LGBTQIA+ network

^{Physio student Niko Brenner talks about why members should join the network} 

Mission and objectives

Over the past several years, the CSP’s LGBTQIA+ network has gone from strength to strength by embodying the CSP’s mission of:

• Transforming health and wellbeing.
• Empowering members.
• Exerting influence.

This has been achieved in so many exciting ways including: a strong (and colourful) presence at London Pride; representation at LGBT TUC and Stonewall conferences; motions at ARC; and opportunities for individual network members to attend network training days.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ network attended Stonewall conference in 2019, as well as the TUC Equalities conference in 2018. Due to the pandemic, we did not attend Stonewall conference in 2020. 

We’ve seen the visibility and purpose of the network grow and, more importantly, we’ve seen how LGBTQIA+ issues have been listened to and direct action taken. Along with the issues championed by our fellow diversity networks, CSP Council has a strong commitment to increasing equality and diversity throughout our profession.

Convenor biography: Sudhir 

I am a gay, South Asian, immigrant physio working in the private sector. I have been a member of the CSP for 20 years and took on the role of convenor for the network in September 2020.

In physiotherapy, we are very good at looking after our patients in an open and inclusive way. I would like to give some focus to that of the CSP member i.e. YOU as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community within the CSP.

During my time as convenor, I would like to:

• Provide a safe space for colleagues to connect 
• Increase membership of the network and improve our visibility and representation.
• Network with other LGBTQIA+ networks.
• Facilitate deep and meaningful conversations challenging prejudice, bigotry, patriachy and micro-aggressions. 
• I have many more ideas to bring to the table, so please join one of our network meetings. Email Gill Feldman for meeting dates.

I am here to support the network to empower each of you individually and as a network to continue to influence and help transform the experience of members and communities by flying the flag for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Above all, our network is a community. I want to make sure it is accessible to everyone in our membership as together we really are stronger.

Contact Sudhir

Network priorities

Although great strides have been made, we are aware of the continuing work required to improve the lives of our members as well as those of our service users and their communities.

In the coming year we’d like to explore how we can be more accessible to our members in a way that’s best for them. This way they will all be able to contribute to the CSP’s EDI strategy. This is an exciting time and we look forward to each of you being involved.

History of the network

The network was set up in 1995 and sits within the Employment Relations and Union Services Directorate at the CSP. The network is led by a Convenor or Co-Convenor (if a job-share is preferred), whose role lasts for a two-year term before they either step down or stand for re-election. 

Network members have supported the education and transformation of LGBTQIA+ rights within physiotherapy, workplaces and wider society. 

Below, network members talk at the CSP Joint Diversity networks day 2019 about what it means to be a part of the CSP Diversity networks. 

Get involved

There are many ways in which you can engage with the network:

• Twice yearly diversity network days and regular virtual events and socials. Email EDI admin support officer Gill Feldman for more info
• iCSP network and conversations.
• Join the network WhatsApp group. Email Gill Feldman to join.
• Follow the network Twitter account @CSPLGBTQIA+.
• Search for our CSP LGBTQIA+ Facebook Group and join in 
• Follow on The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy LGBTQIA+ network on Facebook.