LGBTQ+ Defence Awards to shine a spotlight on those 'doing incredible things' in the military
As Pride Month is being celebrated, research shows there are still barriers to inclusion in the workplace, with 70% of LGBTQ+ professionals saying they have no role models to look up to.
Now, more than two decades on from the 2000 end of a ban on gay people serving in the British Armed Forces, the ramifications of which are still being felt today, the UK defence community is set to gather for the first time to celebrate the vital importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards will showcase the achievements, successes and innovations across defence, something Caroline Paige, charity Fighting With Pride's chief executive, is keen to celebrate, saying: "I think [the awards] will change things because they're giving visibility and raising awareness of the incredible things that LGBT+ people do."
With categories such as Innovator of the Year, LGBTQ+ Trailblazer of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Veteran of the Year, nominations are open until 12 July for the awards, the first time the UK defence community has come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion.
BFBS the Forces Station spoke with Caroline Paige, RAF veteran and CEO of awards charity partner Fighting With Pride and Richard Blackmore, head of diversity, equity and inclusion at BAE Systems, also an awards partner.
Caroline started by outlining the changes now happening across defence, saying: "When the ban was lifted in January 2000, it still took a few years before the military, the defence community, appreciated the value of inclusion.
"But when that happened, they've embraced it, amazingly so within the Armed Forces, there is a very open and welcoming environment for anybody who's LGBTQ+."
There are, however, still barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion in all sectors with 78% of LGBTQ+ young people having hidden their sexual orientation or gender identity at work and a third believing they have been less productive because they couldn't open up, according to research by Vodafone.
Ms Paige believes these awards will help to shape the future for LGBTQ+ personnel because they're "giving visibility and raising awareness of the incredible things that LGBT+ people do".
She added: "People seem to be reluctant to put the positive stories out there and there's so many of them and if we don't see those then we get the wrong impression of what being LGBT+ means.
"Being LGBT+ means you're a person with a characteristic which is just part of your life.
"You're going to work and doing a job and you want to do it well and that's the big difference.
"We'd like to see these awards continue because they will build that awareness amongst the general population."
In its mission to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ role models in UK defence, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards is going beyond recognising those that vocally trailblaze for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating achievers who, simply through feeling able to be open about who they are at work, have maximised their value to their employer and UK defence as a whole.
Richard Blackmore, head of diversity, equity and inclusion at BAE Systems, says that as a defence contractor, it is vital they make the effort to be the difference they want to see in the world, saying: "Similar to the Women in Defence focus as well, I think this is another focus area we really need to raise the volume on.
"For us as BAE Systems in the UK, being one of, if not the largest defence contractor in the country, I think it's for us to set the example and be the difference we want to see.
"So for me, it's super important and it goes without saying, hence why we're so involved and looking forward to the awards not just this year but in years to come."
Ben Rossi, founder of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards and Ex-Forces in Business Awards, said: "It's true that you can't be what you can't see and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I know just how inhibiting a lack of visible LGBTQ+ role models in the workplace can be.
"That's why we're so excited about creating this platform which will actively increase visibility of LGBTQ+ role models, including allies, across the broad spectrum of UK defence.
"The annual LGBTQ+ Defence Awards will advance progress in this crucial area by promoting the fact that creating LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces is not just the right thing to do – it's imperative for defence organisations to thrive in the future.
"LGBTQ+ inclusivity attracts and retains better talent and produces greater results for companies and our Armed Forces."
The landmark new awards programme is being organised by Disruptive Media Group, the company behind the prestigious Ex-Forces in Business Awards, in partnership with headline sponsor BAE Systems, media partner BFBS – the parent company of Forces News – and official charity partner Fighting With Pride.
Winners will be decided by senior LGBTQ+ leaders and allies from organisations including the British Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, the Ministry of Defence, the UK Government, the National Police Air Service, Leonardo, Leidos, MBDA, Jacobs and HSBC.
The winners will be revealed and celebrated at an exciting award ceremony on 17 October in the Grand Hall of the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, along with an eclectic programme of special guest speakers, award presenters and live entertainment.
Nominations are open until 12 July.
Anybody who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies, are eligible to be nominated if they work in the UK defence sector or previously served in the Armed Forces.
Nominating is free and easy – just head to thelgbtawards.com and fill out the nomination form before the deadline.
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