Successful bake sale raises over £100 for Stonewall and sparks important conversations on LGBTQ+ inclusion in engineering
Posted on: June 26th, 2024Categorised: Events
We are pleased to share that our recent bake sale fundraiser organised by our Marketing Executive, Lucy Norton, was a huge success, raising over £100 for Stonewall. This achievement was made possible by the incredible efforts of our dedicated team and students. Your support is directly aiding Stonewall’s mission to create a world where everyone can be themselves, a vision that aligns perfectly with our values of inclusivity and respect.
In addition to the bake sale, we hosted a discussion board inviting people to share their thoughts on supporting the LGBTQ+ community within engineering. Here are some of the questions and insightful answers we received:
- What are the biggest challenges LGBTQ+ engineers face today and how can these be addressed?
Answer: Workplace discrimination, it is essential to implement regular training on diversity and inclusion.
- How do you think the engineering sector will evolve in terms of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the next decade?
Answer: As younger generations enter their careers in engineering, there will be a new mindset in terms of acceptance and equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.
- How important is visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in engineering roles?
Answer: Visibility provides LGBTQ+ individuals with role models and shows younger engineers that they can pursue any career they want.
- What measures can engineering companies take to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees?
Answer: Training & development of employees to enable a greater understanding. People need to know what anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination or abuse looks like and why it’s bad for business, and how to challenge colleagues with anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes. Create a safe environment for employees to feel comfortable being their full authentic selves at work. Empower all employees to create zero-tolerance policies on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic discrimination and harassment, with clear repercussions for both staff and customers who break the rules.
Open conversations and asking difficult questions are crucial for progress. By creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up and sharing their experiences, we can work together to build a more inclusive future.
It’s essential for companies in the engineering sector to actively support the LGBTQ+ community by providing education, creating safe spaces, supporting relevant charities, and engaging in meaningful discussions.
Our JustGiving page is still live, so if you would like to support Stonewall, here is the link.
Let’s continue to promote acceptance, challenge discrimination, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
