Pride Month: Poppleston Allen on LGBTQ+ tales of triumph

While we still have quite a way to go to achieve the kind of parity and acceptance that means queer people are free to live our lives unencumbered by judgement and censure, the ‘gay experience’ isn’t always one of hardship and woe.

Though sharing those experiences can help our allies understand how to better help, one thing I really want LGBTQ+ young people to have are stories of positivity and hope – stories that help them keep going in the darker days when they feel alone and ostracised.

When I think of the things that inspired me as a junior gay solicitor, I recall industry leaders such as Baron Etherton, former Master of the Rolls and second most senior judge to the Lord Chief Justice, and likewise Lord Justice Fulford. I also think of those who have helped our cause along the way, such as gay activists Marsha P Johnson in the US and Mark Ashton here in the UK. While they most certainly faced struggle and opposition – often violently – for simply being who they were, they also lived upfront, out loud and unapologetically.

So, Pride Month is as much about celebration and triumph as it is protest.

If we strike the right balance in the stories we tell, we just might be lighting the path of someone facing their own tough journey.

My “gay success story”

The queer community has come a long way since the days of Alan Turing in the 1950s. A lot of us live our lives happily, rarely facing any nastiness or trouble.

I’m one of those people.

Before I carry on, I will say that I am a white gay man – in some ways, the ‘easiest category’ in the LGBTQ+ rainbow – I live with white privilege and male privilege, and have also been exceedingly lucky in my personal life to only very occasionally be treated as ‘other’ because of my sexuality and my marriage to a man.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to discuss my personal relationship freely with colleagues, but I know that people still have concerns that such conversations could harm their careers.

I know so many who aren’t as fortunate as I am and that’s one of the reasons I’m using my privilege to tell others who aren’t so lucky a few things:

• It’s going to be OK.
• Family and friends who don’t understand at first do often come around.
• There is a plethora of support and help out there (I’ll signpost these later).

What can businesses in the betting and gaming sphere be doing to help provide support to their LGBTQ+ employees?

While hanging a Pride flag is lovely to see, it’s far more helpful and encouraging to see organisations showing their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by sharing how they encourage equality within the workplace.

Initiatives such as creating internal networks, providing equality and diversity training for employees, or allowing individuals to share their personal stories and experiences are all wonderful first steps. Creating inclusive environments is highly beneficial for employees’ mental health, which may increase staff retention and, ultimately, productivity.

While LGBTQ+ topics are frequently discussed in the mainstream news, these can often appear a little hostile and impersonal. Pride Month offers LGBTQ+ individuals a platform to share personal experiences, which may help inform fellow employees and encourage improvements where needed. Because, while Pride Month does generate positive support, issues the LGBTQ+ community may face are prevalent throughout the year.

Offering employees or professional associates the environment to share their personal experiences can assist firms to develop a better understanding of the issues experienced. Engagement allows people to view situations from a different point of view and from a much more human perspective. Importantly, individuals do not have to be a member of the community themselves and many staff members may be an ally or an advocate promoting a diverse working environment.

Workplaces can:

• Create internal networks for LGBTQ+ employees and provide them with resources to enable them to hold educational events. Smaller organisations may consider joining local LGBTQ+ professional networks.
• Assign ambassador roles to experienced employees who can help to promote an inclusive workspace. Individuals can also act as a mentor or guide to employees who would like to discuss issues they may be having.
• Provide training materials to help educate and create a better understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and the challenges that may pose.
• Encourage employees to be aware of the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals might experience within the workplace.
• Most importantly, ensure your LGBTQ+ colleagues feel supported, included and safe at all times when at work. It is also important to try to ensure that all efforts are not solely coming from LGBTQ+ employees but also from many allies from both within and outside your organisation.

Resources for LGBTQ+ people:

• For those in licensing and the legal profession, The Law Society has the LGBT solicitors Network
• Our HQ is in the Midlands, and I know The Alliance Network can provide support and guidance.
• Stonewall, founded by prominent members of the UK gay community (including Sir Ian McKellen) is particularly helpful for those facing gender and sexuality issues.
• If you’re struggling with mental health and need someone to talk to, Mind is a great place to start.

Richard is a member of the Gambling (Betting, Gaming and Lottery) Team at Poppleston Allen, a law firm based in Nottingham and London that is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Richard advises clients on various aspects of licensing law including operating, personal and premises licences.

He has assisted in the development of bespoke compliance regimes for operators under the Gambling Act 2005 and has prepared cases for review proceedings, hearings determined by the Gambling Commission Regulatory Panel and appeal proceedings at the First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) of the General Regulatory Chamber.

Richard provides BII accredited training and bespoke training for compliance under the Gambling Act 2005, presents at national and regional Institute of Licensing events and provides gambling training to its members.

He is a partner at licensing law firm Poppleston Allen, where he first qualified as a solicitor in 2015.