Page 4 - LiveWire Edition 19

March Health Calendar
Spotlight on "It's OK to be you"
June was Pride Month, and at EIC we like to celebrate pride with a month all about expressing yourself no matter who you are.
This June was our ‘It’s OK to be you’ month. Today we live in a world where is it more accepting and OK to be you. For the LGBTQ+ community, the freedom and opportunity to live life as who you truly want to be has become more forthcoming; however, there are still many hurdles, impacts and stigmas
that are to be faced.
A little bit worried about coming out ?
Telling people about your sexual orientation or
gender identity is called coming out. Coming out is not necessarily a one-off event –LGBTQ+ people may have to come out many times during their lives. It is also very individual, and people may face different challenges when coming out.
There is no one prescribed way to come out. You
may feel comfortable being open about your sexual orientation and gender identity with some people, but not with others. Coming out may be difficult and takes courage. Reactions to someone coming out can range from very positive to less welcoming. Once you have made the decision to tell people, you may want to think about how you tell them. We have set out a few thoughts on coming out, and links to where you can find further advice and support.
There is no right or wrong way or time to come out to your family. However, it is a good idea to take time to think about what you want to say. Coming out when you are arguing or angry is not a good idea. Some people tell their family face to face while others prefer to write a letter or send an email. Your family might be shocked, worried or find it difficult to accept at first.
Remember, their first reaction is not necessarily how they will feel forever; they might just need a bit of time to process what you have told them.
Coming out at work
People perform better when they can be themselves. This means it is in your employer’s best interest to support you to be open and honest about who you are when at work. Some employers have LGBTQ+ staff networks which you can join for support and to meet other people.
The Equality Act 2010 bans discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender reassignment (gender identity) in employment and vocational training. This includes direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and you are protected throughout the entire employment relationship, from recruitment to dismissal. Discrimination applies to terms and conditions, pay, promotions, transfers, training and dismissal.
Make sure you come out only when you really want to. Take control of the situation and remember that it may be more of a process than an event You don’t have to come out. While many people find it’s a great weight off their shoulders, others don’t want to come out, seeing their sexuality as a completely private matter – so it’s really
up to you. Only come out when you feel comfortable and confident in doing so.
Coming out can be a really positive experience, and it can feel liberating to be authentic with family, friends and colleagues. You can also be a positive role model to others around you who may be considering coming out. Many people worry about other people’s reactions. Key concerns are that they won’t be accepted or will be seen differently. So if someone comes out to you, one of the best ways to respond is to say, “I still feel exactly the same about you.”
Worries and concerns may vary according to how old
you are. Younger people can be more concerned about reactions and acceptance among their peer group and worry about whether or not they might be bullied. Older people – especially those in a heterosexual relationship and maybe with children – may have different dilemmas. If you are coming out to your children, remember to remind them that you are still the same person, that you still love them and that you still feel the same way about them. If at all possible, get the support of your partner or ex-partner and tell the children together.
71% of the LGBTQ+ members of the construction industry feel they cannot be open about their sexuality on site, and only 7% would recommend the construction sector to LGBTQ+ peers to work within.