Five-time Olympic swimming champion attends AMEX LGBTQ+ networking event

Hosted by American Express at its 1 John Street Office last month (January 30), the inaugural event provided an opportunity for discussions about local community needs, best practice, and networking.

Keynote speakers included five-time British Olympic champion, Mark Foster, and Pink News Politician of the Year 2018, Lord Hayward, who has been recognised for his work delivering marriage equality in Northern Ireland.

Foster, who is openly gay, spoke about challenges he faced during his 23-year professional swimming career, during which he has beaten 8 world records.

A panel discussion took place featuring senior figures at American Express and the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Panel members spoke about the importance of an LGBTQ+ colleague network and engaging community groups and charities.

Tim Ehinger, executive vice president at American Express, said: “We’re delighted to back the first Brighton and Hove LGBTQ+ Community Summit.

“There are so many fantastic LGBTQ+ charitable organisations, groups, and networks in the city and more widely across Sussex.

“This forum has brought all these key groups and representatives together in one place, at the same time, to create a common dialogue, share and learn from each other’s experiences and make valuable connections for the future.

Mr Ehinger said he hoped the event could take place annually as participants had given ‘positive feedback’.