Equalities and Diversity

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum

We have worked in partnership with the local community to establish a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum and Network.

The Forum consists of a wide cross-section of individuals from the community and organisations that have come together to engage with us and the Barking and Dagenham Partnership on the concerns and service needs of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Other organisations that support and fund the Forum include the Barking and Dagenham Metropolitan Police and the local Community Empowerment Network.

The initiative emerged out of our declared commitment in its Corporate Equalities and Diversity Policy Framework to research and consult of the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

In order to do this we commissioned research in to their needs, concerns and priorities. In producing the 'Breaking the Silence' report, it become clear that there was a willingness to establish a structure that can take its recommendations forward and further develop the work.

Current priorities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum and Network:

Take forward the recommendations of the 'Breaking the Silence' in the 12 key areas
Further develop these priorities and establish a local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender change agenda
Campaign and engage with local agencies around this agenda and other key strategic issues
Build a social network within the borough and focus upon the creation of a 'social space' for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Raise the profile of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and establish their position as a legitimate and integral part of the local community
Work with local agencies to tackle homophobic and transphobic harassment and violence
Undertake comparative work with other urban areas to assess provision for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and learn lessons that can applied in Barking and Dagenham

The Barking and Dagenham Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum and Network is a long term project that is breaking down barriers to participation; engaging with specific communities that have traditionally suffered discrimination and marginalisation; and assisting local agencies to create inclusive social provision.

The structure exists for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and aims to be inclusive. For more information please contact the Equalities and Diversity Team at the address shown

The forum meets once a month. For details please contact James Oaten at the address shown.

Barking and Dagenham Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum website|