THEGAYUK

Category: Work Life

  • COMMENT | Leaving The Rat Race

    Is it brave or stupid to up sticks, sell everything and simplify your life?

    The problem with the rat race is it doesn’t matter if you win or lose; you’re still a rat. I remember reading this once and it stayed with me. Am I a small, smelly, hairy mammal? Well, yes. But a rat? I think not. It was about 2002 and I was working as an Associate Director for a global market research organisation. I loved my job, but it could be stressful and sometimes meant working until 11pm if it looked as if a deadline was in jeopardy. The market research interviewers were mostly resting actors so I could camp it up at work and have a laugh. The money was good enough for me to be able to afford a nice little two bedroom house next to Victoria Park in Hackney so I had no complaints.

    My partner and I sat talking over breakfast one Saturday about moving to the country when we were old(er) and grey(er). A bona latty with a bit of land. Chickens, haystacks, homemade jam, rainbows and glitter. It all sounded so perfect. I was in my thirties, my partner in his forties, that’s over a hundred in gay years. That Monday we put our houses on the market and gave our notice at work. Why wait for retirement?

    Four months later we moved into a cottage with two acres of garden on the Lincolnshire Fens. It was all very Tom and Barbara. We had chickens, we had ducks, we had our own orchard, we started a business selling make-up and perfume on local markets. The only thing we didn’t have was an income. We’d seen so many pig-ugly people we were sure make-up would be a best seller. Wrong. I was a market researcher who hadn’t researched his market. Stupid boy.

    Before going into market research I had had all sort of jobs from settling bets at a bookmakers to packing frocks in a warehouse to managing nightclubs in Soho, but they weren’t exactly transferable skills so I started work as a part time shelf stacker at B&Q. I went through a few low paying part time and zero hours jobs before landing an ok paying ‘proper’ job with the local council.

    A job with the council. Security. Pension. Sorted. I looked forward to growing a fat bum and getting lazy.

    Ah, but no, it turns out working for the council actually does involve hard work. Who knew? And then along comes credit crunch, followed by recession followed by austerity. With these demons came restructures and redundancies. I was very lucky. I ran two business centres and five industrial estates for the council.

    My team bought in revenue so it was unlikely that we would be closed down altogether like so many other non-statutory service areas. Despite this, I had 5 years of stress wondering if we would hit our revenue targets, wondering if I or any of my team would find our jobs made redundant but still making sure our customers were happy and well looked after with no budget, no resources and nowhere near enough staff.

    Was the good life in the country what we had been looking for? All things considered, yes. Once we left work, got home and slipped into something more comfortable we didn’t really think about work until the next day. I could look out of our living room window at a big field with no houses in sight. Even better, it was our field. We had a nice big motorhome and went off for weekends and holidays with our friends. Life was good.

    And then it happened again.

    My partner from London was now my husband. He and I were talking about one day, when the house and garden become too big for us, selling up, buying a little flat to rent out and travelling around in our motorhome until we are ready to settle down again. We really need to stop talking, it always leads to upheaval. A week later we had a cash buyer for the house and we’d handed in our notice at work.

    So, here we are less than a year later. We bought a seaside bungalow which we rent out by the week as a holiday let. It pays for itself and we’ll live in it eventually. We now live in our motorhome and work as wardens on a small camp site on the shore of Bala Lake in rural Wales.

    We’re a fifty minute drive from the nearest supermarket. We work ten hours a day if it’s busy, maybe one hour if it’s not. We please ourselves. We’re here until the end of October and then who knows? We sold or gave away all our possessions except the few bits we carry in the van with us and some treasures stored in the lofts of friends and family. We feel liberated and happy.

    My day used to begin with noise, people and fighting to get on the 26 bus along Hackney Rd. This morning I let the chickens out and escorted an escaped sheep back into the field next door.

    So, is it brave or stupid to up sticks, sell everything and simplify your life? I don’t know yet, ask me in a year.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • COMMENT | I Lost My Job Today

    Today I lost my day job.

    If I’m honest, it was not a huge shocker. I had worked there since last year and it had been a bit of a change in career direction but the last couple of months I’d felt a lot like I was drowning with no rubber ring at hand. Still when one of management asked if i’d ‘’got a minute’’ and invited me into another room it felt inevitable and also a gut punch.

    That was a few hours ago. Since then there have been a few tears, most of them when I walked through my front door to be met by my partner with a hug and an ‘’it’s all okay, babe’’.

    His utter, unconditional support and downright bloody loveliness about a situation that screws up our immediate plans was the killer. I wouldn’t blame him at all for being livid with me. And I’d love to say I would be exactly that sweet and caring right now. I’d love to but… I’m not sure.

    And then, as is the gay way, after a lot more tears (Mine) and even more words of support (His), he took me to the corner shop and bought junk food and a very big bottle of vodka. It’s unopened in the fridge right now. But let’s be honest; that will not remain the case for very long.

    My poor, darling man… He blames himself. We got together at Christmas and then moved in together and got engaged roughly five minutes later. More tsunami than whirlwind romance. So yes, maybe I have been less than focussed at work due to the sheer size of life changes in such a short time. But I’m an adult, I make my own choices. And one of them is the amount of work I actually do at work. Like I say, the abrupt interruption in what I will charitably call a career was not exactly a bombshell out of nowhere.

    I saw the storm clouds rolling in but still went out without an umbrella.

    So sat on my sofa on the afternoon I have become, hopefully, temporarily unemployed I admit I am terrified. This is even before the paranoia at the bottom of the corner shop vodka has kicked in. I read the newspapers on he weekend about how the new Tory government and the welfare cuts to come will make life tougher for many. Potentially that includes me.

    I’m a middle aged poof, with a patchy career history. My age and a CV that is less than dazzling makes this start of a new chapter seem like one case of Picking Myself and Dusting Myself Down too many.

    It’s not that I’m proud or picky but getting to 5pm in a job that pays reasonably okay… Well, at this point winning the big one on the Lottery seems shorter odds.

    Anyway, enough self pity for now. Tomorrow is a new day and all that crap… And I have employment agencies to pester and try to spin this latest hiccup into something vaguely positive. That will be stretch.

    However for now, there is a bottle of vodka in the fridge and a supportive partner to share it with. It may seem bleak. It could be worse.

  • If You’re A White Gay Male Student, Don’t Act Like A Black Woman – It’s Policy

    The UK National Union of Students has passed a policy which means that white gay men must stop appropriating black female culture.

    It is being reported that delegates at the Women’s Conference today passed a motion makes it against policy to snap, click or sashay away, or generally act in any way that can be attributed to black women.

    Submitted by the NUS LGBT Committee the motion reads:

    503: ‘Dear White Gay Men: Stop Approprirating [sic] Black Women’.

    The appropriation of Black women by white gay men is prevalent within the LGBT scene and community.

    1. This may be manifested in the emulation of the mannerisms, language (particularly AAVE- African American Vernacular English) and phrases that can be attributed to Black women. White gay men may often assert that they are “strong black women” or have an “inner black woman”.
    1. White gay men are the dominant demographic within the LGBT community, and they benefit from both white privilege and male privilege.
    1. The appropriation of Black women by white gay men has been written about extensively. This quote is taken from Sierra Mannie’s TIME piece entitled: “Dear white gays, stop stealing Black Female culture”:

    “You are not a black woman, and you do not get to claim either blackness or womanhood. There is a clear line between appreciation and appropriation. I need some of you to cut it the hell out. Maybe, for some of you, it’s a presumed mutual appreciation for Beyoncé and weaves that has you thinking that I’m going to be amused by you approaching me in your best “Shanequa from around the way” voice. I don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t care how well you can quote Madea, who told you that your booty was getting bigger than hers, how cute you think it is to call yourself a strong black woman, who taught you to twerk, how funny you think it is to call yourself Quita or Keisha or for which black male you’ve been bottoming — you are not a black woman, and you do not get to claim either blackness or womanhood. It is not yours. It is not for you.”

    The conference, believes, that “This type of appropriation is unacceptable and must be addressed.

    “Low numbers of Black LGBT women delegates attend NUS LGBT conference. This can be attributed to many factors, one of which may be the prevalent appropriation by white gay men, which may mean that delegates do not feel comfortable or safe attending conference.”

    In a second motion they passed the banning of cross-dressing or drag due the offence it could cause trans women.

    Speaking to GayStarNews about the policies a spokeswoman said, “We’re a democratic society, and if members voted for it, these are our policies”.

     

     

  • Gay police officers are worried about impact on their career

    Gay and lesbian police officers sometimes fear the consequences of revealing their sexuality as they rise through the ranks, it has been revealed.

    Some senior police officers are worried that coming out may impact on their career prospects and that homophobia still exists within some policing teams.

    At the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales annual conference in September, officers from across the country will discuss encouraging the service to be more accepting of diversity, ensuring gay and lesbian officers who would like to be out can be and the benefits of this to police officers and communities, in a session titled: “Taking the uniform out of the closet.”

    Mike Gallagher, the association’s lead on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) policing, said: ‘It must be emphasised that homophobia is not accepted in policing. The police service has come a long way, as has society, and that has to be acknowledged. But there is more to be done.

    ‘We want colleagues to feel they can be themselves at work. Sadly some police officers and staff are not confident to be out in their police forces, particularly as they rise through the ranks. It is of course a choice – and for some officers it is a conscious decision – but some fear homophobia still exists in areas of policing.

    ‘We need to improve the confidence of some LGBT communities in policing and having role models – senior gay and lesbian police officers being confident and open about their sexuality – would help this.’

    He added: ‘We need a police service that reflects the public we serve – this will help gain trust and confidence in communities but also in fighting crime. And this will also bring a diversity of thinking to the many policing challenges the service currently faces.’

    TWO FIFTHS OF GAY SUPERINTENDENTS EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION
    A survey of senior police officers – carried out by the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales – has revealed four out of 10 lesbian or gay superintendents and chief superintendents say they have “experienced discrimination in the policing workplace” during their careers.

    One respondent to the survey said: ‘Discrimination by some senior officers exists, but it is at a subtle underlying level.’
    Another added: ‘As a senior leader I would love to be openly gay.’

    A total of 27 of the association’s 1,300 members – who include senior operational commanders and leaders delivering local policing, specialist investigations and operations and support services within police forces – took part in the survey.
    Responding to the survey’s findings, Mr Gallagher, a Met officer, added: ‘The fact that 40 per cent of our gay and lesbian members have experienced discrimination in their careers is frustrating and unacceptable.
    ‘It is very disappointing that we are still talking about this as an issue in 2014. We need to do better. And we can.’

    Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, said: ‘Here at Stonewall we know that people perform better when they can be themselves, so it’s fantastic to hear the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales proactively encouraging LGBT employees to be themselves at work while emphasising the fact that homophobia will not be accepted in policing.’

  • Work Positive Employment Scheme For People With HIV Extended

    Terrence Higgins Trust extends employment scheme to support people with HIV back into the workplace.

    HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust has secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) to extend its annual back to work scheme for people living with HIV in long-term unemployment.

    The scheme, which was set up in 2011, has been relaunched under the banner Work Positive, with 25 work placements on offer in London and the south east. Placements are open to anyone living with HIV who has been unemployed for two years or more, or is receiving state benefits.

    Participants will each be given a six-month work placement within the charity, supporting them to develop the skills and experience to get them back on their chosen career path. Alongside their placement, they will undertake an intensive programme of training, coaching and mentoring, with the aim of boosting their confidence and ensuring they are work-ready.

    In the UK, around a quarter of people with HIV are currently unemployed. Thanks to modern drug treatments, many can return to work, but – if they have had a long period of ill health – they may lack confidence, or feel they no longer have the skills or stamina required to find a job in an increasingly competitive market.

    Ruth Burns, Work Positive Coordinator from Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Since 2011, our back to work scheme has been helping people living with HIV back into the workplace, but there’s so much more we want to do. This funding from the BLF means we can now offer work placements to more people and in more locations than ever before. Having regular employment gives a sense of purpose which can transform people’s lives, particularly if they’ve been feeling isolated or depressed. We’d encourage anyone living with HIV who is ready to get back on the career ladder to get in touch and find out more.”

    Work Positive is open to anyone living with HIV who has been unemployed for two years or more or is receiving benefits. Placements have been confirmed in London, Bedford, Ipswich and Colchester, and Terrence Higgins Trust hopes to offer places at further locations across the country. The deadline for applications is Friday 15th August. People living with HIV can also access a wealth of careers advice, including online support from an advisor, by signing up to www.myhiv.org.uk.

  • Teachers Facing Homophobia

    Teachers that are identified as gay or lesbian are actually less likely to challenge homophobic language and behaviour in the classroom a recent study shows because of the fear of rumours and abuse being brought to their sexual orientation.

    In an interview, a huge number of teachers and secretaries were questioned about how they cope with homophobic situations at their schools. A vast number that were interviewed replied that they did not feel comfortable or they were slightly “un-nerved” about “coming out” at school, with many reporting that they were particularly worried about losing their jobs.

    Administrators or secretaries were found to be particularly uncomfortable to “come out” as gay.

    Over half of the teachers that were interviewed reported that they had been aware of homophobic language or they had heard it being used in the tea room at work, and subsequently two-thirds reported that they had never witnessed other teachers offer to step in and defend them when such language was being used either in conversation or in malicious ways.

    Around the same amount of teachers also reported that they didn’t get involved or try to tackle homophobic language or personal jibes when they were faced with them.

    During the interviews it was brought to light that the people grew up in an era where being called “gay” meant you were bad, even bringing up a situation where a teacher chose to use the phrase “this is so gay” to mean “this is so stupid”, again this is classed as abusive in today’s “day and age”.

    The study follows lengthy research in the United Kingdom that prioritised in stamping out homophobia in the educational environment and the results of this study are vital in the effort to end bullying and physical and mental abuse to teachers in schools colleges and universities.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Cheshire’s fire service among top LGBT employers

    Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating after once again making it into Stonewall’s annual list of the UK’s top 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friendly employers.

    After making the Top100 of the Workplace Equality Index for the first time in 2013, the Service increased its ranking by 20 places, achieving the 25th slot and placing it in the top quarter of organisations.

    Deputy Chair of the Fire Authority, Cllr Stef Nelson said: “Making the Top100 for a second year is something we are incredibly proud of. It demonstrates that the culture of the fire and rescue service is changing for the better. We are totally committed to getting the most out of every single member of staff and developing an inclusive working environment where our staff feel valued regardless of their background or sexual orientation”.

    Stonewall is a national organisation that works to achieve equality for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. The Index has been running for ten years and is seen as the definitive benchmark for gay-friendly employers.

    Nearly 400 organisations entered the 2014 Index, including some of the UK’s (and the world’s) largest and most successful firms. The Service was the joint-highest scoring organisation based solely in the North West.

    The Workplace Equality Index provides an audit for workplace culture and ranks the top employers for LGBT staff through a 25-question evidenced assessment, focussed on the approach and mechanisms for supporting LGBT employees, customers and communities.

    Chief Fire Office Paul Hancock, who is the senior sponsor of the Service’s LGBT staff network, added: “I am delighted that our organisation has again improved its placing in Stonewall’s Top 100 this year. It reflects the hard work invested by our staff and volunteers, not only in ensuring that our people can perform at their best and be themselves, but also so that LGBT people across Cheshire know that we are here to support them. Our aim is always to deliver an excellent fire and rescue service and to do that we need people from every background.”

    Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has an active LGBT employee network group, Firepride, which has once again been accredited as a ‘Star Performing Network’. This means that it has been recognised as ‘making an invaluable contribution to the experience of LGBT staff in the organisation and beyond’.

  • CNWL NHS named as one of the top gay friendly employers

    Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has been rated one of the most gay-friendly employers to work for by gay rights organisation Stonewall.

    The Trust was ranked 23rd in the charity’s annual Top 100 Employers List which showcases the achievements of employers submitting to the Workplace Equality Index.

    As part of the submission, employees from across the United Kingdom were asked to complete a confidential survey rating their employer’s performance in LGB related matters. A total of 38 different industries from across the private, public and third sectors entered the Index this year, many of these being international private sector organisations with far greater resource than the public sector.

    Organisations were required to not only explain what they do to improve their workplace for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, but also to demonstrate how that has had a real and lasting impact on their organisation.

    Robyn Doran, CNWL Chief Operating Officer, Equality and Diversity Lead and member of the LGBT Staff Network, said “We are immensely proud to be recognised for our work in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for our lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. Getting to number 23 is not an overnight achievement; it is thanks to the efforts of our Equality and Diversity Team, the LGBT Staff Network and a commitment by the leadership team to demonstrate the kind of employer we want to be and our core values. We hope to improve upon this result year after year.”

    Stonewall, Europe’s biggest LGB charity, praised the Trust for its efforts and cited its policy of delivering LGBT equality and awareness training.

    Claire Murdoch, CNWL Chief Executive, said “This is a fantastic achievement! The nature of our workforce and of the populations that we serve means that, for all staff, responding to diversity lies at the heart of our CNWL identity. As a Trust, we are committed to ensuring that staff, service users and patients are treated with equal respect and dignity and warmth, irrespective of their diversity.”

    The Trust’s employee engagement activities include strong and robust policies to tackle workplace discrimination, an advice, information and support service for LGBT staff, internal communication channels to raise employees’ awareness of issues affecting LGBT people, as well as training to equip staff to foster an inclusive working environment and reinforce the message that CNWL does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

  • Hope For Long-Term HIV Unemployed

    Terrence Higgins Trust calls for participants and mentors for return of Back to Work scheme.

    Team Working At Desks In Busy Office
    Team Working At Desks In Busy Office

    From today, people with HIV who are long-term unemployed will be able to apply for Terrence Higgins Trust’s Back to Work scheme. This year for the first time, the charity is also calling for professionals to volunteer as mentors to those enrolled on the programme.

    In the UK, around 25% of people with HIV are currently unemployed. Thanks to modern drug treatments, many can return to work, but – if they have had a long period of ill health – they may lack confidence, or feel they no longer have the skills or stamina required to find a job in an increasingly competitive market.

    The Back to Work scheme was set up in 2011, with the aim of easing unemployed people with HIV back into the workplace. Each year, Terrence Higgins Trust enrols a small group on a six month work placement within the charity, helping them to develop skills and experience that will get them back on their chosen career path. The scheme has been a great success; of the 10 individuals that completed the course in 2012, two are now in full-time employment, one is on a government work programme, and five are continuing their professional development.

    After finding out he had HIV in 2009, Richard spent a few years out of work. When he felt ready to restart his career, however, he found his career break made it difficult to get interviews. Richard joined the Back to Work scheme in 2012, as part of which he worked in a number of the charity’s departments and received CV and interview tuition, as well as regular mentoring and support from a life coach.

    Richard said: “Prior to starting on the Back to Work scheme, my confidence was taking a battering with every knock back. But Terrence Higgins Trust saw my potential rather than the gaps on my CV. Within a couple of months, I had a part-time role within the charity, which provided an excellent springboard back into the workplace. Just from getting the interview, my confidence has grown and grown.

    “I’m now lucky enough to have two jobs, working for a housing association and also part-time at THT. It’s fair to say I’m a different person today, and could never have achieved everything I have without the help of the scheme. I can honestly say it’s the best thing that’s happened in my life.”

    Ruth Burns from Terrence Higgins Trust said: “Our Back to Work scheme has gone from strength to strength. Each year, we see the initial nerves fall away as our participants transform into polished, confident professionals; a real asset to any workplace. We want this year’s scheme to be just as successful, and would encourage anyone with HIV who feels they need a boost up on to their career ladder to get in touch.”

    The Back to Work scheme 2013 is open to anyone living with HIV, who has been unemployed for two years or more or is receiving benefits. Placements have been confirmed in London and Bristol, and Terrence Higgins Trust hopes to offer places at further offices across the country. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30th April. People with HIV can also access a wealth of careers advice, including online support from an advisor, by signing up to www.myhiv.org.uk.

    For further information, and to apply, please visit www.tht.org.uk/backtowork. To express interest in becoming a mentor on the scheme, please email backtowork@tht.org.uk.

  • Research Plans To Investigate LGBT Students’ Experiences

    A national study which aims to explore the university experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students has been launched at Nottingham Trent University.

    (more…)

  • COMMENT | Honour Each Day

    An optimistic approach to the challenging times ahead.

    January is always a good month for evaluating; embracing the possibilities of what is to come. Usually, I write a list of achievements from the previous year, and think about what I would like to achieve in the year ahead.

    2012 was a good year for the most part. For the UK it saw a whole multitude of events which made me feel extremely proud to be British. But on a personal level, I graduated from Architecture, my second degree, putting the 100-hour working weeks behind me. Unfortunately, the latter half of 2012 has been much of a drag, which has come as an anti-climax. Endlessly applying for architecture jobs, 400 in total, and being told I have little experience to be employed in an entry-level position is beyond bizarre. Indeed a period of unemployment really makes one feel worthless. Alas, the challenging search continues.

    In all honesty, it could have been a tougher time if it hadn’t been for a bucket load of optimism, and a continual list of goals; making this period slightly more tolerable. So in 2013, I have said goodbye to any hint of pessimism and embraced the challenging times ahead.

    Much like Chris Jones’ article on ‘Money Worries‘, I have been exploring a range of online shops to promote and sell a new range of artwork and prints. Although it will be a long road ahead, breaking the end goal down into manageable chunks makes things seem a little clearer; a kind of financial plan for a creative business. Thankfully I have secured a couple of exhibitions in Leeds during February, and the selling of work is increasing slowly. All in good time.

    The lowest point of the year so far has been declining an interview for a phenomenal architecture practice in Switzerland, as the cost of travelling over was too high to justify. Nevertheless, I am a big believer that every choice has its benefits, so by not going, a new set of options will inevitably open.

    So a piece of advice for those are finding their current employment situation challenging, follow your instinct and honour each day.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.