MSP Emma Roddick to lead Highland Pride letter writing workshop
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Members and allies of the LGBT+ community are being invited to a workshop on political campaigning in Inverness this Sunday that will be led by Scottish Government equalities minister Emma Roddick MSP.
The event, organised by Highland Pride, will be held at Cafe 1668 in the city centre, gathering at 12.30pm for a 1pm start.
Attendees will be able to pick Ms Roddick's brain on how to contact and lobby elected representatives, and participate in a letter-writing session where they will learn how to draft letters advocating for change.
Ms Roddick has been announced as a speaker at this summer's Highland Pride event in Inverness, which will be returning for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am really looking forward to holding this workshop in partnership with Highland Pride," Ms Roddick said of this weekend's workshop.
"I am acutely aware of the difficulties queer people have in making their views known on policy which affects us – there are some groups I very rarely hear from, but I know they’re out there.
"Lots of people are very nervous about contacting their elected representatives given the hostile political climate.
“This session is about helping folk understand who represents them, who has responsibility for different issues, and how to get in touch with them effectively.
“We all know just how underrepresented marginalised groups are in policymaking, so it is vital that folk know the avenues they can get involved through, how to make their voices heard, and how they can make real change.
“This workshop is for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ issues, whether you are an activist, have been in the past, or are a member of the community or an ally who just wants to help.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they may be interested to come along for what I hope will be a really enjoyable afternoon.”
The "Make Your Voice Heard" letter writing workship takes place on Sunday, May 14 at 12.30pm for a 1pm start. Visit the event's Facebook page for further details and updates.
