A warm welcome to the September edition of our Newsletter!
Read on for news from the Sector, our Members and the Consortium Team.
Sector News
Judicial Review of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill
The Judicial Review of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill is due to be heard by the court of session between 19th and 21st September.
According to Scottish Legal News, The Equality Network and Scottish Trans have been given permission to intervene while The Equality Network has also obtained permission to submit evidence to the court regarding the UK Government's decision to block the bill.
Gender-Neutral Toilet Ban
The UK Government confirmed on Sunday 13th August that it intends to "put a stop to gender-neutral communal toilets in new, non-residential buildings".
This was confirmed via an article that Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women & Equalities wrote in The Telegraph.
The government says it is basing the changes on findings from a call for evidence on toilet provision for men and women that concluded in February 2021, which gathered the views of more than 17,000 people and to which Consortium and Member organisations submitted responses. The government analysis of the findings of that consultation shows that 83% of respondents were supportive of non-gendered toilets.
A technical consultation is now open, which will close on 8th October. Any changes will affect England only.
Consortium News
We wanted to welcome all of our new members who have joined Consortium this month!
To get the most out of your membership, why not book in a welcome meeting to find out about all of the membership benefits and how to access support.
We are pleased to update you that the information pages for our next Conference & AGM are now LIVE!
Our Conference & AGM will be taking place on Saturday 30th September in Central London.
The theme of the Conference will be ‘History in the Making’ and the day will be jammed-packed with keynote speakers, specialist workshops, discussions and networking opportunities.
Consortium welcomes a new Chair of Trustees, Yatin Mistry!
Consortium’s new Chair, Yatin said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at Consortium. I have always had a deep passion for LGBT+ activism and believe that by being a part of this team I can make a meaningful impact on grassroots organisations.
It is a true privilege to have the chance to contribute my background in coaching and spirituality to the role of Chair.
I believe my empathetic listening skills and ability to foster compassionate collaboration will be invaluable in addressing the challenges we may encounter as LGBT+ communities.”
As always we say farewell and a huge thank you to outgoing Chair Christopher French, who stands down after 3 years as a Trustee.
The entire Board and Team want to thank Chris for his dedication over the last 3 years. Everyone is also delighted, and excited, to welcome Yatin into this role and will be working with him over the coming weeks and months to hear first-hand from the team, and some of members, what being the umbrella body for LGBT+ Voluntary and Community Organisations is all about.
Members will have the opportunity to hear from Yatin at our annual conference, and to ratify his position, at the end of September!
Pre-AGM Member Social: Friday 29th September, 6pm-8.30pm
Join us for some social time the evening before our AGM and Conference!
We will be at a lovely venue in Central London and you can expect nice refreshments, boardgames and a chance to informally connect with other Members ahead of the AGM the following day.
This event is open to all Consortium Members, whether you are attending the AGM or not.
Please sign up here to receive details of the venue (and so that we know how many snacks to get!).
Members Showreel
Check out this fabulous intro from one of our 2023 new members LDN RIDERS here
If you are a Consortium member and would like to promote your work through a showreel, please log in to our dashboard and use this link to submit your video!
LGBT+ Futures Bi Fund
The LGBT+ Futures Bi Fund is open throughout August for applications from Bi+ led by and for organisations!
Thanks to a partnership with BiPride UK, and the research conducted by our Community Consultants, we are delighted to open this small grants programme specifically for Bi+ Organisations across the UK.
There is a total pot of £5,000 available to award, which will be distributed as community grants of up to £250 which can be used for general running costs or specific items.
This autumn, we'll be offering monthly online support sessions covering a range of topics:
Fundraising / Grant Applications:
Wednesday 20th September 12:30-13:30
Financial Wellbeing for LGBT+ Organisations: Wednesday 18th October 12:30-13:30
Governance:
Wednesday 22nd November 12:30-13:30
At our September session we'll be offering support and guidance around fundraising, including how to use our funder finder, other resources for finding the right funder for your project and tips for writing successful bids as well as answering any specific queries groups may have.
To sign up for the September session, please complete this form, accessed via our Member dashboard.
Member News
Here is a summary of news from our Members over the last month. You can keep up-to-date with all the latest news by clicking on the button below.
Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund
LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and Homobloc are now accepting proposals for round three of the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund.
Supported by Homobloc, the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund inspires action and encourages inclusion across Greater Manchester, benefiting LGBTQ+ people and communities.
The fund supports new creative projects, events and activities by organisations and community groups based in the region that improve the experience of LGBTQ+ groups and spotlights the issues that affect their lives. It will also support new programmes that educate people about HIV.
We are also interested in receiving applications from organisations working locally and regionally across Greater Manchester’s boroughs. Projects from non-LGBTQ+ led organisations will also be accepted, providing there is a clear positive outcome for LGBTQ+ communities in the region.
First Brick Housing is pleased to invite the Consortium member organisations to attend one of the engagement events to help First Brick Housing better understand the housing needs of the LGBTQ+ community as part of a participatory research for which we have commissioned the University of Derby.
We would like to hear from you if you are LGBTQIA+ and aged over 18+. We are looking for all LGBTQ+ voices, regardless of your housing situation or where you live in the UK – you might be living at home, sofa surfing, in student accommodation, flat shares or in temporary accommodation, social housing, private rented or owned housing. Everyone is welcome.
It's good to share!
We love to hear from our Members about the great work they are doing and we can help get the word out by sharing it via our Newsletter and social media.
If you are a Member and you have a press release or announcement you'd like to share with us, then please get in touch by clicking on the button below.
