT+ History Month with a calendar of events open to all staff, partners, service users and local communities, created by their LGBTQ+ Network. 

The LGBT+ History Month theme for this year is centred around 'Behind the Lens' and at a time when LGBTQ+ lives are in the media, the trust is encouraging people to look 'Behind the Lens' and listen to LGBTQ+ peoples' lived experiences.

Throughout the month, the trust is inviting people to take part in a photography competition.

They would like people to share photographs that depict what LGBTQ+ means to them.

All entries for the competition should be sent to pride@lscft.nhs.uk, and the trust will share entries across their social media channels and announce the winner, judged by Alan Kent, University lecturer of BA(hons) Photography, at the end of February.

The winner will receive a printed tote bag and mug with their winning design. 

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The trust will also be hosting virtual sessions, these include:

  • LGBTQ+ and Faith 
    Hosted by Hidayah and Rainbow House
    14 February 1pm – 2pm

Click here to join the meeting

  • LGBT+ History Month with Pav
    Hosted by Pav Akhtar
    21 February 10.30am – 11.30am

Click here to join the meeting

As well as the sessions, they are asking residents to join the Pen and Inc inclusive reading group.

They will be reading Mr. Loverman ahead of their next meeting on 23 February.

Written by Bernardine Evaristo, it tells the story of Barrington Walker, a 74 year old from Antigua who moved to London in the 1960s. He's married to Carmel, but is secretly gay and in a relationship with lifelong friend Morris.

Find out more including where to buy the book, please email kevin.mcveigh@lscft.nhs.uk.

A spokesperson for LSCft said: “At LSCft we want to better understand and improve the experience of our service users and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+.

“Through February we are asking LSCft staff to complete a survey with the aim of providing a starting point from which to understand how respondents feel about the Trust's approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion and help the Diversity & Inclusion team and the LGBTQ+ staff network plan how we measure, monitor and produce actions to improve the experience of LSCft's LGBTQ+ service users and staff.

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“Our staff will also have the opportunity to attend Lunch and Learn sessions hosted by Lancashire LGBT covering topics such as LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace, supporting LGBT+ service users and supporting trans and gender diverse service users. 

“Finally, staff are being encouraged to take their pledge and wear a progress badge to send out the message that you are an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Being an ally does not simply mean that you are not homophobic or transphobic, but that you are prepared to learn about LGBTQ+ issues, educate others and speak out against inappropriate behaviours or comments.”

If you have questions on any of the above activities, email equality@lscft.nhs.uk