BBC staff who are LGBT have harshly criticized the BBC for its handling of stories on transgender persons. Many threatened to leave.
BBC Pride Network, a group made up of LGBTQ+ workers, used Monday’s ‘listening sessions’ to vent their frustrations to bosses following the publication by BBC News that claimed some transgender women were rapists according to VICE World News.
After it became clear that Lily Cade, who was quoted in this piece, had once described trans women as ‘vile and weak’ and called for the execution of high-profile transgender women, the BBC was forced into editing the article.
Phil Harrold who is the director-general’s office said that he did not give any answers to the staff questions of the 100 present. However, he assured them they would be addressed by Tim Davie in a Friday session.
More than 100 LGBT staff criticised the BBC’s Pride Network listening room for their treatment of reporting on transgender people.
Zoom employees claimed they had heard of transgender staffers who were evicted in fear that the BBC would bias against them.
The Times estimates that about 2 to 3% of BBC workers – approximately 400 people – are trans.
One employee on the calls said: ‘My trans and LGBT friends have lost confidence in the BBC – I’m losing confidence in the BBC – and I’m considering whether my place should be in this organisation’, VICE World News reported.
The BBC’s podcast on Stonewall, the LGBT organization with public bodies including Ofcom and Welsh governments was also a source of concern for employees.
Nolan Investigates spent two episodes exploring the relationship between Stonewall and BBC Diversity and Inclusion.
It was revealed how the lobby organization played an important role in the Department’s internal report on ‘LGBT Culture and Progression’. They ‘identified strengths and weaknesses in BBC’s approach.
A non-binary ex-employee at the broadcaster said: ‘It is incredibly difficult to challenge BBC editors on transphobic content, VICE World News reported.
It is not easy to talk up to staff who could one day decide whether or not you have a job.
“It is almost as if you’re risking your job by participating in these conversations.”
The expression of staff discontent comes just a day after the BBC confirmed it would be leaving Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Scheme due to the ‘risk of a perception of bias’.
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Program is where businesses can register and pay to receive advice from Stonewall about creating an inclusive work environment for LGBT people.
But it has been recently mired in controversy after its chief executive Nancy Kelley claimed ‘gender critical’ beliefs – the belief that a person’s biological sex cannot be changed – were like anti-Semitism.
In a Wednesday statement, the organisation stated that while it will not renew its participation in this programme, it will continue working with various organisations in support of its LGBT staff.
Stonewall’s Diversity Ambassadors is a program where employers can sign up for and pay Stonewall for assistance in creating an inclusive workplace for LGBT workers.
The Stonewall scheme has been abandoned by at least eight large organizations
As part of an intern BBC course, this image was shown to staff.
Stonewall’s chief executive Nancy Kelley claimed ‘gender critical’ beliefs – were like anti-Semitism
Rhodri Davies, BBC Director of Nations said Thursday to Women’s Hour that the corporation is working hard to make a more inclusive workplace while maintaining balance with its output.
M. Talfan Davies said: “In the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme case, it led to questions as to whether the BBC can be impartial in reporting on public debates such as this. Stonewall is active in campaigning for this issue.
“For this reason, we feel it’s time to withdraw from the programme.”
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Program is where businesses can register and pay to receive advice from Stonewall about creating an inclusive work environment for LGBT people.
But it has been recently mired in controversy after its Chief executive Nancy Kelley claimed ‘gender critical’ beliefs – the belief that a person’s biological sex cannot be changed – were like anti-Semitism.