LGBT History Month: when hate goes global, keep things local

Last week saw the conclusion of LGBT History month in the UK, a movement started by Sue Sanders, who I've been lucky to meet once or twice over the years. Over the last few weeks, I've struggled, as an employer, ally, parent and gay woman to read through all the commentary about DEI, the defunding of staff networks, attacks on employee resource groups (ERGs), loss of employment for DEI and accessibility professionals and awkward brand positioning around what is essentially exclusion, often hate.

I've read a lot, from the Forbes article listing those retreating from good, to rational, calm DEI professionals admitting some stuff wasn't working. I've seen PR comments like "well, perhaps some things had gone a bit too far". The pressure to find a position and the fear of being called a hypocrite for the things we've got wrong ourselves has been a bit much this last couple of months.

For our own ERGs, I've discussed before the tension between wanting them to be employee-led, driven by the needs and wants of the group and their experiences, and a top-down management expectation that they remain active, funded and community-oriented. At times, I've felt a little stuck with the groups we have at Nexer Digital, but I believe they are a strong part of our culture and I want to see them thrive, particularly now:

• C.A.R.I.N.G - cultural and religious inclusion in Nexer Group (thank you Aershey Khan for starting, and Sam Belola for keeping it going)
• Access at Nexer - probably the most action-oriented of the groups, as the activities from our disabled and neurodivergent employees dovetail with our accessibility services
• Still Proud - a chatty, positive, supportive space for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and our allies

They are funded, self-paced and contain a nice mix of reactive and proactive stuff, often in response to world events, policy review or media narratives. And wow, don't we have some of that happening right now...

Personally and politically, I usually know where I stand, but professionally, it can be difficult to know how to act, when you feel a sense of "stop wanging on about this on Linked In, it's "business" platform". So, a few things over the last month have steadied me:

• A trip to Sweden, to take part in our first Nexer group-wide passion and execution board. This gave a sense that we will start to look at diversity, inclusion and collaboration on a bigger, multicultural scale
• Attending the Manchester Digital annual digital skills festival Digital Her day, which was beautifully curated by Roxy Stafford and the wider team. Hearing about the practical and impactful work across staff networks, accessibility champions from organisations like AutoTrader and the ICO gave me a real boost
• Being asked to support a new ERG focused on reproductive health at work, showing there is interest and a need to focus on support and policy work needed, from fertility and pregnancy through to menopause
• Getting to collaborate with Lauren Coulman on some truly community-centred health research - beyond admiring her work, she has become a trusted adviser when I get a bit wobbly
• Having a wonderful family break in Canada, which felt open, welcoming and resistant to the narratives of their loudest neighbour

How lovely then, to top this month off with a Still Proud event in our cosy Macclesfield office last week, in support of Macc Pride. Inspired by a conversation with the excellent Sarah Knowles, this was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences past, present and hoped for, with the most practical, proactive and community-driven people I've met recently. From open-minded essential services teams, including the local police, housing, health, social and end of life care, through to organisations like Body Positive and Just Drop In, we gathered to map out all that has, is and will happen. The sense of hyperlocal, dot joining, micro-action good was palpable, and I came home tired (see Canada) but feeling a need to double-down, rather than shy away from some of the stuff we are doing as a team, for our clients and in the sectors where we want to make a difference. I look forward to picking up the threads from last night with Sarah and the Macc Pride team.

As we approach our 18th birthday on May 4th, it's fair to say we are feeling a little reflective at Nexer Digital, so starting the year with all this happening has been a real learning opportunity for me. I was never entirely sure on that "when they go low, we go high" message, although I recall my Mam saying that long before Michelle did, but I leave February feeling the need to stand against hate, keep things practical, focus on small steps, connect with good, and join forces across our community. Feels hopeful. 

At last week's event we started a fundraiser for Macc Pride, to support the great local work they're doing. Please donate and share our fundraiser, if you can.