Peer Learning Sessions provide a space for SIS Linguists to meet their colleagues, share experience and receive information from SIS, Service Providers and other voluntary sector services.
On Wednesday 17th July 2024 we were joined by Reuben from Switchboard who spoke with the group about LGBTQ inclusion.
The information shared focussed on LGBT terminology, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and global mapping of LGBTQ rights. Additionally Reuben supported attendees in understanding some of the health inequalities and other challenges faced by LGBTQ communities. This knowledge is particularly relevant to the Community Interpreters who provide language support in a range of health and social care and voluntary sector settings.
The session succeeded in getting us all thinking and talking. We agreed as a group that increasing understanding of LGBTQ inclusion is vital in effectively supporting people with a language need who have faced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These individuals often navigate multiple layers of marginalisation and trauma, and language barriers can make accessing services and essential healthcare even more challenging. By continuing our learning around LGBTQ issues, Community Interpreters and SIS staff can offer more empathetic and comprehensive support, ensuring that all individuals feel understood and respected. This commitment to inclusivity enhances the quality of our services and helps create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
‘It was very informative. Reuben was very lovely as a person and as a person to inform us and give us a full picture of how we can take this knowledge forward.’ Niki Pinos – Community Interpreter
“Thank you SIS for arranging the conference. Not only could l learn new concepts, vocabularies and updated information about the topic, l could also hear about on our co workers’ candid sharing and viewpoints which were all amazing, eye opening and inspiring.” Bagiuo Kam Fung Wong – Community Interpreter
“I was really impressed by Rueben’s delivery. Super friendly and engaging, great level of interaction and checking comprehension, the fact that he shared some personal information/experience really made it more meaningful.” Lucy Walker – Service Coordinator
A heartfelt thank you to Reuben from Switchboard and to the Community Interpreters and staff who attended, for making this important session a success.
Switchboard IRIS Project
At the session Reuben also promoted the amazing support Switchboard are delivering through the IRIS project. In June our Quality Assurance Manager Vikki Gimson visited the group to talk with them about their rights to interpreting, how to access interpreting through SIS and our other support services.
IRIS, or International Rainbow Inclusion Service, is a free service for LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.
Set up in December 2023 by Switchboard and fellow Brighton-based organisation Conversation Over Borders, it offers friendly, discreet, weekly social groups and one-to-one social prescribing support.
The aim is to support LGBTQ+ newcomers to the UK to help them adjust to their new surroundings, which may feel intimidating and difficult to navigate.
If you’d like to register with or help someone access the service, please do so by completing the online form:(https://www.switchboard.org.uk/what-we-do/iris-international-rainbow-inclusion-service/)
For further information about IRIS or support with this form , please email Reuben Davidson at reuben.davidson@switchboard.org.uk
