New LGBTQ+ estate agency group launches

A trio of estate agents have setup an LGBTQ+-focused mentoring, learning and networking group.

Founded by James Hummerstone-Pope, Danielle Andrews and Caren Gilbert-Weedman all agents within eXp UK, LGBTQ+ in Estate Agency sets out to provide camaraderie, support and advice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning community that work in property.

The group has published a manifesto that sets out five terms of reference:

Mentoring 
Mentoring for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and who currently work in estate agency/the property industry. This will also be offered to those who identify as LGBTQ+ and want to start a career in estate agency/the property industry 
 
Up-skill
A safe space for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ to up-skill themselves with the help of other members – creating a community of individuals who strive to help each other gain better skills and to improve as a collective
 
Learning Hub
A learning hub for individuals in agency who do not identify as LGBTQ+ to learn about the community.
Topics such as – Correct use of pronouns, supporting transitions, unconscious bias.Monthly Meets
A monthly meeting for all who are part of the LGBTQ+ in Estate Agency group.
 
Yearly Networking
An event open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ or who wants to support the group. These will include topics challenging LGBTQ+ individuals in the estate agency/property industry and will include guest speakers and interactive learning sessions.

 Hummerstone-Pope said: “In the 2021 census around 1.5 million people identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or question their sexual orientation. 

“If you translate that as a percentage of the population to the hundreds of thousands of people that work in the UK property industry, it’s clear that the LGBTQ+ community needs proper representation and indeed support whether ‘out’ or not. 

“This is not a campaign group to start to force gender-free pronouns upon the property industry nor to attempt to promote a political view on gay and trans issues - rather a platform to simply help, support and champion LGBTQ+ people in property.

“It’s the support for our community that this group is all about and whether it’s professional career advancement through knowledge, mentoring help or just having a few like-minded friends to chat to and to meet in order to feel part of something safe, I invite anyone that identifies as LGBTQ+ or that would like to help us help promote our cause, to contact me or one of my colleagues for a welcoming chat”.

The contact details for James, Danielle and Caren are: 

James Hummerstone-Pope: M: 07470762369 / james.hummerstone-pope@exp.uk.com

Danielle Andrews: danielle.andrews@exp.uk.com

Caren Gilbert-Weedman: caren.gilbertweedman@exp.uk.com

Or visit https://www.facebook.com/lgtbqinestateagency for more information.