A report by VICE World News has revealed that the BBC is likely to be withdrawing from Stonewallâs Diversity Champions programme, leaving LGBTQ+ staff âhorrifiedâ. According to the report, the BBC could be quitting the scheme – which strives to ensure that all âLGBTQ+ staff are accepted without exception in the workplaceâ – as soon as next week, causing concern among the LGBTQ+ community.
An anonymous person involved in the BBC discussions explained the decision, saying: âBBC bosses feel that they canât allow the organisation to be connected to Stonewall in any way, because the BBC needs to be âimpartial on LGBTQ+ livesâ.â They said that they are âsuper scaredâ about the impact this will have on LGBTQ+ employees, with the BBC planning to âquietly withdraw from the scheme, by just not renewing their membershipâ in the coming weeks. The BBC declined to answer questions from VICE.Â
Numerous LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy organisations have expressed outrage at the news, with Mermaids tweeting: âSolidarity with all LGBTQIA+ staff at the BBC. We stand with you and with all those who are working tirelessly in hostile, transphobic environments.â A handful of high-profile organisations have withdrawn from the Diversity Championâs Programme, including Ofcom, which argued its ârelationship with Stonewall poses a conflict or risk of perceived biasâ.
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