Sexual Orientation
Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Network
Who we are
The South West Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Equality Network (SW LGB) is a forum of and for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) people within the South West region. Members are groups and organisations who work for or on behalf of LGB people and share a common aim to positively promote issues within the South West. More details can be found in our Terms of Reference.
As well as specific LGB groups and organisations, the Network also includes a number of organisations that are advancing LGB issues, such as police forces, fire services, trade unions and local authorities.
What we do
The Network brings together these diverse individuals and organisations to work on issues relating to LGB equality. We strive for:
- A greater awareness of LGB issues;
- All organisations to eliminate discrimination against LGB people in their policy and practice;
- Involvement from LGB people in related events and activities around the region, and;
- The positive promotion of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights.
We are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination and harassment which LGB people face on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and transgender status - not only in the workplace, but also within the general community.
Our work priorities
Over the coming year (2008/09) we will continue our campaigns and initiatives to support organisations to tackle issues such as:
- Homophobic hate crime;
- Homophobic bullying in schools;
- Improvements in LGB monitoring and statistics, and;
- Improvements in sexual health provision.
In addition to these specific areas, we will also be looking to provide support to local groups to become more active in, or develop Pride events around the region. We aspire to make the South West a region which provides the opportunity for all LGB people to be involved in celebrating their sexuality.
In February 2009 we plan to hold a regional event to coincide with LGBT History Month. We will work alongside the South West Transgender Equality Network to deliver this event. Further details will follow on the events section of the Equality South West website.
The Network continues to feed in to regional consultations and research work e.g. a piece of commissioned work by the Government Office for the South West to look at the extent to which equality and diversity had been embedded in to the recent round of Local Area Agreements (2007). The full report can be found here.
Are you interested in joining the SW LGB Equality Network database?
The Network meets on a four monthly basis and is facilitated by Abbie Pepperell, Assistant Equality Development Officer at Equality South West. The Network has two co-chairs elected at the Network AGM and a small Executive to deal with issues between meetings. The Network is co-chaired by:
- Jeff Grist representing Unions Out West. A profile of Jeff can be found here.
- Simon Nelson representing Terrence Higgins Trust. A profile of Simon can be found here.
If you are interested in joining the Network database please fill in an CONTACT FORM and return to Equality South West.
Do you work on sexual orientation equality issues in the South West and want to share what you are doing?
If you are an organisation working on LGB equality issues in the South West you can also send information (news/ reports/ details on events etc.) to be posted on this website. The information will also be circulated in ESW's weekly e-bulletin which is sent to over 2500 contacts. Just forward your information to Abbie.Pepperell@equalitysouthwest.org.uk.
For further information on the SW LGB Equality Network please contact:
Abbie Pepperell
Assistant Equality Development Officer
Equality South West
By post: East Reach House, East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3EN.
By phone: 01823 250833
By e-mail: Abbie.Pepperell@equalitysouthwest.org.uk
