It's that time of year when we all look back and reflect on the past 12 months, and this year has been an eventful one, so here are some of my highlights.
In February, after over 14 years and being involved since their founding, I stepped down from my role as Chair of the board for FreeTech Project (trading name of Libre Digital Ltd) (originally SilenceBreaker Media).
For LGBT History Month I hosted the session: Counting Queers - Best practices in LGBTQ+ Data Collection and Monitoring https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/counting-queers-best-practices-in-lgbtq-data-collection-and-monitoring-tickets-776410945037
I was also on the panel for Sheffield Libraries LGBT History Month event: Section 28 - Coming Out at School. (This event was recorded as a podcast for Proud Changemakers which you can listen back to at https://linktr.ee/proudchangemakers).
And I was the guest on the Diversity Fest Hour SheffieldLive for their LGBT History Month show.
In March I was proud to host SAYiT (Sheena Amos Youth Trust)'s Intersections Conference
I also spoke at NEU Yorkshire & Humber LGBT+ Educators Network conference about the Guidance for Schools and Colleges on Gender Questioning Children consultation.
And I was honoured to be nominated for the Positive Role Model Award in The National Diversity Awards 2024.
In May, I was proud to host Sheffield's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVr8g5Kodl4
Then, after 5 great years at SAYiT (Sheena Amos Youth Trust), I announced I was stepping down as CEO. https://www.sayit.org.uk/post/a-message-from-sayit-ceo-heather-paterson
In June I presented a session on Responding to anti-LGBTQ+ hate in the Charity Sector with NCVO and Media Trust.
I also presented a session about current LGBTQ+ issues and campaigns as part of The SEO Works Pride month events.
In July I was back on the radio, this time with BBC Radio Sheffield talking about LGBTQ+ issues in the UK General Election.
I then joined Consortium of LGBT+ Voluntary and Community Organisations as their new Head of Partnerships and Development.
In October the chapter I co-authored with Carol Fordham, "Supporting neurodiverse LGBTQ+ students to thrive" was published in "Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools" https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003451907-13/supporting-neurodiverse-lgbtq-students-thrive-carol-fordham-heather-paterson
In October I joined Sakib Khan to present at GiveOut securing vital funding to support LGBT+ global majority groups.
In November, after holding senior leadership roles for several years now, I decided it was about time to actually get a management qualification and enrolled on Level 7 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Certificate, Strategic Management and Leadership with KnowledgeBrief so I am currently studying again working towards completing that.
And there was much more besides that I have missed, but what a year. Working, volunteering, and campaigning in the LGBT+ sector, and indeed existing as a queer person in the current climate can be exhausting. But it can also be incredibly rewarding and I am fortunate to have been able to work with so many wonderful people. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next year brings. I already have one exciting announcement for January that I'm biting my lip on at the moment, but I'm sure 2025 will bring just as many challenges and rewards.
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