Nicola Stephens, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, National Assembly for Wales
In recognition and celebration of the advances made towards improving LGBT rights, the theme for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) for 2019 is Justice and Protection for all.
It is hard to believe that in 1990, just over 30 years ago, homosexuality was still included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the World Health Organisation. Over this time, there has been great progress made towards obtaining near-equality for LGBT+ people, as well as individuals with diverse gender identities and expression.
As an organisation, we strive towards providing a safe working environment where people can be themselves. And so we continue to work closely with our workplace equality networks to understand the challenges and, with the support of our senior champions, develop a work programme to further embed diversity, inclusion and equality.
As the democratic body in Wales, we also have a responsibility to promote LGBT equality outside our four walls, by engaging with the communities we serve and backing legal and policy reform that ensures Justice and Protection for all.
We are passionate about working closely with other employers, sharing best practice and promoting LGBT equality and inclusion for the people of Wales. We think about what a truly inclusive organisation looks like and take part in regional networks in order to raise the bar for what it means to be a welcoming employer for LGBT people.
I believe there is strength in our differences. We will continue to work with others, building good relations between different groups of people. This, will undoubtedly, help us move towards a society where justice and protection applies to all.
