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# BBC to quit Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/bbc-to-quit-stonewalls-diversity-champions-programme/
- Published: 2021-10-07T16:17:51.000Z
- Updated: 2021-10-07T13:23:36.000Z
- Description: A report has revealed that the BBC is likely to be withdrawing from the Diversity Champions programme, leaving LGBTQ+ staff “horrified”.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Television, BBC, LGBTQ, Mermaids, Ofcom, Stonewall UK, Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme, Trans

A report by [*VICE World News*](https://www.vice.com/en/article/akgxm5/bbc-expected-to-quit-stonewalls-lgbtq-diversity-programme?ref=scenemag.co.uk) has revealed that the BBC is likely to be withdrawing from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, leaving LGBTQ+ staff *“horrified”*. According to the report, the BBC could be quitting the scheme – which strives to ensure that all *“LGBTQ+ staff are accepted without exception in the workplace”* – as soon as next week, causing concern among the LGBTQ+ community.

An anonymous person involved in the BBC discussions explained the decision, saying: *“BBC bosses feel that they can’t allow the organisation to be connected to Stonewall in any way, because the BBC needs to be ‘impartial on LGBTQ+ lives’.”* They said that they are *“super scared”* about the impact this will have on LGBTQ+ employees, with the BBC planning to *“quietly withdraw from the scheme, by just not renewing their membership”* in the coming weeks. The BBC declined to answer questions from VICE.

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

Numerous LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy organisations have expressed outrage at the news, with Mermaids [tweeting](https://twitter.com/Mermaids%5FGender/status/1446083440806436866?ref=scenemag.co.uk): *“Solidarity with all LGBTQIA+ staff at the BBC. We stand with you and with all those who are working tirelessly in hostile, transphobic environments.”* A handful of high-profile organisations have withdrawn from the Diversity Champion’s Programme, including [Ofcom](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ofcom-cuts-ties-with-stonewall/), which argued its *“relationship with Stonewall poses a conflict or risk of perceived bias”.*