Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month
We recently caught up with the chairs of our LGBTQIA+ staff network, Dan and Cassidy (pictured right), to talk about the importance of celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month, the role of our LGBTQIA+ staff network, and some of the exciting things they have planned for 2024…
Q. Why is it important that we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month as a Trust?
Cassidy: It’s an important way to honour the past, educate the present, and shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
It’s also an opportunity to celebrate all the brave and influential people who have contributed to the progression of LGBTQIA+ rights. This year’s theme is #UnderTheScope which celebrates the contribution of LGBTQIA+ individuals to medicine and healthcare. We’ve been shining a light on some important figures on inSite (our staff intranet), including Margaret Stacey, Cecil Belfield Clarke and Sophia Jex-Blake.
Dan: It’s in line with our Trust values and demonstrates our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all LGBTQIA+ staff, patients and visitors feel safe, respected, and able to be their authentic selves. It’s also a chance for us to raise the profile of our LGBTQIA+ staff network. Cassidy and I were in the Trinity Building earlier this month (19 February) talking to staff and visitors about the network and promoting our new competition – read on to find out more!
Q. How does the LGBTQIA+ staff network support colleagues?
Cassidy: We offer a safe and supportive space for staff to connect with others who share similar experiences, challenges, and identities. We hold regular meetings offering members an opportunity to network and get involved in developing the work we do.
Dan: It’s our role to advocate for the needs and interests of LGBTQIA+ colleagues by raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and helping to develop inclusive policies. We’re supported by the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, Jen Allan, who is our network’s executive champion.
Q. Tell us about a project or initiative that you think has helped to improve the experience of our LGBTQIA+ community?
Cassidy: We offer rainbow lanyards for staff of any sexual orientation and gender identity to indicate they are an LGBTQIA+ ally and a ‘safe listening ear’. The lanyards symbolise support and inclusivity and contribute to creating a more welcoming environment for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Dan: We welcome the sharing of pronouns as part of staff email signatures. It’s a simple yet meaningful way of normalising pronoun usage and encouraging people to consider and respect individuals’ pronouns. In the same way as rainbow lanyards, including pronouns helps to create a more respectful and welcoming environment for everyone. There’s a handy pronouns guide available for staff on inSite, our staff intranet.
Q. Tell us about some exciting things the LGBTQIA+ network has planned for this year?
Cassidy: We’re currently running a competition for staff and volunteers to design a new logo for the network. We thought it would be a fun way to encourage participation while also raising the profile of the network during LGBTQIA+ History Month. Dan and I are excited to see everyone’s creative designs and unveiling the winning logo next month!
Dan: We’ll be attending Pride in London this summer! This will be the third consecutive year we’ve been represented as a Trust. It’s always a fantastic day – have a look at our team photo from last year below! We’re also looking forward to UK Black Pride which we will be attending with our colleagues from the Evolve staff network.
