The LI introduces #RainbowPlaces, the new cross-industry LGBTQ+ networking group

Nina Mason October 1, 2019

1 minute read

The Landscape Institute (LI) has announced the launch of #RainbowPlaces, a cross-industry LGBT+ and allies networking group.

#RainbowPlaces will provide a platform for people to have conversations around their experiences, to develop and implement ideas of how to make the industry more inclusive, to raise awareness and visibility, to champion role models and ‘proud’ practices already providing inclusive workplaces, and to lead by example in building a network with LGBT+ professionals and allies across sectors.

Aims:

To form a support and communication network to represent our LGBT+ members and allies
To help practices to improve LGBT+ inclusivity in the workplace
To connect with LGBT+ groups in other disciplines
To find areas within the industry with the potential to improve their approach to diversity
To organise social events linked with LI national or local events or LGBT+ events within other industries
To improve visibility of LGBT+ people within the industry.

Through #RainbowPlaces, the LI – alongside the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), the Institute of Place Management (IPM) and the Design Council will work to engage with LGBT+ professionals and allies working in the landscape, place and environment professions.

The Landscape Institute has said that as landscape professionals, we are passionate about people, place and nature and working towards improving the world around us.

But recent associated industry LGBT+ surveys suggest that we may be falling short of creating workplace environments that are inclusive of LGBT+ members in the profession. Through #RainbowPlaces, we want to represent and promote the value of diversity in its membership.

It believes that everyone should feel confident to be themselves at work – whether in a global corporation, on a construction site, in a small rural office, or working overseas. Research into inclusive work businesses shows that they’re often more resilient, as a diverse staff brings a broader spectrum of ideas and approaches that are representative of our society.

Next steps

In the first instance, the LI want to hear from you, LGBT+ professionals and allies, with your thoughts and ideas for the group.

It will have a networking and launch event in the evening following the LI Human Skills CPD day in Birmingham on Wednesday 9 October. This will provide the first opportunity to get together and discuss how the network will be run and plans it can make for 2020.

Later in the year it will be carrying out a Landscape, Place and Environmental Industries LGBT+ survey, which will help it to understand the current state of the profession regarding LGBT+ inclusivity and inform how best to support individuals and employers.

Please register your interest here for more details and to share your thoughts and ideas as we grow the network.