We are looking for volunteers. Are you interested?
The Plus Importance Project aims to create a world where those who identify fully or partly in the + of LGBT+ experience equal rights, respect and representation.
As people in the +, we frequently experience erasure, where we are ignored, forgotten about and disregarded. Our identities are valid and should be recognised, understood and celebrated.
The Problem
The erasure of + identities results in a number of issues including:
+ identities are not included in the Equality Act 2010. This means we don’t have protection from discrimination and organisations have no legal obligations to prevent indirect discrimination impacting us.
LGBT+ spaces should be inclusive of everyone but those in the + can often feel unwelcome, misunderstood and ignored. This lack of community can make some people in the + feel isolated and alone.
Those in the + often encounter forms and surveys where their identity isn’t listed, organisational equality policies that don’t include those in the + and widespread use of archaic terms such as ‘he/she’.
A lack of + inclusive resources means that many people in the + don’t find the terminology they need when they first realise they are part of the LGBT+ community. Similarly, those in the + are often burdened with the expectation of explaining their identity and needing to argue the validity of their identity.
Those in the + rarely, if ever, see their identities reflected in everything from politics to fictional characters. Even in rare cases of representation, there can often be problematic stereotypes.
Collectively, the above creates an exhausting and unwelcoming environment where people in the + are frustrated by the lack of acceptance and understanding, are prompted to doubt the validity of their own identity and are less confident about being their authentic selves which impacts their wellbeing. We should all be truly proud of who we are.
What We Do
The Plus Importance Project improves understanding and inclusion of people in the + of LGBT+ by:
I struggled with my sexuality for so many years because the only terms I knew didn’t fit. I should have been relieved, but I was frustrated that I had unnecessarily spent so many years worrying that something was wrong with me.
Matt’s Story
Our founder, Matt Humberstone (he/him) is a multi-award winning volunteer with over 10 years of experience in organisational development and improving equality.
It wasn’t until my last year of university that I found the terminology to describe my identity. As an asexual homosensual panromantic, I struggled with my sexuality for so many years because the only terms I knew didn’t fit. I should have been relieved, but I was frustrated that I had unnecessarily spent so many years worrying that something was wrong with me.
I’ve experienced discrimination both within and outside of the LGBT+ community, including threats of violence, such as corrective rape. The constant erasure of + identities has created a culture where my experiences are common and the continuation of this erasure is incredibly exhausting. Every day, I see cases where the + isn’t included and where those in the + are made to feel unwelcome or experience invalidation.
To tackle this issue, I’ve successfully lobbied national organisations to be more + inclusive including Stonewall, The National Union of Students and The Scout Association. The establishment of the Plus Importance Project aims to professionalise this approach, reaching more organisations and having a more thorough impact so that everyone in the + can feel seen and valued.
Volunteer with us
We particularly aim to recruit people with a wide range of + identities to ensure our work is as inclusive as possible.
Chair of Trustees – Leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring the board is effective
View Application PackTrustee (Social Policy Lead) – Overseeing our policy, campaigning and advocacy activities
View Application PackVolunteer Coordinator – Supporting the development of volunteering across the charity
View Application PackSocial Media Volunteer – Creating engaging content to improve public awareness and understanding of identities in the + of LGBT+
View Application PackMarketing Volunteer – Supporting our communications to reach a wider audience
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Research Volunteer – Gathering data and building our knowledge base so we can successfully educate others and create change
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Social Policy Volunteer – Supporting our policy, campaigning and advocacy activities to improve rights and representation
View Application PackFundraising Volunteer – Developing sources of income to support our long-term growth and development
View Application PackLived Experience Volunteer – Sharing your personal experience and helping to inform our best practice guidance and resources
View Application PackGeneral Volunteer – Supporting the charity with creating resources, ad-hoc tasks and projects
View Application PackFor more information, please contact us on hello@plusimportance.org.uk
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Registered Charity Number: 1206433
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