Union celebrates LGBT History Month

The FDA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network held an event in mid-February to mark LGBT History Month, which takes place in February each year to celebrate the lives and achievements of the LGBT community.

The event was themed 'Living my rights in the workplace - celebrating progress' and took place at FDA head office in central London. Speakers included the TUC officer with responsibility for LGBT issues, Peter Purton; Simon Harkin, chair of the FDA's Foreign and Commonwealth Office branch; Josh Durham from a:gender - the support network for transsexual, transgender and intersex staff in the civil service; and members of the FDA's LGBT Network. Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences as LGBT people working in the public service. In the early evening, there was a drinks reception funded by the FDA's UnionLearn project.

The FDA's national officer with responsibility for equality and diversity, Ro Marsh, said: "We are grateful to the speakers who came along and shared their personal and professional experiences. The FDA is pleased to host events such as this, which raise awareness of continuing difficulties faced by members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, as well as celebrating the progress which has been achieved over the past few years."

FDA LGBT event held in mid-February at FDA head office in central London.