Brit Spotlight: Andrew Hetherington

During my first few weeks at Brit, I got involved with Brit’s Rainbow Collective, which at the time was called the LGBTQ+ and Trans Experiences Employee Resource Group. Not long after becoming a member, I volunteered to help co-lead the group which has been a great experience and has helped me meet a lot of new people. 

I used to feel that my sexuality wasn’t an important part of my identity, and I felt that I didn’t want it to “define” me.  But the more I learn about LGBTQ+ history, the more I count myself lucky that I grew up some time after LGBTQ+ rights started to become more widely recognised. I’m in quite a privileged position to be able to feel secure in my own sexual identity.

There’s been plenty to get involved with, but my personal highlight since joining the Rainbow Collective was helping run a LGBTQ+ “back to basics” session for our Brit colleagues.  We were able to discuss some of the fundamental terms and concepts that are often used in conversations about LGBTQ+ identities — things like what the different letters of LGBTQ+ stand for, the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation, some significant events in LGBTQ+ history, and the essential role that allies play in getting rid of stigma and discrimination.  I think it was a great example of how Brit is encouraging conversations and learning around inclusion and diversity!

Andrew Hetherington, Actuarial Analyst - Portfolio Analytics