01 March 2024

Despite being a newbie I offered to do a piece for LGBTQ history month because I am passionate about representation and more specifically intersectionality. So, despite only being at P3 for a matter of weeks I decided to jump in with both feet.

As a gay woman from a working-class background and in a leadership position intersectionality and representation really does matter and by writing this small piece, I hope to encourage you all to be your authentic selves everywhere and with everyone. Ask questions; learn something about someone; start a healthy debate but most of all support each other.

I wanted to talk to you all about what it means to feel “safe” at work and why it matters so much. I am an advocate of genuine inclusivity but also really want to pave the way for people to understand more about what this means and what it doesn’t mean.

I have spent most of my adult life in London having moved there at 19 years old and returning back North only in the last couple of years. London being the buzzing, diverse hub of activity that it is can feel like the safest and most unsafe place within a matter of hours. Returning back to Yorkshire I thought I would feel like I had come home but it didn’t feel like that at all (weirdly it did for my wife who was born and bred in Croydon). Yorkshire is the home of the “lesbian capital of the UK” (Hebden Bridge if you didn’t already know) but outside of this it’s a very mixed bag.

I along with many gay people survive in a state of hyper vigilance as well as being ultra-sensitive to body language and the unspoken words. So, I encourage you all to support each other to talk about your lives without having to keep “coming out” every time someone assumes you are in a heteronormative relationship. Let’s avoid assumptions altogether. If you do one thing this month, engage with each other and learn something that may not be in your current world view. Doing this allows people like me and many of my fellow colleagues to feel heard, valued and not feel like we have to hide or be secretive about a huge part of our lives. Being two separate people at home and at work is tiresome, hard work and impacts on mental wellbeing. Let’s support each other to be our whole authentic selves.

On joining P3 I am confident that I have joined a team of unique individuals each celebrated in their own right and somewhere that continues to grow, learn and embrace real inclusivity. Create safe spaces in your regions, services, and offices where people can share ideas, discuss, and reflect. Cultivate a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels part of the whole. Equity, diversity, and inclusion is like Health & Safety it is everyone’s responsibility and if you want any help, advice or support in this area then please reach out.

Best wishes,

Tracey

Check out our guide to conference now HERE

We can’t wait to welcome you all to the 2024 P3 Conference and evening celebrations on Friday 15 March! 🤩