Join our LGBT+ networks this Pride month

To mark Pride month, find out how you can support LGBT+ individuals and allies across our partnership. 

A Stonewall survey (published November 2018) stated that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) patients face inequalities in their experience of NHS healthcare. The survey estimates that one in five LGBT+ people do not share their sexual orientation with healthcare professionals when seeking general medical. It also estimates that one in seven LGBT+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.

We believe that people who work in healthcare can play a key role in making things better. To help improve the experiences of healthcare for LBGT+ patients and our staff, find out how you can support LGBT+ individuals and allies across our partnership this pride month.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

The aim of the Trust’s LGBT+ staff network is to support LGBT+ staff through strategic initiatives, social events and education, as well as providing advice and guidance in a confidential and safe environment. Email lgbtnetwork@gstt.nhs.uk for further information or to get involved in the network. You can also follow @GSTTlgbt on Twitter.

Co-chair Jayne King, who formed the network in 2007, says:

We are the Trust’s “critical friend” and one of our roles is to identify ways in which we can improve the experiences of LGBT+ staff and patients.

Co-chair of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust’s LGBT+ network, Joe Parry, describes the network as:

A vital safe space for LGBT+ colleagues and allies to come together and be themselves.

Another key LGBT+ initiative within the Trust is Rainbow Badges. The initiative originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion. In February 2019 it rolled out across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust with support from King’s Health Partners. With our support, more than 150 Trusts in England have adopted rainbow badges to show their support and celebration of LGBT+ people. If you want to find out more about the initiative, please email rainbowbadge@gstt.nhs.uk and follow @RainbowNHSBadge.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Queers LGBTQ+ network is open to all staff, including allies, and campaigns for LGBTQ+ staff. Staff can join the network by emailing kch-tr.kingsandqueers@nhs.net where they will be added to a distribution list to receive invites to network meetings and events. They will receive our newsletters and activities together with partner organisations at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust’s LGBT+ networks, Lambeth Links, Southwark LGBT+ network and Lewisham LGBT+ networks, where most of the Trust’s staff reside.

When asked why the LGBT+ network is important, Neil Christian Baulita, Co-Chair, LGBT+ network at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

Intersectional representation matters, and this is what we are doing here at King's.

We make sure we listen and adapt to our staff's diverse background and campaign for social issues that can create inclusivity in ethnic minority and (Dis)Ability staff in our LGBT+ network.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

The LGBT+ staff network at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is a support network for staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or other non-heterosexual or non-cis-gender orientations.

The network committee is on the lookout for more members to help lead on activities such as communications and events. If you are interested in joining the committee, Adam Gibson, Chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network will be available on Tuesday 29 June between 1pm and 2pm to answer any questions you may have about the committee or about the wider network. Just email LGBTStaffNetwork@slam.nhs.uk to get an invite.

King’s College London

The vision of proudly King’s, King's College London, is to make King’s College London a better place for LGBT+ people by empowering King’s College London staff and members to form a supportive community of LGBT+ individuals and allies.

When asked about the importance of LGBT+ networks and allies, Chenée Psaros, Proudly King’s, Co-chair Strategy and Campaigns said:

Staff networks are a great way to meet people who may face similar challenges in their working lives. They are a place to get support, learn new things and feel like you belong. Proudly King’s has connected me with people I would never have met in my regular role, queer people and allies alike. A great ally is someone who is willing to listen and learn, and willing to tackle prejudice when they see it.