A new online community space for LGBTQIA+ people working or volunteering in the sector has been launched by #CharitySoStraight, the campaign group calling for charities to be more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people.

Charity professionals and volunteers from all levels and roles can now apply to join the #CharitySoStraight Slack group.

The group aims to be a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ people working or volunteering in the charity sector to come together to share experiences of challenges they face, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and queerphobia at work.

Jobs and trustee opportunities will be shared in the group for organisations that are seeking to become more diverse. Mentoring schemes for LGBTQ+ people interested in becoming a trustee will also be offered.

The Slack group has said it is a safe space for trans and non-binary people and outlines
'clear ground rules' when applying to ensure that all conversations and participants are 'kind, courteous, inclusive and respectful'.

The group was launched in the middle of Pride month (13 June 2022) and has already had a “very strong response”.

#CharitySoStraight founder, Kevin Taylor-McKnight said: “We have been overjoyed by the response we have had to the launch of the Slack group. And we have found that it has evolved into a space which has a real levelling effect - no matter what role or responsibility you have, your queerness will always be with you and may be something that you have to manage just to get through the day.

“The next step is to ensure every corner of the voluntary sector sees and hears about this space so we can encourage as many LGBTQIA+ people to join as possible and create a real community of support, learning and friendship. AND ultimately create a strong network that can push forward the change that needs to happen to improve inclusivity and the working environments for LGBTQIA+ people.”

You can follow the #CharitySoStraight Twitter account @StraightCharity and sign up for the community here

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