Member News
By Tony Grew - 17th December 2010
The PRU's Iain Corby explains why he has helped set up an LGBT network.
ePolitix.com: What is ParliOut?
Iain Corby: ParliOut is a new network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people working at Parliament.
It is a forum for providing mutual support and discussing issues.
Such networks are increasingly common amongst leading employers, as they seek to attract and retain LGBT staff and improve awareness and acceptance of diversity across their organisations.
It was a member of Parliamentary staff who'd founded a similar group at his previous employer, Deloitte, who first wrote to the Speaker to suggest Parliament should support its own network.
The Speaker swiftly and enthusiastically endorsed the idea, and offered to be President of the network.
The network will be advised by a cross-party board, including Chris Bryant MP, Stephen Gilbert MP and Margot James MP.
The network is open to all passholders, be they peers, MPs, Members' staff, House staff or regular contractors.
Friends of the LGBT community are also welcome to join, and it is envisaged that many events will be open to 'significant others'.
Do LGBT people face discrimination at parliament?
We hope not, but the truth is, we probably don't know.
Discrimination is often thought of in stark terms - failure to be appointed in the first place, or perhaps promoted once employed.
But it can be much more subtle than that.
It might be that casual conversation and office banter makes someone feel unwelcome, and they then perhaps choose to leave at 5:30pm to escape an uncomfortable environment rather than working late or socializing with colleagues.
In many ways, Parliament is just like any other large employer, but we also recognise there are some unique aspects of the political world which create their own challenges.
What sort of support will the group provide?
The simplest form of support is just reassuring people that they are not the only gay in the Westminster village.
Through regular events, they can meet other LGBT people, who might otherwise have been invisible to them as colleagues or senior role models.
Of course, at these events, people can talk to one another about issues and challenges they face.
Even if they don't find immediate solutions, the opportunity to talk about things with others who can empathise with them will be extremely valuable.
A mentoring programme will also be developed in the New Year, where we will train members of the group in providing help and support on a confidential basis to their colleagues.
The network will match people with mentors, either totally removed from their day-to-day work, or as close as possible, depending on the preferences of the individuals.
This might be to talk through 'coming out' at work, or to provide coaching for an upcoming promotion interview.
ParliOut is not intended to be a campaigning organisation, but will keep senior influencers informed of trends and general issues if these emerge.
We are also working closely with the House's own diversity team, providing them with feedback and ideas.
Is there a social element to ParliOut?
Of course! We hope to provide a range of opportunities to meet colleagues, with events both on the Parliamentary estate and further afield.
Suggestions are always welcome and already quiz nights, theatre trips, sporting activities and treasure hunts have been proposed.
How can people get involved?
The easiest way to get involved is to sign up to the distribution list for information on the network's activities by emailing LGBT@parliament.uk
The mailing list is kept confidential, because we recognise some people are not yet out at work - although a measure of the group's success is that there are fewer and fewer such people over time.
Emails to the group are 'blind-copied' to protect confidentiality.
There is also a website on the intranet, which can be found in the Equality & Diversity section of the Employment pages.
The network is also looking for volunteers to become mentors and join the leadership team.
ParliOut will be formally launched by Mr Speaker on Monday.
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