Meet the Co-Chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network at the British Library

Introducing Phoebe and Ely, Co-Chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network here at the Library 

 

 

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐐+ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲?

“We’re open to all employees who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as allies who actively support the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people.

The Staff Networks are a really lovely part of British Library culture and a good way to ‘network’ with and get to know other people inside the Library. Network membership also offers access to personal development opportunities, as our programming includes talks and training sessions for our colleagues.

We are also a source of support for individual staff who may be facing challenges at work, whether as guidance or, where appropriate, suggesting where further advice may be sought.

We aim to help raise awareness of issues within the wider organisation while also encouraging all staff within the Library to understand the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.”

 

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐛𝐞: “As a bisexual woman, currently in a straight-passing relationship, I have had to fight with my own internal battles of my identity and could quite easily go through life without having to ‘come out’ to my work colleagues.

When the Network was looking for new Co-Chairs last year, I was hesitant at first, but after speaking to my peers and mentors it became obvious that I couldn’t miss the opportunity to make a difference. I knew that being a key part of the community would help me in my own journey of self-identity, whilst also helping others who may be on a similar journey to me.”

𝐄𝐥𝐲: “As a trans person who doesn’t ‘pass’, navigating the workplace can be complicated and challenging in ways that are difficult to articulate, and I joined the Network in part to get involved in that kind of advocacy and culture change work.

Plus, I wanted a way to meet and connect with other LGBTQ+ people inside the Library – and, through the Network, I have! Everyone has been so welcoming and so enthusiastic that any fear I had around taking on the role has just completely evaporated.”

We'll be introducing more of our Staff Networks here at the Library over the next few months, so watch this space!

 

Find out more about working at the British Library

Explore current vacancies at the British Library