Ethical insights: LGBT issues and ethical trade

Pride at work? LGBT issues and ethical trade

Homophobia and transphobia affect workers all over the world. In many societies around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are subject to abuse and attacks. Gender and sexual minorities are excluded and stigmatised because of who they are, and alarmingly, many countries still have laws and policies that specifically make homosexuality a crime.

According to a PEW Survey, 21 % of LGBT workers report that they have been discriminated against in hiring, promotions and pay. LGB employees are more than twice as likely to be bullied and discriminated against as heterosexual employees in the workplace, and nearly half of trans people are not living permanently in their preferred gender role, for fear it might threaten their employment status.

The ETI Base Code includes a clause on discrimination, including gender and sexual orientation. What is the role of business in ensuring that all workers – regardless of their sexuality – be treated fairly and with dignity? How can LGBT workers feel safer at work to be themselves? How can we create more inclusive workplaces, and challenge hostility and stigmatisation of some people that are different to others?

Our speakers are experts in the field and they will highlight current issues, illustrate dilemmas and discuss best practice. Come ready for a challenging debate and discussion over breakfast.

Our speakers

Peter Tatchell, Director, Peter Tatchell FoundationPeter Tatchell is a well-known figure – in the UK and internationally. He has championed the fight against discrimination of LGBT people for decades with significant success. He has spearheaded changes in the law, in faith communities and in challenging social attitudes. Peter is a strong advocate of workers’ rights, and has worked alongside trades unions and workers around the world in their struggle for equal treatment. The Peter Tatchell Foundation (PTF) seeks to promote and protect the human rights of individuals, communities and nations, in the UK and internationally. Peter will illustrate PTF’s advocacy work on LGBT issues and share his experiences as a human rights activist.

Huma Munshi, Policy Officer, Trades Union CongressHuma is the LGBT Equality Policy Officer at The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and previously worked in the London Mayor’s office, leading on LGBT issues. TUC is a national trade union centre, representing the majority of trade unions in England and Wales, with the objective of raising the quality of working life and promoting equality for all. They represent more than 5.8 million workers in 51 unions. Huma will highlight the challenges and issues LGBT people face around the world and provide examples of good practice of how trade unions can support activists on the ground. 

John Dickinson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager & Chair, Out At TescoJohn Dickinson is the Chair of Out At Tesco, one of the largest LGBT+ colleague networks in the UK with over 1500 members across Tesco Group, and leads on Tesco's global Diversity and Inclusion team. As a long-standing ETI member, Tesco has a serious commitment to ethical trade and is both very active and visible on LGBT rights. John will discuss the links between LGBT and ethical trade, and share examples of how Tesco engages with other retailers, as well as suppliers, NGOs and trade unions, to create an inclusive and diverse workplace.

About Ethical Insights

ETI's Ethical Insights Series create a safe, open space where we can air challenges, share ideas and learn from one another. We want to generate a spirit of knowledge collaboration, to improve the impact of all our efforts.At the end of each session, we'll have a 10-minute 'open mike' for you to share news and propose ideas for future topics.

"A full room of like-minded people and good speakers: an opportunity to brainstorm new solutions for ethical trading."

"The format worked really well in encouraging an open dialogue for all participants"

Attendees from a previous Ethical Insights event

Join us over coffee and croissants at the ETI office in Farringdon.