We’re delighted to be sharing our second of a series of three white papers around the topic of Diversity in Menopause: ‘Workplace Insights: Diversity in Menopause – Focus on LGBTQ+, White Paper 2 (September 2025). The launch of this paper coincides with the Menopause Awareness Month of October.
The first of the white papers focused on Menopause in relation to Disability and the third will focus Race and Ethnicity. We also acknowledge the intersectionality of menopause with other different protected characteristics which are beyond the scope of our current three research papers.
This paper is a volunteer led paper , including those who took part as research participants and those who gave their time and commitment in writing this paper. Some of the volunteers involved are listed below: –
Christina Vegas – Menopause Project Volunteer – As a transgender artist, advocate, and 25-year veteran of the performing arts, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this ground-breaking white paper. Our goal is to help create a workplace environment more inclusive and reflective of the menopausal journey as experienced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
Jan Ross –Menopause Project Volunteer – Jan has been an ally and dedicated advocate to the LGBTQ+ community for over 35 years. Jan is a retired CEO and founder of a charity supporting vulnerable young women in east Bristol. She is now a therapeutic counsellor working in private practice and a glass artist.
Rosen Pitman-Wallace – Menopause Project Volunteer – Rosen is a Peer Researcher for a mental health charity. They graduated with an MSc in Gender last year and are hoping to start PhD study in 2026.
Sandra Newing-Griffiths – Menopause Project Volunteer – Sandra was initially on placement with The Diversity Trust, going on to become a volunteer for the Menopause paper.
The paper has been reviewed by Dr Michael McKeever, (Academic Researcher), Haley White (Founder of Menospace) Berkeley Wilde, (CEO of The Diversity Trust), Annie Moon, (former Deputy CEO of The Diversity Trust) and Trudie Speed (Volunteer Coordinator at The Diversity Trust). It forms part of The Diversity Trust’s ‘Think and Do’ Tank, to produce and share research, informed by lived experience, a call for collaboration, and an encouragement of positive action for social change.
This work originated via an identification of a gap. The Diversity Trust’s Menopause Experts – Haley White (Founder of Menospace) and Stephanie Reid (Founder of Menopause Spring) consultant trainers in Menopause, realised that there was a gap between generic menopause training and it reflecting the real lived experiences of those experiencing the menopause. There was a huge missing piece – namely the diversity of menopause (and the nuances within this) – these white papers speak to this. This white paper builds a narrative around the existing literature and is augmented by case studies and quotes to add the voices of those with lived experience.
This is the starting point – but it is a launchpad to enable companies to take their menopause policies and procedures up to the next level, ensuring that they’re grounded in the lived experience of their team at every level.
This work is aimed at employers and workplaces, specifically, diversity and inclusion, HR, learning & development, senior management teams and boards. But we hope it is taken up as a valuable learning and action point by everyone. It is our responsibility to create a culture of inclusion and belonging. While this paper is focused within a UK context, we feel it will likely resonate with those with similar experience around the world, and welcome cross-border learning opportunities to build on this work.
Berkeley Wilde, CEO of The Diversity Trust reflecting on the publishing of the series of white papers commented: ‘As a CEO of an organisation myself, I completely understand the need to validate our team members’ menopause experiences. However, I want to go further than this. It’s about care for our current team members, while creating the right culture for future colleagues. I’m here to urge other leaders to take note of this white paper and be the change that it advocates for.’
Trudie Speed – Trudie is the Volunteer Coordinator for The Diversity Trust. In this role, she develops, and reviews volunteer specific policies and procedures in line with legal requirements and good practice guidelines. Trudie recruits, inducts, trains and supports volunteers. Trudie offers support and guidance to any individuals from marganised or minortised people who may want to access volunteering opportunities both at the Diversity Trust and any other relevant and appropriate agencies.
Trudie has wide ranging experience providing wellbeing support to people with a variety of needs. She has worked within a range of contexts including Local Authority services, housing associations, homelessness support for young people, and most recently in higher education student wellbeing services. Her previous work experience includes several Human Resource related roles in public, private and voluntary sectors. In addition to being a Volunteer Manager in a young person’s charity in Sheffield. Trudie holds an MA in Student Affairs and an MSc in Human Resource Management.
Annie Moon Former Deputy CEO of The Diversity Trust, proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Trustee and trainer/ facilitator was the driving force behind beginnings of creation of this paper, remarked: ‘I believe that this white paper presents a golden opportunity for companies serious about creating the best possible work environment for their employees experiencing the peri/post menopause to step up and take action.’
To download a copy of the white paper click link below
Diversity in Menopause – LGBTQ+
To read our first white paper on Diversity in Menopause – Focus on Disability click here