Jan Gooding steps down after six year term and remains on the board as a trustee
BY KELLY-ANNE TAYLOR. IMAGE STONEWALL
This morning, Stonewall, Britain’s leading charity for LGBT+ equality, announced the appointment of its new Chair of Trustees, Sheldon Mills.
“I’m hugely excited and proud to be appointed Chair,” said Sheldon. “Right now, we’re all living through extraordinarily challenging times, but we know minority communities are often the hardest hit in a crisis, so the need for Stonewall has arguably never been greater.
“If the history of our movement teaches us anything, it’s that the LGBT community is at its strongest and most resilient, when we stick together and look out for one another.”
Sheldon’s work, as Stonewall’s longest-standing trustee, has been remarkable; he was involved in Stonewall’s decision to become a trans-inclusive organisation in 2015 and has long supported the charity’s ground-breaking partnership with UK Black Pride. He is also the first person of colour (POC) appointed as Stonewall’s chair.
“Whether you’re a working-class lesbian of colour up in Dundee, a trans man living in Aberystwyth or a bi refugee who’s just arrived in the UK, Stonewall is here to fight for you,” he continued.
Sheldon succeeds Jan Gooding, who stepped down from her role as Chair after six years of service. After a terrific run Jan’s journey will not end here, and she will be staying on the board as a trustee.
“Sheldon has been with me every step of the way and I have no doubt he’s ready to take the reins,” she said of the appointment. “He is an inspiring leader with a deep passion and understanding of the issues facing LGBT people and the vital role Stonewall can play in making a difference.
“Stonewall’s work won’t be finished until every lesbian, gay, bi and trans person is accepted without exception and I look forward to seeing how the charity continues to go from strength to strength in the years to come.”
Like many businesses, DIVA has been hit hard by the economic impact of coronavirus and we need your help to keep the presses rolling throughout the pandemic. Visit our PayPal fundraising page and give what you can. Your support means the world.
divadirect.info // divadigital.co.uk // tinyurl.com/DIVADonate
