Fashion-Enter Ltd employs a broad range of people and we make every effort to ensure each and every one is accepted as an equal. We know that by having an inclusive and diverse team makes the company vibrant and strong.
It’s this ethos that we carry through to our education department and for our FTA Apprenticeship learners, the tutors highlight various national and global events such as; Black History Month, International Women’s Day and LGBTQIA History and Pride Month(s) with enrichment sessions. These can range from informal conversations to full blown presentations followed by a discussion.
As this month is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, which runs from 1st June to the 30th this is, as always, an important opportunity to celebrate and increase visibility of LGBTQ+ people, their histories and their lived experiences and raise awareness amongst the learning and wider community. The FTA are doing this with their learning through enrichment sessions…
For those who aren’t sure, LGBTQIA stands for:
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bisexual
- Transgender
- Questioning
- Intersex
- Asexual
Sessions with learners include:
A Brush up on LGBT+ Fashion History
A PowerPoint entitled ‘LGBTQIA+ Pioneers Past & Present Who Transformed & Are Transforming the Fashion Industry from Within’, The PP highlights 13 major LGBT+ pioneers within the fashion industry who have, in past and in present, brought change and representation to the fashion industry.
Tap the link to view the PP presentation: LGBTQIA+ Pioneers Past & Present
Support LGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses
A list of LGBT+ owned businesses across different sectors within London and the UK. This was one way in which organisations supported Black History Month, by promoting Black and BIPOC owned businesses, therefore using the same idea for LGBT+ History Month followed this suggestion.
Tap the link to view the list of businesses: LGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses
Further Support and Advice FTA tutors can pass on to LGBTQIA+ Learners
Below are charities that can provide further support, advice and guidance to LGBTQIA+ people in London and across the UK:
Stonewall
Over the last 30 years, Stonewall have helped create transformative change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. Today, LGBTQ+ people have equal rights to love, marry and have children, and their lives, families and relationships are represented as part of the national curriculum in most of the UK.
London Friend
Established in 1972 London Friend is the UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity. They are here to support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBT community in and around London. London Friend offers counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. They are also home to Antidote – the UK’s oldest LGBT drug and alcohol service. Their social groups provide a safe space to meet and socialise as an alternative to the bar and club scene.
Opening Doors London
Opening Doors is the country’s only group that specifically provides events, information and support for the over 50s. Membership is free to people in the age bracket, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, non-binary or gender-fluid.
https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/Pages/Category/volunteer
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Since 1974, the Switchboard phone lines have been open from 10am till 10pm every day to listen to the concerns of LGBT+ people.
Mind Out
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people, and those who aren’t sure how they define themselves. Online support sessions are available via an instant chat service, allowing people to speak to advisors almost immediately. Other services include peer mentoring and information packs, making it a diverse charity to dedicate time to.
Black Trans Alliance
The Black Trans Alliance was founded in 2021 to provide education and empowerment across London. Their mission statement is ‘Together let’s work to make sure that black trans people are supported and fall no further into marginalisation’.