Thank you all for your support today
and particular thanks to The Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar for hosting this event
and to my partner for 20 years Richard Hopkins.
In 1987 I arrived in this diverse
and multicultural city that is London
Rising negative sentiments towards
homosexuality peaked. 75% of the population said that
homosexual activity was "always or mostly wrong", Section 28 arrived the year after. Last week, the Prime Minister
apologised and admitted that she and her party got it wrong on things like the
Section 28 and promised new actions to counter present injustices, she
embraced, endorsed and thanked the LGBT citizens of this country.
As you have seen, this evening is
to celebrate our diversity and inclusion in Civil Society.
I was told that I inspired people
as a role model and I was also told recently
that having a reception in the House of Lords for The Gay Professional Network
was the opposite of being inclusive. I replied that everyone was welcome, builders
and plasterers included, and you will have seen that they are already at work here...
Indeed they are welcome, in those
particular trade, homophobia is rife.
Homophobia
is a word like transphobia and biphobia that I cannot suffer, just like racism and
other "isms", yet I accept that phobia is a disorder with irrational
fears.
By understanding this we can help educate at an early age, at home and at
school, what it means to be part of a diverse community linked by common
interests and collective activities.
Education is
key to alleviate all fears and show that we are all human whatever
our sexualities. I want my nephews and great nephews to never question again
why 2 same sex partners is ok.
Diversity
is the range of human differences .
Inclusion
is involvement and empowerment.
At the Gay Professional Network,
we promote and sustain a sense of belonging; we value and practice respect for
the talents, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of living of our members. This is
the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated
fairly and respectfully, have equal opportunities and resources, and can
contribute fully to the organisation's success. We do not exclude any groups.
Equality is the current term for equal
opportunities and is based on the legal obligation to comply with
anti-discrimination legislation, we are here today in the seat of legislation.
Equality protects us from being discriminated against. Let's not forget our
achievements and never be complacent.
Together we tackle discrimination, homophobia and any other
phobias related to the LGBT+ community, in the press and the social media,
we promote education in schools, families and everywhere to teach love and
respect for all mankind.
It is not acceptable that in 2018
according to last week's government survey there is FEAR in our community to
hold hands for fear of abuse and not reporting abuse.
Can you believe that in this
country "Gay conversion
therapy" is still happening and legal? Although all major counselling and
psychotherapy bodies, as well as the NHS, have concluded that it is dangerous and
have condemned it .
By Professional I mean being professional at what you do, whatever you
are doing. My Father who was a Doctor always told me: "Whatever you do, do it professionally
and to the best of your knowledge and ability".
I believe what comes around, goes
around and by being nice to everyone, you shall reap the rewards. Achieve your
dreams not by being mean but mean to achieve your dreams.
Nobody ever gains from negative
thoughts: the only people who benefit from negative equities are bankers.
The Gay Professional Network is
very active in the World, it builds lasting social & professional
relationships.
A few days ago I put in touch two
members from Adelaide and Melbourne
in Australia
I am convinced that we are all
connected by not 6 but 3 degrees of separation.
I do invite you to visit
www.gpn.one for more details about our organisation and if you are not yet a
member, please join, it is only £20 a year and gives you and others so much.
Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar is a liberal democrat peer and former leader of Sheffield
City Council, he is still a councillor. He was described once as Nick Clegs's
closest ally in local government. He is a businessman consulting in the public
& private sector, training and development and an amazing advocate of the
LGBT rights in UK
Thank you again my Lord Scriven
for allowing me to say this few words and may I now ask you to say a few.
Come learn more at our 
