Earlier this week, officers from Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC), alongside colleagues from the Hebden Bridge Picture House, came together to participate in a dedicated training session on LGBTQIA+ awareness and allyship. The session focused on delivering inclusive and accessible services across both organisations, while fostering a more open, welcoming, and supportive workplace culture for employees and elected members.
Entitled “LGBTQIA+ Communities: Deeper Understanding for Allyship”, the training was led by Jenn Wilson, founder of the International Day of Consent, former Chair of Happy Valley Pride (HPV), and now an HPV associate and respected writer, speaker, performing artist, and activist.
Jenn generously held space for the group while delivering an inspiring and thought-provoking session. With an evident passion for inclusion, they facilitated an open and supportive environment for participants’ questions and guided the group through important learning on the historical contexts of LGBTQIA+ oppression and the UK legal frameworks (or lack thereof) that have shaped and impacted LGBTQIA+ lived experiences.
Cllr Keith Butterick, Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, said:
“It’s perhaps now more critical than ever that Hebden Royd Town Council takes positive action to ally with our LGBTQIA+ communities. We value the contributions and diversity of everyone in our community, and I’m proud that both the Council and Picture House staff continue to do such a great job in learning, reflecting, and working together to ensure Hebden Royd is a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.”
Earlier this summer, all Town Councillors were invited to attend the same training session hosted by Jenn. The session was well attended by elected members, who valued the opportunity to engage in a psychologically safe and reflective space – one that allowed them to learn, ask questions, and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ allyship.
This training is one of the many ways Hebden Royd Town Council continues to strengthen its allyship with LGBTQIA+ communities and support the diverse people who make up Hebden Royd. The Council has proudly funded the Happy Valley Pride Festival for many years through its community grants, showing real and lasting support for local LGBTQIA+ initiatives. That commitment continues today, with Out in the Valley also receiving funding in the latest round of community grants for its work across Hebden Royd.
