We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace and enviroment where everyone can feel free to be themselves.
Pride is an important time to show our support to our LGBTQ+ colleagues and communities and we will continue to support them every year. We recognise that we need to do more for the LGBTQ+ community and this is something we are actively working on we would welcome your feedback on how we can do better at this, you can email us.
We are always striving to learn more and better support our staff in the best way we can. We want everyone to know, The Forge is a welcome safe space and if you need help our teams on site are here to support you as an ally, we’ve collated some helpful sites should you need some support or guidance, along with some tips on how to show support.
Useful links
Switchboard – 0800 0119 100
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ helpline and a safe space for anyone to discuss sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, emotional well-being and more, they are open daily from 10 to 10pm.
Mermaids
Mermaids is a charity that has been supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families since 1995.
LGBT Youth Scotland
MAKING SCOTLAND A PLACE WHERE
LGBTQ+YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FLOURISH AND THRIVE
We are Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people, aged 13-25. We support young people in all aspects of their lives through the provision of amazing youth work, and we support them to use their voice to create change in equality and human rights.
Tips on being a better ally
Call out homophobic and transphobic behaviour when you see it, if it is safe to do so. For example, correct your friends or family if they’re using outdated terms or inform a member of staff if you hear abusive language whilst visiting The Forge.
Use inclusive language to help everyone feel united. For example, address a group of people with “Hi everybody” instead of “Hi ladies and gentlemen”. It’s a subtle change in phrasing that makes a big difference.
Normalise the use of pronouns, such as ‘he/him’, ‘she/her’ and ‘they/them’. Adding pronouns to your email signature or social media profile helps to create a more welcoming environment for transgender and non-binary people.
Expand your knowledge! There are plenty of educational resources online. To start, you could look up a glossary of common LGBTQIA+ terms to ensure you’re speaking to those around you in the most respectful way. We also recommend reading about the incredible history of LGBTQIA+ activism and the struggles the community has faced, to understand why Pride month is so important.
Show up in person. Find out about events, marches and volunteering opportunities to support your local Pride organisation.
Don’t make assumptions. Lazy and incorrect assumptions are damaging to the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, guessing somebody’s sexual preferences, assuming a gay man has certain interests or assuming someone identifies as a woman due to the way they’re dressed can be very offensive and upsetting. Your intentions may be positive, but the outcome might not be.
For more information and resources try;
Stonewall
The largest LGBTQIA+ organisation in the UK and Europe, Stonewall stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace people everywhere
