🌈 GPN Newsletter — January 2026
Happy New Year!
While most of us have already welcomed 2026, the community of Cwm Gwaun in North Pembrokeshire is celebrating Hen Galan, the Welsh New Year, today. A lovely reminder that there’s always something — and some way — to celebrate.
Speaking of celebrations… are you doing Dry January? Dry Martini, Dry White Wine, Dry humour — they all count 😉
Thank you for being part of the Gay Professional Network. Your presence, energy, and support are what keep this community thriving.
To help shape the future of GPN, I’d be grateful for your 30‑second feedback — anonymous or not.
You can share it [here].
🌟 Our Next Meeting — Tuesday 27 January 2026
We’re delighted to welcome Claire Ebrey to GPN.
Claire will present insights from the Pride in Leadership Report, based on responses from over 1,000 LGBTQ+ professionals. She’ll explore: - Barriers to career progression
- The impact of intersectionality
- The need for meaningful workplace support beyond Pride Month
- How LGBTQ+ experiences strengthen leadership
- How the report can help build the case for training and development in your organisation
🔗 Learn more: Claire Ebrey on LinkedIn Pride in Leadership Overview
🎟️ Book now: link.outsavvy.com/claire Please note that Claire will join us via video link from Scotland.
There is also a social at Orford House on Friday 16 January — details below.
📚 February: Sue Sanders Returns We’re honoured to welcome back Sue Sanders in February as we mark the 20th anniversary of LGBT History Month and explore this year’s theme.
More to come in February, I forgot to confirm but will do soon... any help gratefully received.
🌞 Save the Date: Summer Reception at the House of Lords Our annual Summer Reception will take place at the House of Lords on Tuesday 30 June 2026 — an evening of connection, celebration, and community in one of the UK’s most historic venues.
To make this event possible, we are seeking sponsorship support.
If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact me directly. Your support helps ensure this reception is as impactful and inclusive as our mission deserves.
💼 Business Membership As we continue to grow our businesses and networks together, I invite you to consider upgrading to Business Membership.
You can explore the benefits [here] — it reflects the real costs of organising GPN and helps sustain our future.
🌍 Solidarity & Recognition GPN & GBA have signed the Newcastle Gateshead Declaration, a global LGBTQ+ solidarity statement.
👉 Learn more and sign here Nominations for the British LGBT Awards 2026 are now open.
👉 Nominate here I’m honoured to be featured on the Belong Impact List 2025 — thank you to Daniel for the kind words. You may have seen my acceptance on Instagram and LinkedIn; the version they chose was actually my first take!
🎩 Reciprocal Membership with The Eccentric Club Subscribing GPN members now enjoy full reciprocal privileges with The Eccentric Club — a historic and vibrant community that shares our values of inclusion and camaraderie.
💖 Ways to Support GPN
- 🎟️ Try your luck with the Rainbow Lottery—tickets are just £1, with a chance to win £25,000 weekly.
✨ Closing Words
Let’s carry the spirit of connection into 2026 with courage, creativity and pride. the year ahead promises inspiration and solidarity. I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours always,
Jean-François.
Jean-François Dor
Founder, Gay Professional Network
📧 jf@gpn.one | 🌐 gpn.one
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