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Behind the Lens with #NewLookers for LGBT+ History Month

We’re proud to be exclusively inclusive. Whether it’s our partnership with LGBT Foundation or our annual Pride collection, championing people from all walks of life is nothing new to us.

February is LGBT+ History Month, an initiative that celebrates the culture and experiences of the LGTBQ+ community. This year’s theme, ‘Behind the Lens’, spotlights LGBTQ+ people who work behind the scenes in the media, film and TV industry, from directors to costume designers.

We’re taking this opportunity to shine a light on our very own New Look Family and find out what life as part of the LGBTQ+ community looks like for them. We’ve also launched a Valentine’s Day charity e-gift card – for each one of £10 or more sold, we’ll donate £1 to LGBT Foundation.

Meet #NewLooker Jasmine

What is your role at New Look?

I’m a supervisor in the King’s Lynn store and I’m also a #NewLooker, which means I post content on Instagram and socials, like building outfits and posting inspiration reels. I’ve also shot some campaigns with New Look, including Gemma Collins and some amazing LGBTQ+ influencers.

How do you show support for the LGBTQ+ community in your role at New Look?

When I was younger there was nothing to do with LGBTQ+ in the public eye. There were no celebrities I could have as a role model. Now, there’s so much support out there, which is great for the younger generation. Social media has played a huge part in that as a space where we can be loud and proud.

How does New Look show up as a place of inclusivity and diversity?

By accepting everyone for who they are, encouraging them to be themselves and dress how they want to dress. The people of New Look are very kind – anywhere I’ve worked, whether in store, coming into Head Office or doing shoots, everyone is just so lovely and non-judgmental.

What can people do to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically in the workplace?

Just be kind. Support each other. Don’t make anyone feel like what they’re doing isn’t okay just because you don’t like it.

Meet #NewLooker Will

What is your role at New Look?

I’m a Social Media Exec. I’ve been here for three years, but I’ve been in the Social team for a year. We get to go on all the celeb and influencer shoots – they’re good fun and hectic to say the least!

How do you show support for the LGBTQ+ community in your role at New Look?

I’ll suggest talent like drag queens and trans influencers for shoots and content. It’s not just straight women looking at our page so we need to make sure we’re representing everyone we possibly can. I was really excited to work with trans activist Cambell in one of Gemma Collins’ shoots – she told us she used to go to our stores when she was first transitioning.

Did you have any LGBTQ+ role models in the media when you were growing up that you looked up to?

I wouldn’t say I had a specific role model. I remember coming out for the first time – I was watching Hollyoaks at a friend’s house. There was a gay scene that was a complete awakening. I called my mum up and ended up going home and crying my eyes out. I would find things on YouTube as I was very into social media – apt given my job now. My mum was a massive support system for me and we’ve navigated it together in a weird way.

How do you think the LGBTQ+ community is portrayed in the media compared to your real-life experience?

In a lot of gay media, they use straight actors and directors. Creative queer people don’t always get the same opportunities – they might’ve been kicked out of the house for being gay and faced homelessness at a young age. A huge percentage of homeless youth is LGBTQ+ people and that’s really sad.

What can people do to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically in the workplace?

Companies can definitely do better. We’re so used to just seeing Pride Month as ‘representation’, but Pride isn’t just a month, it’s something you wear on your sleeve the whole year round.

Head over to @lgbtfdn to find out more about LGBT+ History Month. And for advice and support visit https://lgbt.foundation/.