Our focus

Our role in the third sector is to highlight the LGBT aspect.

Identities

We are aware that LGBT as an identity is comprised of four individual identities – with similar needs as well as major differences. We make sure that all four identities are treated equally in terms of membership services and support.

Supporting the Regions

In different parts of the UK, needs vary for LGBT people; so the needs of the organisations supporting them also vary.

London, for example, has a large and diverse LGBT community; while the South West has a much more disparate and isolated community, with little infrastructure and capacity.

The Consortium has in the past developed regional networks for mutual agency support, but without the resources to maintain these networks, many have fallen by the wayside and need to be re-instigated/invigorated.

Multiple Identities

The make-up of the LGBT community is multifaceted and diverse, both in terms of (other) identities; and also in terms of interests/needs. The work of the Consortium needs to reflect other identities to ensure that the range and breadth of services can be provided by the membership; and that organisations and groups encapsulate diversity in their services. Whilst specialist service delivery, research and policy work is provided by specialist members (e.g. Polari, Regard etc), the Consortium needs to identify and work around gaps in these areas; whilst ensuring that the work undertaken is “shared” across the wider membership and the wider third sector.

Interest/need

A similar role is performed by the Consortium on issues of interest/need. There are specialist agencies that focus on particular needs (such as Stonewall Housing, Galop, Schools Out, etc.) and this knowledge needs to be networked and shared for better development of services around these issues.