Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and we celebrate this on May 17th as it commemorates the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.
This day celebrates and recognises sexual and gender diversity and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to be fully committed to creating a culture where people can be themselves; where people can freely express and talk about their identity without fear of discrimination in the workplace.
Throughout the year we support and celebrate LGBT+ specific days and initiatives by raising awareness to staff and to people living in Rhondda Cynon Taf. We do this by raising the flag at our head offices and other Council buildings, we encourage senior management and cabinet members to get involved, hold coffee mornings, have a stall at Pride Cymru and march with other ‘Proud Councils’ and also share articles and biographies written by our allies and LGBT network members.
(Cabinet members, Human Resources SLT, Perthyn Members and Allies raising the flag for LGBT+ History month in February)
This year, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is celebrating IDAHOBIT by raising the rainbow flag at our head office. Chris Bradshaw, the Chief Executive, Cllr Maureen Webber, the Deputy Leader, and other Senior Management and network members will all attend.
Richard Evans, Director of Human Resources and LGBT+ Champion, has written an article about IDAHOBIT to share with staff.
We are also launching events for our LGBT staff network, Perthyn. The Equality and Diversity Officer and Chair of Perthyn will be doing this by visiting a number of Council sites to promote the network to staff and will be delivering drop in sessions at 3 different venues to encourage existing members, potential members and new members to meet.
