Examining the Impact of IDAHOBLIT on the LGBTQ+ Community
Interviews
In honor of celebrating IDAHOBLIT, David Harrison from Capgemini spoke about what the occasion means to him and the implications it has on the wider LGBTQ+ community. Offering advice for organizations looking to commemorate IDAHOBLIT, David discusses why he's looking forward to a future where the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia is not an occasion that needs to be marked.
Image Credit: Canva
Please could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Capgemini?
My name is David Harrison and I have been working in Cyber Security at Capgemini for the past two years. As a cybersecurity professional, my main responsibility is to ensure the security of the client’s IT infrastructure and data. I also serve as a committee member for the UK branch of Capgemini's LGBT+ Employee Network, OUTfront UK. I am proud of my involvement in this group as it demonstrates my commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the workplace.
What would you like to see next in the journey for LGBTQ+ equality?
I would like to see more done around the world to protect the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals who often face discrimination and violence. Conversion Therapy is also a big issue now surrounding the community. Education and awareness campaigns can help combat harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards the transgender community, and by taking action to protect and support the transgender community, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
If you could change anything about IDAHOBLIT, what would it be?
Not to have it. I would like to hope that in the future we will not need International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT) because we all respect everyone regardless of their gender or sexuality. I do appreciate, however, that in some places we are a long way from this and personally, I would like to see more students learn about IDAHOBLIT while at school which can have a significant impact on creating a more inclusive and accepting society for the LGBT+ community.
By educating students about the different forms of discrimination and violence that LGBT+ individuals face, we can foster empathy and understanding and reduce prejudice and intolerance. In doing so, we can help create a safer and more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, while also promoting respect and understanding among all students.
What does IDAHOBLIT mean to you?
IDAHOBLIT means a lot to me as it provides an opportunity to bring attention to prominent issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. The day serves as a reminder that discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity are still prevalent around the world. It is a chance to raise awareness about these issues and promote greater acceptance and understanding within our communities. For me, IDAHOBLIT represents a symbol of solidarity and support for the LGBT+ community and encourages us to work together to create a safer and more inclusive society for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What implications do you think IDAHOBLIT has for the wider LGBT+ community?
The implications of IDAHOBLIT for the wider LGBTQ+ community are significant. There is a need for continued efforts to promote equality and protect the rights of this community, and the observance of IDAHOBLIT provides an opportunity for the wider LGBTQ+ community to come together, show solidarity, and advocate for change. It can inspire individuals and organizations to take action to address discrimination and promote equality, whether through advocacy, education, or direct support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
What tips would you have for an organization marking IDAHOBLIT for the first time?
Educate Yourself: Before planning any activities for IDAHOBLIT, take some time to educate yourself about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This will help you plan events that are sensitive and inclusive.
Collaborate with Others: Consider collaborating with other organizations or groups that work on LGBTQ+ issues in your area.
Plan Events: Plan events that are meaningful and impactful. Some examples of events include panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and social media campaigns. You can also organize a march or a rally to raise awareness about LGBT+ issues. Some larger organizations like the one I work for, Capgemini, have a large workforce – online meetings such as Teams or Zoom are a fantastic way to reach out to colleagues based in multiple locations.
Promote Widely: Once you have planned your events, make sure to promote them widely. Use social media, email, and other channels to spread the word about your activities.
Make it Inclusive: Make sure your events are inclusive and welcoming to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This means being sensitive to issues faced by distinct groups within the community, such as people of color or people with disabilities. There are a lot of sensitive issues that affect the community both in the UK and around the world, transgender issues are most noticeable, but there is also discrimination around being ACE (asexuality).
Encourage Participation: Encourage people to participate in your events. You can do this by creating a sense of community and belonging, and by providing opportunities for people to engage with each other. Capgemini is extremely fortunate to have OUTfront as group for the LGBTQ+ community. I have worked for many organizations over the years, and this is the first I have worked for that has an LGBTQ+ group that helps promote and support LGBTQ+ issues. It’s an approach I think works well for organizations.
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