CILIP LGBTQ+ Network ran its fourth annual Festival of Pride and Knowledge in June, which featured a celebration of diversity and inclusion within the library and information profession.

"The festival has now been running for four years, and it engages, educates, celebrates, and inspires those working within the library, knowledge and information (LKI) professions..."

LGBTQIA+ disinformation – information literacy for allyship with Beth Montague-Hellen (Co-Chair LGBTQ+ Network, Head of Library and Information Services at the Francis Crick Institute), Anne-Lise Harding (Co-chair of CILIP Information Literacy Group, Strategic Training Lead at the House of Commons Library), and Laura Woods (Co-chair of CILIP Information Literacy Group, PhD Student at the University of Sheffield, Subject Librarian at the University of Huddersfield). In this engaging awareness raising session, our experts combined their knowledge and lived experience to present concrete examples of disinformation and discussed how librarians can help raise awareness of them and support library users struggling to understand the debates and opinions aired to assess information about LGBTQ+ issues, particularly around identifying possible bias and motives.

LGBTQ+ books – looking outside of libraries saw Andrew James (Director at Facet Publishing), Rosie May (Owner and Director of Juno Books), and Sacha Coward (author) exploring the vibrant world of LGBTQ+ literature, as well as sharing the unique challenges they face in championing LGBTQ+ books.

LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths – in this event I highlighted the creativity and resilience within an LGBTQ+ exhibition I’d recently curated at Goldsmiths, University of London Library. The exhibition, focused on positive representation and reflection, showcased the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals through original art, videos, music, and games, alongside archival materials.

The festival has now been running for four years, and it engages, educates, celebrates, and inspires those working within the library, knowledge and information (LKI) professions to develop LGBTQ+ representation in our collections and create strategies for creating inclusive spaces as well.

It has been fantastic for the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Committee to engage with not only other LKI workers as part of the festival, but also those outside of the profession who also play a part in its development and success. Thank you to all those who contributed to and attended the events.

The festival and the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network itself provides the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build a supportive community for LGBTQ+ LKI workers and allies. And even though these opportunities are beneficial to all regardless of role and where they are on their career path, they are especially useful for those early on in their LKI careers looking to both develop their skills and expand their professional network.

We asked two of our CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Committee Members, Emzy and Lucy, about the benefits of being part of the Network and the Committee.

“I’ve been on the committee for nearly a year now and it’s been great! I feel more connected to CILIP and the wider LGBTQ+ ILS community and I’ve learned so much from my fellow committee members who are very supportive and willing to offer training and advice when needed. It’s definitely helped me with the start of my ILS career and I thoroughly recommend a committee position to any new graduate.” – Emzy Wilkins, Digital Champion.

“I’m new to the committee but I already appreciate working alongside like-minded people from a range of library backgrounds. As an early career professional, being on the committee is a good opportunity to gain new skills alongside my role as a Library Assistant, and to bring knowledge about LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusion to my workplace. I really appreciate how friendly and welcoming everyone has been!” – Lucy Davies, Digital Champion.

If, like Emzy and Lucy, you would like to help build this supportive network, and play a part in developing inclusive and diverse practices within the profession, you can join here.

It’s free, and open to both CILIP members and non-members. And we welcome all library, information and knowledge workers and LKI students who identify as LGBTQ+, regardless of what stage you are at in your career.

Please also keep an eye out for upcoming Committee roles here