Dan, the chair of our LGBTQ+ internal network group, Aspect, attended Trainbow Europe’s event in York to meet like-minded individuals from across the industry.
Senior Conductor, Dan, has been the life and soul of the party here at West Midlands Railway since taking over as Chairman of our LGBTQ+ internal network group, Aspect.
Recently, Dan was invited by Network Rail and our partners at the Rail Delivery Group , to attend the Trainbow Europe conference held at York’s National Railway Museum . The conference was an opportunity for organisations across Europe to share, learn and develop plans to help the railways become a more inclusive industry.
Since returning, we caught up with Dan to share with us what he got up to and how he felt attending the event. Here’s what he had to say…
Dan’s trip to Trainbow Europe
"I was honoured to attend Trainbow Europe, which was both an emotional and empowering experience. I felt a mixture of proudness, empowerment, and sadness as I listened to a variety of talks throughout the day.
It really made me reflect on our history, on how sad it makes me feel knowing how many of our LGBTQ+ community elders died in awful conditions with an appalling lack of medical care, empathy, and humanity. We learnt about those who rioted for equal rights and the freedoms we have today, which really made me think that together as a community we need to do better. We need to stand together in strength, unity and support each other for greater equality."
"I also felt a feeling of emotional empowerment when I was first invited to Trainbow Europe, as these events can truly make a difference. Being in a room filled with people who are just as passionate as I am about equality from all over Europe really made me feel a sense of belonging. I felt the connection immediately and found myself surrounded by like-minded people from an amazing cross-section of life. All having a vital role to play in helping shape the future of inclusion.
It then dawned on me, that the most empowering part of it all was knowing that we were together, working as one, learning as one, and sharing our railway experiences – all of its highs and lows, as well as the things we need to change to help our industry become more inclusive.
Overall, I think the event left me with a feeling of proudness, which I feel is a fitting end to my time talking about the conference…
The proudness I have been left with is tremendous. After returning back to my hotel on the first night I cried with tears of overwhelming joy. Joy knowing that I shared a room with people, who just like me, want change and want our community to be the best that they can be.
I was also proud that my true authentic self was allowed to be there in a professional manner, proudly representing West Midlands Railway as well as having the support of RMT’s Branch Secretary, Steve Craddock.
The learnings that I will take forward and encourage others to do, whether colleagues or passengers, is to be yourself and be the best version you can be. Let’s support each other and stick up for those who need it most. And if you spot hate crime happening on the network, you can also report it to the British Transport Police."
If you've witnessed or been the victim of a hate crime, find out how to report it to the British Transport Police , and other places to get help, support, and advice.