Reading LGBTQIA+ Network

About the LGBTQIA+ Network

Established in 2019 by staff members The LGBTQIA+ Network, which serves both RBC and BFfC Employees, was established to foster an inclusive and supportive space for employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others across the gender and sexuality spectrum—along with our wonderful and much appreciated allies!

Our network provides a ‘safe space’ for LGBTQIA+ staff to connect, share experiences, offer peer support, and, importantly, HAVE FUN! We also play a vital role in raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues in the workplace, advising on council policies, including the latest Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, to ensure that inclusivity is at the forefront of everything we do.

What we do

Through initiatives like blogs, vlogs, workshops such as “The Big Conversation,” and community events like Reading Pride, we advocate for LGBTQIA+ employees and the broader community.

The network has now attended and taken part in Reading Pride every year since its establishment which has been a great way to meet with members of the community and to discuss key issues and to share the work the group does.  The network has also been involved in the creation and maintenance of Readings Rainbow Crossing. 

Internally, the network has been involved with many important projects to ensure that RBC is a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ people. The network has made RBC more visible as an LGBTQIA+ safe employer by arranging for progress flag lanyards to be offered to staff as well as ensuring the progress flag is raised on important LGBTQIA+ days throughout the year. The network has also lobbied for having inclusive bathrooms, which has been achieved as well as the completion of the Transgender Policy for the Council.

For the future, we want to continue to improve visibility not just within the Council but for the LGBTQIA+ residents of our borough.

We want to ensure that we help all the LGBTQIA+ community. We do not believe in separation as together we are stronger.

As a network, we hold quarterly meetings via Teams to share news, ideas, and raise any concerns. We have an active and supportive Teams chat, as well as a confidential email inbox for more private matters.

We’re a welcoming, fun and social bunch, we host regular meet ups such as coffee mornings, fundraising events, volunteer activities, after-work drinks, trips out and safe-space meet ups.

Joining the network

We believe our network is essential, especially for those in society who may feel underrepresented, mistreated, or unsafe in other environments. We offer solidarity, compassion, kindness, and support.

Our strength lies in numbers—the more voices we have, the greater impact we can make, and the more fun we can have! So, if you or someone in your team could benefit from being part of the network, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You don’t have to identify as LGBTQIA+ to join—we warmly welcome our allies too. If you manage or work alongside LGBTQIA+ colleagues, your contribution would be incredibly valuable.

Please drop us an email at lgbtnetwork@reading.gov.uk to find out more and to get involved.

LGBTQIA+ Network Terms of Reference