Allyship 101

For the last few years, Vicky Laylor has worked with SAYiT LGBTQ+ charity and independently in the voluntary sector as a mentor, public speaker and TDOR hostess, and facilitated equalities training.

She has a real passion for creating understanding of trans umbrella identities so that the trans community can feel freer to be their authentic selves, without fear or judgement. She is currently in the process of becoming a professional speaker and equalities trainer for the trans umbrella communities, so that businesses and organisations can help make their businesses more inclusive and respectful of trans umbrella identities.

Furniture maker, Buddhafield Charity Trustee, Buddhafield Festival Director, Ordained Buddhist, EDI Lead, Safeguarding Officer, Facilitator, Retreat Leader, and meditation teacher.

Jack is a single dad based in Sheffield who has practiced Buddhism for over 20 years. His diverse work life sees him make bespoke wooden furniture in Sheffield, and visit the southwest of England or Spain to lead or co-facilitate courses and retreats. He is a meditation teacher and is passionate about creating supportive conditions for sustainable living, with a personal politics very much to the left. Jack is queer and trans and has worked with the NHS to support people of faith within Gender Identity Clinics. He has also appeared on Radio 4 and CBBC.

Raven is a parent of teens and qualified transformational life coach at Corvus Coaching. They have spent over 20 years working as a freelance textile artist and creative workshop leader, running and participating in community arts events and festivals across the country. Alongside this they have also been a volunteer mentor and group facilitator with various charities including The Children’s Society, Northern Refugee Centre, Together Women Project and SAYiT.

Raven’s passion for helping people uncover their best selves led them first to psychotherapy, and then to coaching. Through all of this they realised the need for LGBTQ+ awareness delivered with empathy and understanding, for people who are unsure where or how to even start.