Sharing and learning on LGBTIQ+ Inclusion

By Rebecca Beisler

When an opportunity has arisen for Assembly staff to delve deeper into and articulate what it is that we value about working with the Uniting Church, one word that is always mentioned is ‘inclusion’.

This particular attribute of the Uniting Church – both as community of faith and as an employer – is something that cannot be underestimated. Grounded in a belief that all are wonderfully created in the image of God, one of the things I am most proud of as a UCA employee is that the Uniting Church is genuinely committed to creating spaces where all feel welcome and safe and where all people can flourish.

However, this is not a done deal. We have much more to learn about how we as a Church can better walk the talk we so often preach. This includes how we be allies and create safe spaces for the LQBTIQ+ community.

Fortunately, in the Church space, we do not need to look far for good advice. I recently attended a workshop hosted by the UnitingCare network’s LGBTIQ+ Community of Practice.

As both employers and community service providers, our UnitingCare agencies are highly regarded for their work in developing culture, policies and practices that support the LGBTIQ+ to feel safe and empowered.

Just this year Uniting (Vic/Tas) was awarded Service Provider of the Year at the Pride in Health and Wellbeing Awards and two organisations, Uniting (NSW/ACT) and Eldercare, have received the Rainbow Tick.

As one of the largest networks of social services providers in Australia, employing over 50,000 staff, that’s a big impact that can be made when we get things right.

The LGBTIQ+ Community of Practice comprises representatives from across the UnitingCare network. Its key purpose is to foster the sharing of practice, information and resources from across the network.

The workshop on 29 June led by the Uniting (NSW/ACT) Pride Network was an opportunity to share their journey and experience in making an inclusive experience for LGBTIQ+ employees. They particularly highlighted the value of this process being co-designed and informed by the lived experience of LGBTIQ+ employees.

It was great to hear of some of the learnings they have had along the journey, and the difference it has made listening to experiences of LGBTIQ+ employees – highlighting things that otherwise might have gone unnoticed.

For example, the experience for a transgender person in applying for a job and what that means when submitting a resume, police checks and other qualifications, the questions that can arise and the trauma that might be experienced in that process.  

Representatives from Uniting (NSW/ACT) explained the changes and practices that have been implemented to ensure that such processes are safe, welcoming and people come away feeling valued and affirmed.

We heard about the importance of hearing from LGBTIQ+ voices – both through surveys and creating opportunities for people to share their stories. We learnt about the impact of visible support such as adding a rainbow or transgender flag to an email signature and the powerful role played by senior leaders in creating an inclusive culture.

The workshop was open to the whole UnitingCare network and to the Church, particularly for those engaged in HR, training and communications. It was an excellent opportunity for this knowledge to be shared and a great encouragement for us all to elevate and amplify LGBTIQ+ voices and create more safe and inclusive spaces.

After all, as a community that seeks to model the radical love and hospitality of Jesus, we must continue to place inclusion at the heart of what we do.