Brain Tumour Research reflects on what PRIDE and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community means to us as a medical research charity dedicated to research and campaigning for a cure for brain tumours.
Nicola Gale, our Research Communication Officer, spoke with members of the charity at the head office in Milton Keynes to find out what Pride and inclusion means to them.
Sue Farrington-Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research said: “Brain Tumour Research is passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours which are indiscriminate and take no account of backgrounds or differences. We value diversity in our workplace and amongst our supporters, suppliers, research community and all those we work with. During Pride month as ever, we are pleased to celebrate that we are one big family working together to find a cure.”
“Brain tumours are indiscriminate”
Amy is our Digital Marketing Officer. She spends her time ensuring website content is accessible for all.
“Brain tumours are indiscriminate; therefore, it is important that our brain tumour community is a space that is welcoming for all, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s essential that these individuals have access to the same level of care and services, medical treatments and clinical trials. It is their right to feel safe, understood and equal, especially during an extremely vulnerable time in their lives as a patient living with a brain tumour, or a loved one of someone with a brain tumour.
“In my role, I am always looking to improve and optimise the online experience for all users and to ensure that it is as accessible as possible.”
Amy, Digital Marketing Officer – Website
“Pride for me is about acceptance”
As Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Thomas is out and about meeting politicians in England, as well as the devolved nations, campaigning on behalf of the whole brain tumour community.
“Brain Tumour Research has a responsibility, as a charity, to create an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect and that they feel they are in a safe and supportive environment.
“Marking Pride is a step in the right direction. Pride for me is about acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people.”
Thomas, Policy and Public Affairs Officer
“People in the LGBTQ+ community should be able to live freely in a world without fear of judgement”
Our Celebrity Manager, Charlotte spends her time building relationships with celebrities and influencers who want to support the charity by raising awareness, campaigning and helping to increase the fundraising for research.
“People in the LGBTQ+ community should be able to live freely in a world without fear of judgement, prejudice, or exclusion. In law, it is a basic human right to be able to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. I believe Brain Tumour Research promotes inclusivity, creating a workspace which is supportive, understanding and very proactive in promoting mental well-being for all, every individual is valued and free to be themselves.”
Charlotte, Celebrity Manager
Alexa is the charity’s Communication Officer. She is passionate about Brain Tumour Research and ran the London Marathon for us earlier this year.
“Brain tumours are indiscriminate, they can affect anyone at any age, regardless of gender, race, sexuality and, what’s more, one in three people know someone affected by a brain tumour. Working in the Communications team at the charity, our job is to get this message across as much as possible. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, or what your beliefs are, a brain tumour can affect anyone. We embrace our supporters who generously share their stories on our website, Latest News, blog and in Believe Magazine, and who show that whoever you are, you can get involved however you can to support our vital work to find a cure for this devastating disease.”
Alexa, Communications Officer
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