Barnsley Lesbian Gay Transgender Forum | Berneslai Homes

Article: Barnsley Lesbian Gay Transgender Forum

The Barnsley Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Forum was launched in July 2008 and Berneslai Homes sits on the  LGBT forum steering group, providing support, advice and guidance. Barnsley LGBT Forum is a non-profit, voluntary sector organisation supporting LGBT people together with their families and friends across the Barnsley area.  Their aims are:

• For people to meet together in a comfortable, safe environment where they can be themselves.
• To work towards making Barnsley an inclusive place that celebrates the different people that make up the town.
• To be a source of information about community events, social networks, entertainment and support.

LGBT Forum AGM

This year's LGBT Forum Annual General Meeting is at Barnsley Metrodome Leisure Centre on 13th April 2012 at 6pm. If you want to take part, please contact the forum through barnsleylgbtsecretary@hotmail.co.uk

LGBT Forum partnership with Berneslai Homes

In August 2010 a new partnership (the first of its kind in Barnsley) was formed between LGBT Forum and Berneslai Homes.  The partnership agreement sets out how the two organisations can support each others work with the LGBT community in Barnsley.  The agreement includes details of the kind of support the organisations can offer each other. Berneslai Homes recognises that LGBT people can experience prejudice and discrimination through a lack of understanding or tolerance, and wants to work with the community to improve relationships across the whole of the community.

Other initiatives the LGBT Forum has in its annual work plan include development of training, hosting events for LGBT History Month, taking part in cross cultural events like Refugee Week and the All Barnsley Diversity Festival, and developing their website with articles and messages for Berneslai Homes' tenants.

The Rainbow Tick

Berneslai Homes is particularly proud to have been instrumental in developing a logo for gay friendly venues and businesses called “The Rainbow Tick”, to be administered by the LGBT Forum.  This is now trademarked, and organisations will be invited to apply to be assessed to establish their “LGBT Friendly” credentials. Those who successfully meet the assessment criteria will have the right to display The Rainbow Tick and a statement of commitment.  In February 2012, the LGBT Forum launched the Rainbow Tick and Berneslai Homes was one of only 2 organisations to receive the Rainbow Tick Gold Award, in recognition of their work on behalf of the LGBT community. 

For further information and the latest news and events please visit the Barnsley LGBT Forum website.

Useful information

• Community Events
• LGBT Agreement 
• LGBT Mission Statement 2010
• LGBT Hate Crime Leaflet