Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month: Championing diversity and inclusion in the recruitment sector

February marks LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time dedicated to honouring the achievements, struggles, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history. It's an important moment to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality and to recognise the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the recruitment sector, embracing diversity and championing LGBTQ+ issues aren’t just moral imperatives; it is also a strategic move towards creating inclusive workplaces that foster innovation, creativity, and growth. 

LGBTQIA+ History Month serves several crucial purposes: 

• Education and awareness: It provides an opportunity to educate people about the significant contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in various fields, from arts and sciences to politics and activism. By highlighting these achievements, we challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. 

• Celebration of diversity: LGBTQIA+ History Month celebrates the rich diversity within the community, recognising that LGBTQIA+ individuals come from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds. Embracing this diversity fosters a culture of acceptance and belonging. 

• Commemoration of struggles: It's essential to acknowledge the historical and ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including discrimination, even violence, and marginalisation. By remembering these struggles, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. 

The vital role of the recruitment sector 

As mentioned above, promoting LGBTQ+ issues is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility, it's also a must for your business. Here are some simple yet highly effective efforts that recruitment agencies and HR departments should be doing (if not already) to champion LGBTQIA+ issues: 

• Diversity Training: Offer comprehensive diversity training programs for recruiters and hiring managers. These programs should include education on LGBTQIA+ issues, unconscious bias training, and strategies for creating inclusive hiring practices. APSCo offers its highly regarded Inclusive+ Recruiter training programme to all members and non-members. Find out more here. 

• Inclusive Policies: Review and update your company policies to ensure they are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ employees. This includes policies related to non-discrimination, equal benefits for same-sex partners, and gender-inclusive language. 

• Representation Matters: Actively seek out LGBTQIA+ candidates for job openings and ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are represented at all levels of an organisation. This can involve targeted outreach efforts and partnerships with LGBTQIA+ groups. 

• Promote LGBTQIA+ Friendly Branding: Showcase your company's commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in branding and marketing materials. This can help attract top talent and signal to clients and customers that your company values diversity and inclusion. 

• Provide Resources and Support: Offer resources and support services for LGBTQ+ employees, such as access to LGBTQ+ affinity groups, mental health resources, and transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits. 

APSCo members can also take full advantage of Embrace Hub packed full of useful resources on LGBTQIA+ issues here. 

Creating a more inclusive society requires ongoing effort and commitment from all sectors, including the recruitment industry. By championing LGBTQIA+ issues and creating inclusive workplaces, recruitment agencies can not only attract top talent but also contribute to building a more just society for all.