Hackney LGBTQI+ business network launches with 25 firms swapping ideas in Dalston
Mayor Philip Glanville speaking at the first meeting about the Hackney Pride 365 business network - Credit: council
Some 25 firms signed up to a new LGBTQI+ friendly business network at its inaugural meeting, with many more expected to join in the coming year.
The initiative is part of the council’s Hackney Pride 365 festival, and it is hoped the quarterly lunches and brunches will generate initiatives to support equality and cohesion in the borough.
The idea came out of some 100 suggestions submitted by guests at an LGBT History Month event in February – among them, members of the LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex) community and other activists.
The invite-only launch event on Friday was hosted by Dan Beaumont in Ray’s Bar, Kingsland High Street, and attended by mayor of Hackney Phil Glanville who is spearheading the initiative.
The organisations there were from the spheres of charity, theatre, cinema, workspace provision, gardening, nightclubbing, hairdressing and retail.
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Mayor Glanville said: “Hackney is proud to foster a culture of inclusion across all businesses, and through this network any extra challenges that LGBTQI+ businesses, staff and customers might face can be discussed and mitigated against.
“It aims to set a standard for workplaces in the borough to help secure Hackney’s legacy for future generations as a safe space and a visible place for our LGBTQI+ residents.”
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Ideas which came up at the event included businesses adopting gender-neutral toilets like those at nightclub Dalston Superstore.
At the next meeting businesses will be asked to help create an LGBTQI+ friendly business accreditation scheme for Hackney.
To sign up to the network or find out more information email business@hackney.gov.uk.
