"Homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia and transphobia unfortunately still exist." Commemorating IDAHOBLIT and tackling discrimination

Katy Rhodes, Assistant Designer, Clothing & Home at Marks & Spencer, spoke to myGwork about honouring the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Transphobia, and how to make a difference.

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Please introduce yourself and describe your role at your organization.

Hi! My name is Katy (she/her) and I work in the sleepwear design team at M&S. I am also a part of the LGBTQ+ network working group that is focused on creating a more inclusive business for LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers.

How will you be marking IDAHOBLIT this year? Do you have any advice for how organizations who wish to mark it may do so for the first time?

Homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia and transphobia unfortunately still exist. I would suggest that other organisations recognise the day in order to recognise the discrimination that is still happening all over the world. I would also suggest it doesn’t stop there, and that other key calendar dates are also marked (such as trans awareness week, lesbian visibility, national coming out day etc, there are various milestones throughout the year). Conversations are always a great starting point, and by recognizing and acknowledging reality, we can help to move forward and make change. We are strongest together.

Why is IDAHOBLIT is important to you?

There is currently an attack on trans people in the press, conversion therapy is still legal in the UK today and all around the world, people are under attack for who they are. Until we see equality and fair treatment of all the LGBTQ+ community, I will continue to advocate for what is right. This is why it is so important we continue to raise awareness and the voices of those who potentially don’t have the privilege to speak out. We can start to do this by recognising key dates in the calendar such as IDAHOBLIT.

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Tell us about your favourite LGBTQ+ activist or changemaker and why their work is important to you.

I’m going to have to be cheeky and name a few because there are too many icons or brilliant changemakers that have paved the way before us. Marsha P. Johnson is the first person who comes to mind, she was an important advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, those affected by H.I.V. and AIDS, gay and transgender rights, and even fought on the front lines during the Stonewall riots. Marsha’s legacy still lives on to this day! Jane Fonda has had a lifetime of activism, especially with the LGBTQ+ community dating all the way back to the 70’s. She is truly an inspiration when it comes to advocating for minorities. I also have to call out Billie Jean Kings bravery. Not only did she actively fight for equal pay in tennis, but publicly lived her truth when she was outed, despite being advised not to by all those around her! The list could go on …

What are your top 5 tips for tackling homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia, and transphobia in the workplace?

1. Don’t make assumptions, try not to assume people’s sexuality, gender, pronouns, etc based solely on appearance.

2. Don’t stereotype, bisexual people are not greedy or indecisive, gay people are not just in a ’phase’, lesbians aren’t waiting for the right man, etc.

3. Listen! Listen to your LGBTQ+ colleagues/ friends. When they say something is an issue, actively listen instead of dismissing any concerns. It’s important to have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to homophobic, biphobic, lesbophobic and/or transphobic behaviour and to act immediately against anything witnessed, experienced, or reported in your business.

4. Educate yourself, listen to podcasts, documentaries, activists. Take part in work related LGBTQ+ events or networks. Follow more diverse people on social media for example. The more you know the better!

5. Be patient! It’s okay not to know everything straight away and it can be okay to ask questions, as long as they are coming from the right place.

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Everyone deserves to live in a world without discrimination. Share with us what you are doing to make this a reality.

I am committed to making a difference in the workplace through my work with the LGBTQ+ network. I want to help make M&S an inclusive place for the community and raise the voices of those who don’t have the privilege to do so. It is also important to recognise discrimination when it happens, by addressing it and calling for change. I also hope that by being open and proud about my sexuality, this could influence others to do the same.