Wrekin’s Dan Bebbington on the LGBTQ+ Movement
At Wrekin, we believe in equality, diversity and inclusion. That’s why this week, we’re bringing you staff stories to raise awareness of current challenges for the LGBTQ+ community and how we can do more to support more people in society.
Senior Debt Advisor for The Wrekin Housing Group, Dan Bebbington, speaks passionately about his experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community and discusses different ways we can be more inclusive.
“Firstly, I want to emphasise that I don’t want to put something against my name, simply to exercise a tick box. This is an important issue that needs action.
“I personally stand up for the community because some people don’t have a voice, there are so many people that are still closeted, whether young or old, especially the elderly who were forced into thinking that their feelings were wrong and that isn’t right. Even parents who classify what a ‘normal’ relationship or ‘normal’ family looks like is quite damaging to individuals who feel they can’t express themselves.
“When I was younger, I remember Christina Aguilera’s music video for the song, Beautiful, where two men were kissing in the video. I remember thinking it was revolutionary and believing that things were changing, but others around me had screwed up disapproving faces. I was only a teenager then and it was a bit worrying for me as I wasn’t out at the time, but steps were being taken by the music industry. Yet, there seemed to be so many barriers in the way, such as politics, for example, the school curriculum only incorporated LGBTQ+ resources and information 10 years ago. We still have politicians who actively vote against LGBTQ+ rights, so there’s still so much that needs to happen.
“My friend and I have been shouted at in the street by someone who was homophobic, thankfully we’re quite thick skinned so it didn’t really bother us. Unfortunately, there’s so many stories out there, where people have been viscously attacked and requiring hospital treatment. I myself have also been spat on, I can’t be sure if that incident was because of our sexuality or not, I feel like it was but to be honest I can’t be sure, either way it was disgusting.
“For me there has and hasn’t been suitable progress on the subject of inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. The government have said that they are going to put an end to conversion therapy, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m not sure why it hasn’t happened, but it’s wrong, it doesn’t belong in society. There’s also 69 countries in the world where same sex relations are still illegal, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable going to Dubai or somewhere like that, because of what could happen.
“I work with an action group called Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) where we provide training to organisations on how to be more inclusive, then it’s up to the company to take this forward. It’s not about taking the training on for a day only, it’s about doing the training and embedding it into everything you do. They also have useful resources on the website should anyone want to know more about what we do. SAND are there to fight for change and to help others in that journey.
“I think to make an impactful difference at Wrekin it has to come from every level, from the Board, to Senior Management and so on, potentially starting a LGBTQ+ allies group, to support anyone who feels uncomfortable. This would allow people to direct others to useful resources or charities, whether it's tenants or staff members to places that could genuinely support them, places like the Terrance Higgins Trust come to mind. This direction could be really helpful for them.
“To support more people in society, I think we need to be aware of the fact that times have changed. 20 years or so ago, there was man and woman, now there’s man, woman and non-binary, these people need representation and deserve respect in society for who they want to be. We also have people that have transitioned completely and those who have transitioned but have not had complete gender reassignment surgery. It’s important for us, especially in care settings that training around this subject is provided so that people feel more comfortable. I also feel that safe spaces for people who may not feel accepted in their current living environment are important, this sort of thing could help them feel safer in the community.
“Up until recently, I’ll be honest, I didn’t really understand why Pride events took place. It wasn’t until I attended the Shrewsbury LGBTQ+ Film Festival that I really understood why Pride was important. Now I fully understand why we need these events to continue to break down the stigma and to let our voices be heard. Pride is about people coming together to feel like they matter, because so many tell them that they don’t, so this event gives them the chance to be themselves.
“Sometimes, it feels like it’s all talk, just like the BLM movement you know, there’s so much talk but so much inaction too. I myself get fed up with anyone who is racist, sexist, homophobic, all of it. I am tired about talking about it too but it’s important because the more we do talk about it, the more likely people will learn and change their ways and behaviours.
“It’s important to just respect people and their choices. Pride is important and talking about these issues is significant because someone tonight, believes that they are better off dead, than being themselves.”
To find out more about SAND, the charity Dan represents, please click here.
25th June 2021