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Welcome to the Pink Triangle Training Company
Enabling Employers and Service Providers to Achieve Diversity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions about our courses | Questions about the law
About Sexual Orientation
What is Sexual Orientation?
Sexual Orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic & sexual attraction to another person.
It is easily distinguished from other components of sexuality including biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and the social gender role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behaviour).
Bisexual persons can experience sexual & emotional attraction to both their own sex and the opposite sex. Persons with a homosexual orientation are usually referred to as gay (both men and women) or as lesbian (women only).
Sexual orientation is different from sexual behaviour because it refers to feelings and self‑concept. Persons may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviours.
What Causes a Person to Have a Particular Sexual Orientation?
There are numerous theories about the origins of a person's sexual orientation; most scientists today agree that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors.
In most people, sexual orientation is shaped at an early age. There is also considerable recent evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality.
In summary, it is important to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people.
Is Sexual Orientation a Choice?
No, human beings can not choose to be either gay or straight. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.
About the law
What New Regulations Apply to Sexual Orientation?
The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 were passed by Parliament as a result of the EU Employment Directive outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief and age in employment and vocational training.
The Civil Partnership Bill became law on 18 November 2004, and came into effect on 5 December 2005. As well as giving formal legal recognition, civil partnership brings with it rights and responsibilities between the partners themselves and third parties, including the state and employers.
Amendments to the Employment (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 were made to take account of the introduction of civil partnership. These amendments took effect along with The Civil Partnership Act. They include ensuring that access to employment and vocational training and related benefits will achieve, as far as is possible, equality of treatment between spouses and civil partners.
2005 Finance Bill. Same sex partners are now treated as heterosexual couples for tax & benefits purposes – regardless of civil partnership status.
The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 came into force on April 30th 2007 making discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation unlawful in relation to the provision of goods, services, premises, education and public functions.
Most of the provisions of The Equality Act 2010 came into force on October 1 2010 and affect any organisation with employees or which provides goods or services to the public.
Additional provisions including a Public sector Equality Duty take effect from April 2011.
What Aspects of Employment do the Regulations Cover?
The regulations apply throughout the employment relationship – during the recruitment process, in the workplace, on dismissal, resignation and retirement and in certain circumstances, after the employment has finished.
Why Do I Need Training?
Between 5% & 10% of the UK population identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual, it follows that a proportion of staff, customers and service users will be lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Employers and front line service providers may not be aware of the issues for LGB people or that certain practises directly or indirectly breach the regulations. This is still a difficult, even taboo subject for some; training helps to break down barriers, raises awareness and imparts strategies for positively addressing this diversity strand.
The onus is on employers and service providers to prevent and/or address discrimination or harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation. Training can definitely help to achieve this and demonstrates constructive action.
About our courses
How do I book?
Public Courses and Conferences can be booked online or by phone +44 (0)1162 941765
When Will I Receive Joining Instructions for Your Public Courses and Conferences?
Joining instructions - including a programme, venue details and map - are sent to each participant approximately two weeks before each course or conference.
How and When Do I Pay?
Payment for Public Courses and Conferences must be received in full no less than five working days before the event takes place.
What is the Dress Code?
The dress code for all PTT Public Courses and Conferences is smart/casual.
What are the Timings of Your Public Courses and Conferences?
PTT Public Courses and Conferences run from approximately 9.30am to 4.30pm, final timings are sent in your joining instructions.
What Refreshments are Offered on Public Courses and Conferences?
Fees include tea, coffee and biscuits. Lunch can be provided if required for a small charge. If you require lunch and have any special dietary requirements please inform us when booking or contact us by phone or email.
Is There a Smoking Policy on PTT Public Courses and Conferences?
Yes. PTT venues are strictly non-smoking within the training and conference rooms and refreshment areas. Details of smoking areas - if applicable - are provided with your joining instructions.
What is Your Policy for Special Needs Requirements?
We ensure that all our venues cater for special needs requirements. If you have any worries or specific queries please contact us.
What if I Need to Book Accommodation?
All PTT Public Courses and Conferences are non-residential. Please contact PTT if you need information about Leicester hotels.
Are Participant Numbers Restricted on Your Public Courses?
Yes, numbers on Public Courses are restricted to a maximum of 20 to ensure that participants receive a personalised service.
