Securing Our Future: The Role of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Security & Defence

Overview 

In honour of Pride Month, RUSI NextGen is delighted to host this event in partnership with The Lavender Group.  

The Lavender Group was founded in 2022 and aims to be the leading forum and community network for all those involved in the security (physical and cyber), political risk, and intelligence industries who identify as LGBTQIA+ or allies. 

The discussion will concentrate on the speakers’ experiences in the security sector as LGBTQ individuals. The event will also explore the changes that still need to be made and challenges the industry continues to face in attracting more people from LGBTQ backgrounds. 

There will be a drinks reception from 19:00 onwards. 

Panellists

James Pothecary, Security Specialist 

Sarah Rench, Co-founder of Represent AI 

WO2 Deborah Penny, British Army Officer

This event will be moderated by David Downing, The Lavender Group 

Joining Instructions

This is an in-person only event open exclusively for RUSI NextGen Community Members and Lavender Group members, taking place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET.  

Interested in joining the NextGen Community? Join here.  

The RUSI NextGen community is aimed at early career and young professionals aged between 20 and 30. 

In Partnership With