As we move into February, you might notice the Pride in Progress flag proudly flying in Derby as we join organisations around the country marking LGBT+ History Month.

One organisation you might not have heard of is the Derbyshire Network Alliance, a network of public, community and private sector organisations working to promote LGBT+ equality and inclusion.

Derby City Council is one member of the alliance who will be flying the flag this February for LGBT+ History Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be working with partners to explore this year’s theme of Medicine and Healthcare, and their relationship with the LGBT+ community.

For years, discrimination, stigma, and a lack of understanding have created barriers to adequate healthcare for LGBT+ people, creating the inequalities that we continue to see today.

With that theme in mind, the DNA will be putting their focus on ‘intentional allyship’ and will encourage people to move beyond passive support and actively engage with, understand, and advocate for the LGBT+ community.

Throughout the month they also aim to showcase how our other sectors, such as education and transport, contribute to the theme of Medicine and Healthcare by:

  • Promoting inclusivity and implementing diverse education programmes to create an environment that respects all identities
  • Ensuring accessibility and safety for all and removing barriers to participation to promote inclusivity and the health benefits that active travel can bring.

Speaking about LGBT+ History Month, Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Customer Inclusion, said:

“It’s only right that everyone is safe and equal in society, but there is still work to be done to ensure this is the case.

“Local authorities play a crucial role by implementing policies that protect the rights of groups such as the LGBT+ community, building a sense of belonging and addressing inequalities across all our services.

“I’m delighted that we can show our support by flying the Pride in Progress flag in the city this month, and am proud of the work being done by the Derbyshire Network Alliance and the Council in championing LGBT+ equality and inclusion.”

As part of LGBT+ History Month, the Derbyshire Network Alliance are hosting a webinar on Intentional Allyship, focusing on the importance of health and healthcare. The webinar will take place on Thursday 29 February from 11:30am-12:30pm. You can register online now.