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Welcoming Emily Kirt to the LonGBoaT Wakefield Trustee Team

Writer's picture: LonGBoaT WakefieldLonGBoaT Wakefield

LonGBoaT Wakefield is delighted to welcome Emily Kirt to our Board of Trustees as our new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Officer. Emily brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for social justice, and we are thrilled to have her on board to help us continue making Wakefield a truly inclusive place to live, work, and thrive.


Why an EDI Lead is Essential

At LonGBoaT Wakefield, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Having a dedicated EDI Officer ensures that we are continually challenging discrimination, removing barriers to access, and advocating for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. The role is vital in ensuring that our services, events, and partnerships are accessible and equitable for everyone—particularly those who may face additional challenges due to disability, cultural background, socioeconomic status, or other intersecting factors.

Emily’s appointment strengthens our commitment to creating a community where every LGBTQ+ individual feels safe, valued, and empowered. She will play a key role in helping us identify and address barriers that prevent people from engaging with our work, while also supporting our outreach efforts with partner organisations across Wakefield.


Emily’s Journey & Passion for EDI

Emily and her wife moved to Wakefield in 2022, unsure of what to expect from the local LGBTQ+ scene. However, upon discovering LonGBoaT Wakefield at The New Union, they found a welcoming community where they could truly be themselves.

“I love the community we have found in Wakefield and have a personal interest in the work that LonGBoaT undertakes to strive to make Wakefield a truly inclusive place to live and work.”

Emily has dedicated her professional life to challenging discrimination and advocating for those who are marginalised. Her passion for EDI extends beyond her personal experiences—she has embedded these values into her career and everyday life.


Emily’s Skills & Experience

Emily is a Senior Social Worker with experience supporting adults in the community, care homes, and prisons. Through her work, she has gained a deep understanding of the importance of empowerment, equality, and advocacy. She has a strong working knowledge of the Equality Act and actively applies anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices to all aspects of her work.

She is also the Chair of Wakefield Council’s LGBTQIA+ Staff Network, BeProud, where she:

  • Chairs monthly network meetings.

  • Represents LGBTQIA+ employees in EDI meetings with senior leadership.

  • Collaborates with partner agencies to promote inclusivity and best practices.

  • Supports members in navigating workplace challenges and appropriately challenging discrimination.

Emily’s leadership skills, communication expertise, and experience working with complexity make her an invaluable addition to the LonGBoaT Wakefield team.


Emily’s Vision for LonGBoaT Wakefield

In her role as EDI Officer, Emily hopes to:

  • Ensure accessibility for all LGBTQ+ individuals in Wakefield, particularly those who may struggle to engage due to physical access needs, caring responsibilities, or cultural and religious barriers.

  • Conduct research on barriers to engagement and develop strategies to address them within the Wakefield LGBTQ+ community.

  • Promote EDI with partner organisations, creating resources, sharing best practices, and advocating for inclusive policies across the district.

  • Support key events, including the upcoming EDI Job Fair, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in planning and delivery.

  • Work towards a more inclusive community by embedding EDI principles into all aspects of LonGBoaT Wakefield’s operations and outreach.


“The main thing I would like to achieve is an inclusive community in Wakefield, and I believe that I can support LonGBoaT to strive towards this goal.”


Looking Ahead

Emily’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for LonGBoaT Wakefield. We are committed to working together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for our community. If you want to find out more about Emily’s work and our plans for the future, come along to one of our events, including Queer Social on Thursdays or our Hub Drop-In Coffee Mornings on Saturdays.


We are incredibly excited to welcome Emily to the team and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make!


Welcome, Emily!

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