FOI request (FOIR-524071655)

Authority LGBT policies

Requested Thu 15 June 2023
Responded Fri 23 June 2023

I am interested in issues of gender sexuality inclusion in the authority area.

For the last year up to date, but inclusive of information and documents from work which may have begun before this period and is still being pursued by the council.

(For example, a project to devise an action plan may have begun in 2020, but plans may still be used by the council now.)

1. Could you please outline all projects undertaken to increase inclusion in regards to gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally? For example, putting out pride flags or rainbow crossings, staging Pride march, or a drag queen story hour, school outreach work, and so on.

2. Could you please outline all policies relating to inclusion in regards to gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally, and any particular guidance for staff used (perhaps from an outside body) or devised by the authority itself, and can you provide examples of this? For example, a guide to correct use of language (particularly gender-inclusive language) or targets for representation.

3. If possible, could you provide a cost breakdown from 2020 on spend to date on the following:

a. Pride flags

b. Rainbow crossings

c. Badges or pins related to LGBTQIA+ (pronoun badges for example)

d. Pride march expenses broken down in as much detail as possible

e. Drag queen events (story hours for example)

f. School events overseen by the council in some way

4. For the above work to, gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally, can you please provide information of any grants received by the council to pursue this work, or any payments or grants made by the council to pursue this work (for example, charities with expertise in this area)?

Can you also detail any outside advice of consultation offered or procured for all issues detailed above? For example, boosting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in libraries and museums, advice given by Stonewall.

Response

1.

Supporting Pride Month in council communication channels.

Display Pride flag at Town Hall during Pride month and for Hastings Pride in August.

The council supports the Hastings Pride event with advice and guidance and publicity but the event is not organised by Hastings Borough Council.

2. Please see attached documents.

3. 2 x progress flags purchased in 2021 at a cost of £250.00.

4. No grants received by Hastings Borough Council.

Attachments

• FOIR-524071655_FOIR-524071655_3-FOI524071655_(3)_Equality_Diversity_and_Inclusion_policy_Rev_Dec_22.pdf
• FOIR-524071655_FOIR-524071655_4-FOI524071655_(4)_Code_of_conduct_policy.pdf
• FOIR-524071655_FOIR-524071655_1-FOI524071655_(1)_Trans_Equality_Policy.pdf
• FOIR-524071655_FOIR-524071655_2-FOI524071655_(2)_sexual_orientation_policy.pdf