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# BBC releases Stonewall ‘investigation’ after cutting ties with the charity
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/bbc-releases-stonewall-investigation-after-cutting-ties-with-the-charity/
- Published: 2021-10-18T08:51:48.000Z
- Updated: 2021-10-18T08:51:48.000Z
- Description: The BBC has released a 10-part investigative podcast as it announced its ‘investigation’ into LGBTQ+ organisation Stonewall.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Queer Corner, Television, BBC, LGBTQ, Ofcom, Stonewall UK, Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme, Trans

After pulling out of Stonewall’s [Diversity Champions programme](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/bbc-to-quit-stonewalls-diversity-champions-programme/), the BBC has released a 10-part investigative podcast and [article](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58917227?ref=scenemag.co.uk) titled *Stonewall’s influence on BBC and Ofcom revealed* as it announced its ‘investigation’ into the LGBTQ+ organisation. The report found [Ofcom](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ofcom-cuts-ties-with-stonewall/) is continuing to submit information to the Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index program, despite also having cut ties with the charity, with an Ofcom representative saying: *“Our participation in the Stonewall Equality Index has no bearing whatsoever on any of our broadcasting standards decisions.”*

While the BBC did not release any information about its participation in the Workplace Equality Index scheme, a former BBC journalist said she believes that workers are ‘afraid’ to speak out against Stonewall, adding: *“How can it not have a chilling effect when it is writ large across the BBC that we are a* \[Stonewall\] *champion. I can’t think of anything else that the BBC has done that’s in the same ball park.”* Stonewall told the podcast that it is *“completely normal and appropriate for charities to engage with public sector organisations”,* as it strives to create more inclusive workplaces in the UK.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/stonewall-trans-rights-600-400.jpg)

LGBTQ+ activists and politicians have criticised the BBC investigation, with the hashtag #IStandWithStonewall circulating on social media. [LGBT+ Labour](https://twitter.com/LGBTLabour/status/1448966127477006358?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1448966127477006358%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinknews.co.uk%2F2021%2F10%2F16%2Fstonewall-bbc-podcast-nolan%2F&ref=scenemag.co.uk) described the BBC report as an *“attack”* that was *“co-ordinated by those who seek to play with fire, by those who mean us harm, and by those who know better.”* MP [Zarah Sultana](https://twitter.com/zarahsultana/status/1448786601392345089?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1448786601392345089%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinknews.co.uk%2F2021%2F10%2F16%2Fstonewall-bbc-podcast-nolan%2F&ref=scenemag.co.uk) also condemned the *“hateful campaign”*, adding: *“Relentless attempts to vilify Stonewall, simply because they stand up for trans rights, are shameful and frightening. That the BBC is using public money to amplify such a hateful campaign, reminiscent of homophobic moral panics, beggars belief.”*

[Stonewall](https://twitter.com/stonewalluk/status/1448654195658088453?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1448723768122253312%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinknews.co.uk%2F2021%2F10%2F16%2Fstonewall-bbc-podcast-nolan%2F&ref=scenemag.co.uk) said it makes no apology *“for working towards a better world for LGBTQ+ people”*, as it continues its current work to ban conversion therapy, support LGBTQ+ refugees and help LGBTQ+ people report hate crimes.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/stonewall-diversity-champion-600-400.jpg)