Khushboo Malhotra

[This article includes excerpts from an interview with Baroness Ruth Hunt conducted by Megan Lupton.]

Baroness Ruth Hunt is committed to fostering inclusive environments, dismantling barriers, and championing the rights of marginalised communities.

Baroness Hunt’s career spans her role as the CEO of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ equality body, Stonewall, to her current position in the House of Lords. Also noteworthy is her work with Deeds and Words, an organisation focused on inspiring lasting positive transformations in businesses.

Hunt’s influence goes beyond legislative and policy advancements for the LGBTQ+ community. She has played a pivotal role in instigating societal transformations and reshaping attitudes worldwide.

“Her work showcases the power of combining action and meaningful dialogue, transforming inclusivity from a mere buzzword into a tangible reality”

Drawing from a candid conversation, we uncover the inspiring journey of Baroness Ruth Hunt, a pioneer of inclusivity and a champion for transformative change.

A Trailblazing Journey to the House of Lords

Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green, appointed by former Prime Minister Theresa May, brings a unique perspective to her role in the House of Lords. She views it as a significant milestone in her journey towards fostering inclusivity.

“As a crossbench peer, I don’t have any political allegiance, and the thing about the Lords is our role is quite specific. It is to scrutinize legislation that is coming through, but crucially to take the long view, to look at the impact it’s going to have in the long term.”

Hunt passionately advocates understanding and legislation pertaining to LGBTQ+ issues, aiming to improve the lives and experiences of marginalised communities.

“I’m definitely one of the handful of lesbians in the House of Lords, so sometimes I get a bit scared about how to navigate that space”

Her presence as one of the few lesbians in the House of Lords amplifies the importance of diverse representation in politics.

As a young and relatively new member, Baroness Hunt acknowledges experiencing moments of imposter syndrome. She confesses, “I’m very young for the Lords, I’m very new. I’m definitely one of the handful of lesbians in the House of Lords, so sometimes I get a bit scared about how to navigate that space.”

“I think impostor syndrome is real and I guess that my contribution is twofold.”

Despite this, Hunt fearlessly embraces her responsibilities. She works to cultivate a culture of collaboration and dismantle the barriers of hierarchy that hinder political progress.

Revolutionising Stonewall

Baroness Hunt proudly discusses one of her biggest achievements as CEO of Stonewall, explaining that, “I think my proudest achievement was broadening out Stonewall and looking beyond our peripheral vision to really help organisations think differently.”

“I think what we’ve learned over decades is that telling grown-ups what to do doesn’t work”

She broadened Stonewall’s focus to address the needs of marginalised communities beyond lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, including those faced by the transgender community, people of colour, and those from lower-income backgrounds. She also provided support to activists in other countries, utilising Britain’s power and soft diplomacy.

Her efforts resulted in collaborations with over 800 companies and organisations, embarking on a journey of understanding and support for transgender and non-binary staff.

She recalls that altering legislation was just one piece of the puzzle: “I started at Stonewall when I was 24. I became CEO when I was 34. My role as a junior member of staff was to change hearts and minds. Changing the law was one thing; how do you change hearts and minds?”

Hunt also emphasises the crucial role of employers in fostering inclusive environments for marginalised communities and sending a message of acceptance without exception. Her work with Stonewall exemplifies her commitment to driving change and promoting acceptance beyond legal boundaries.

‘Deeds and Words!’

In her pursuit of change, Hunt co-founded Deeds and Words, an organisation inspired by the suffragette movement’s mantra of “deeds, not words.”

The organisation serves as a catalyst for creating sustainable and lasting change through inclusive practices. It prioritises combining actions with meaningful dialogue, rather than relying on empty rhetoric. 

Hunt highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations, enabling individuals to discover personal relevance in the quest for equity and inclusion. “I think what we’ve learned over decades is that telling grown-ups what to do doesn’t work. You must create a space where they can talk to each other, reflect, think, find personal relevance and then find the deeds.”

Baroness Ruth Hunt’s Lasting Legacy

The journey of Baroness Ruth Hunt is a testament to the power of unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Her relentless pursuit of inclusion and equality has revolutionised organisations, legislation, and public perception alike.

Under her leadership, numerous businesses and public sector bodies have embraced inclusive practices and fostered environments where marginalised communities can thrive. Her work showcases the power of combining action and meaningful dialogue, transforming inclusivity from a buzzword into a tangible reality.

As she continues her journey in the House of Lords and spearheads Deeds and Words, Baroness Ruth Hunt will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of political and social rights activists to come.

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Image Courtesy of user Roger Harris via Wikimedia Commons. The image licence can be found here. No changes were made to this image.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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