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Pride network

At Infinity Works, we want to do more to celebrate and empower our LGBTQ+ employees. Rights for the community in the UK have evolved immensely over the decades, but there is still a lot to do in order to provide a safe space and allow for freedom of expression without persecution, especially in the workplace. Whether you recognise yourself to be queer, or an ally, you have a home with us where you can be your best self and be celebrated for it. Read on to find out how you can access our community and resources.

Resources at Infinity Works

Pride Champions

Identifying as queer is becoming much more commonplace and accepted, but it can still feel like a taboo topic, especially if you don't know how to process your feelings, or how to communicate your feelings to others. In 2021 we set up Pride Champions, a small collective of queer people and queer allies who are here to support you in your journey. Whether you need to talk to someone in confidence about coming out, transitioning, or how to talk to friends and family, rest assured you are in safe hands with us.

You can message any of the Pride Champions directly - find out who they are here. You can also use the /talktous Slack bot.

/talktous Slack bot

/talktous is a way to reach out to the Pride Champions at Infinity Works. Please be aware that /talktous goes into a channel that is locked and is shared by a small handful of both trusted Mental Health Champions and Pride Champions, who will be able to view what you say. One of them will get in touch with you privately to talk or arrange a callback.

Slack

We have a dedicated Slack channel for our community and we welcome all walks of life. You can find us at #pride-network. We look forward to seeing you!

Queer culture club

Are you interested in, or would like to know more about queer books, films, podcasts and more? We are running events throughout the year to get together, to consume, discuss, debate, and ultimately give more representation to queer media. Join the Slack channel to find out more!

External resources

Advice for trans and gender-diverse people

Mindline Trans+ | A UK-wide helpline run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-fluid people. They offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening service. The service is also available for friends and families of trans+ people in need of support and advice. Calls are occasionally answered by cisgender allies. | Phone: 0300 330 5468 (Monday & Friday, 8pm-midnight).

Sexual health

LGBT Foundation | The LGBT Foundation have lots of advice on lots of different topics. This is the main section of their website dedicated to sexual health, but further info is available throughout the site. | Website: https://lgbt.foundation/sexualhealth.

Terrence Higgins Trust | THT have a section of their website dedicated to advising LGBTQ+ people about sex and sexual health. | Website: https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/sexual-health/improving-your-sexual-health.

Language

There's a lot of new and sometimes confusing language used by people talking about being LGBTQ+. It can be difficult to understand what people mean - which can also make it difficult to explain what you're feeling inside.

Stonewall have a handful of handy explainers of what we mean by sexual orientation and gender identity:

Community and campaigning

When you start to explore your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, it can be comforting - and really inspiring - to read perspectives and experiences from people in the same situation as you. Here are a few places to start:

Black Girl Dangerous | An online magazine by and for queer and trans people of colour. The site is no longer updated but has a huge archive of opinion and advice articles. Website: https://www.bgdblog.org/.

Action For Trans Health | A national organisation who promote trans people's access to healthcare, from providing a list of trans-friendly GPs to campaigning for changes to the law. | Website: https://actionfortranshealth.org.uk/.

them. | An online magazine and platform written by and for the LGBTQ+ community. Its content covers news, politics, opinion and arts and culture. | Website: https://www.them.us/.

Health and wellbeing

Some people need a bit of extra health support as they work out who they are and how they feel. There are local services that can provide this - don't wait to seek it out, get help if you feel anxious or worried and could do with some support.

Togetherall | Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. Millions of people in the UK have access via their participating employer, university, college, NHS provider or local council. All armed forces personnel, veterans and their families (16+) also have free access. | Website: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/.

With You | With You helps people change their behaviour, whether by helping them to tackle their drug or alcohol use or to manage their mental health. | Website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse and violence are serious crimes which can affect people of all genders and sexualities. If you're experiencing abuse - which can be emotional, sexual, physical, financial or psychological - seek help immediately.

Galop | Galop are the national LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, offering advice, support and advocacy. Visit their website for info and advice on domestic abuse within LGBTQ+ relationships. | Phone: 0800 999 5428 (from 10am-5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays) | Email: help@galop.org.uk | Website: https://galop.org.uk/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/.

Advice for parents, carers and friends

Parents or other family members might need some help and advice as well. They can find lots of helpful information here:

FFLAG | FFLAG are a national charity who are dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans children. As well as providing resources and information on their website, they also run a helpline. | Phone: 0845 652 0311 | Website: https://www.fflag.org.uk/.

Crisis support

Switchboard | LGBTQ+ helpline. | Phone: 0300 330 0630 - available 10am-11pm every day. | Website: https://switchboard.lgbt.

Samaritans | Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 24-hr helpline offering emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide | Call for free on 116 123 | Email: jo@samaritans.org | Website: https://www.samaritans.org.

Saneline | Helpline offering information and emotional support to those experiencing mental health difficulties, their families and carers. | Phone: 0845 7678 000 Monday - Friday 12pm - 11pm, weekends 12pm - 6pm.