Activist and Swanton employee Liam has praised the organisation’s inclusive and welcoming culture during a speech about Trans Visibility in Health and Social Care.
Liam took to the stage at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on Tuesday 28th March to deliver a speech about his experiences in two different workplaces.
Before joining the Swanton family, Liam – who is the Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Be: Trans Support and Community charity – spoke of the discrimination he encountered in another social care organisation.
However, he told the audience that his experience at Swanton couldn’t have been more different.
Liam said: “Despite my previous negative experiences, I decided that I still felt it best to be open about my trans identity from the start.
“Both senior staff and colleagues have been extremely supportive and respectful and demonstrate the understanding that my identity has no correlation to how well I do my job.
“When commencing employment with Swanton, I was also asked my pronouns by two senior members of staff, which solidified the impression that this workplace would be not just accepting, but welcoming.”
He was watched by colleagues Steph and Dane, who were there to cheer Liam on from the floor.
Brave Liam also spoke movingly about his recent autism diagnosis and the support offered by the managers at Swanton’s Lynwood Road service, where he works.
He reflected on the importance of listening and treating people as individuals with their own needs.
Liam said: “My management encouraged me to talk about any difficulties I was having [due to my autism diagnosis].
“They also made the point that it will benefit the people I support as I will have a greater understanding of what it means to be neurodivergent.
“We have different transition experiences, we have different life experiences, and we have our own unique experiences of intersectionality.
“The most important thing a practitioner can do is to listen.”
If you want support from the team at Be: Trans Support and Community, email Liam at liam@be-north.org.uk.
