In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid—Director and Founder of Diverse Matters—is joined by three brilliant members of the Diverse Matters team: Paula Whelan-Cooper, Luise Usiskin and Kyriacos Koursis. Together, they explore what progress has really been made when it comes to lesbian, gay and bisexual inclusion, both in the workplace and wider society.

Prompted by the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality legislation in the UK, this honest and deeply personal conversation highlights just how far we’ve come—and how much further we still need to go. The episode delves into real-life experiences of coming out, the ongoing impact of homophobia and biphobia, and the subtle but exhausting microaggressions that LGB people continue to face every day.

The team also unpacks the complexities of allyship, the importance of authentic workplace support beyond rainbow logos, and why organisations must do more than show up during Pride Month.

Topics include:
•Representation in media and advertising: progress or performative?
•The emotional toll of having to constantly ‘come out’
•How to challenge stereotypes without feeling like a spokesperson for your entire community
•Why inclusive policies are only effective when people feel safe to speak up
•The power of reverse mentoring and lived experience-led training

This episode is rich with insight, laughter, reflection, and vulnerability. Whether you’re part of the LGB community or an ally seeking to learn more, this is essential listening for anyone committed to creating truly inclusive cultures.

🎧 Tune in for a moving, educational, and inspiring conversation—because inclusion is not a moment, it’s a movement.

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid, Director of Diverse Matters, is joined by Elliott Rae—founder of Music Football Fatherhood, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for inclusive fatherhood and men’s mental health.

Together, they delve into why engaging men in conversations about inclusion, mental health, and parenting is not only necessary, but urgent. Elliott shares his deeply personal journey into this work—from navigating PTSD after the traumatic birth of his daughter, to building safe spaces where men, particularly Black fathers, can be vulnerable, connect, and grow.

The conversation explores:

• The need for better paternity and shared parental leave policies in the UK
• How societal expectations around masculinity are impacting men's wellbeing
• The importance of male allyship in driving gender equality
• How inclusive workplaces can support fathers through 'Parenting Out Loud' cultures
• The impact of early intervention and conversations around healthy masculinity, especially with boys

With heartfelt stories and practical insights, Elliott offers a compelling vision for more inclusive, compassionate, and connected workplaces and communities.

📣 Whether you're an HR leader, a parent, or simply passionate about equity and wellbeing, this is a must-listen.

🔗 Find out more about Elliot here: musicfootballfatherhood.com
💬 Join the conversation using #DiverseTalkMatters

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

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In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families – the UK’s leading work-life balance charity working to remove the barriers faced by working parents and carers.

Jane and Tash discuss the wide range of support offered by Working Families, including their free legal advice line, which helps working parents and carers understand and assert their workplace rights. They explore how the charity works directly with employers to create truly flexible and family-friendly environments, and how this benefits all employees – not just those with caring responsibilities.

This episode dives into key themes including:

• The importance of flexible working for individuals and organisations
• Insights from the Working Families Index and what it tells us about modern working life
• Equalising parental leave and providing better support for dads
• Enhancing workplace policies for adoption, fostering, and surrogacy
• Why job design, line manager training, and leadership culture are essential for embedding flexibility
• The small changes organisations can make that have a big impact
• Advocating for policy change based on lived experience and best practice

📅 The significance of National Work Life Week in promoting better work-life balance

Jane brings a wealth of practical insight into what’s working, what needs to change, and how organisations can take meaningful steps towards becoming more inclusive and supportive for all working families.

Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, line manager or someone balancing work and care, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help drive positive change.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.