Home is our safe space and should be a place where people can be themselves without the fear of prejudice, regardless of their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity. In 2021, we signed up for the HouseProud Pledge Scheme to demonstrate our commitment to achieving that aim. We’re now working towards our first HouseProud accreditation that will give LGBTQ+ customers a greater voice so we can understand how they’re affected by housing issues and learn to better support them. Education and training are key in changing ignorance and prejudice, so we will be working closely with John and other Engaged Customers to codesign projects that will help us bring positive change to all our communities.
Hear directly from John about his thoughts below:
In recent years Orbit has devoted a lot of time and effort to developing an inclusive workplace and has taken pride in being a multi-award winning, Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For. With the signup to the HouseProud Pledge in February 2021 the focus now expands to develop and extend the equality, diversity and inclusion policy to Customers and Communities at the core of the business. As an Engaged Customer with a keen interest in LGBTQ+ issues I want to ensure that Orbits signup to the pledge is more than just a signature on a dotted line The establishment of an LGBTQ+ customer engagement group is an important first step for Orbit in providing a safe space for Customers who identity as LGBTQ+ to make their voices heard and to raise matters of concern. Whilst we have come a long way since the dark days of Section 28 I find it a matter of concern that recent research has shown that one in five gay men reported modifying their home in some way (e.g. moving pictures or books) to hide their sexual orientation from a visiting repairs operative or Housing Association member of staff.
Research has been conducted which shows that older LGBT persons face higher rates of loneliness and ill health, as well as facing prejudice and misunderstanding. This is particularly true in respect of those who have transitioned. I shall be looking to the Group to work with Orbit to understand the issues that might arise, initially in Independent Living and Supported living schemes and then more generally across our General Needs Communities.
I again find it a matter of concern that recent research has shown that one in five gay men reported modifying their home in some way (e.g. moving pictures or books) to hide their sexual orientation from a visiting repairs operative or Housing Association member of staff. Education and training are key tools in countering ignorance and prejudice wherever it occurs. Nevermore so than when it comes to the transphobia which has been so prominent in the news recently. As part of the ongoing development of Orbit’s equality, diversity and inclusion policy work will shortly start on development of a policy on transitioning initially focusing on at work but which will also assist developing guidelines to assist Customers going on this journey.
Should you or anyone you know have any concerns with anything mentioned above please contact customer.engagement@orbit.org.uk.
Updated on 6 June 2023
