Pride Season 2023
Every June, the LGBTQ+ population and their allies come together to celebrate and recognise the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. This begins what has grown to become Pride Season, a series of events that highlight current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people and celebrate the progress made toward equality. This year we have seen an increase in hostility toward LGBTQ+ people; intense negative media and public discord, particularly around trans people, has led to increases in hate crimes, vandalism of LGBTQ+ venues and disruption of LGBTQ+ events. Society has come a long way since the Stonewall Riots of 1969, but with the UK slipping down to 17th place in the Rainbow Europe Map And Index and we clearly need to continue to raise awareness, challenge negative attitudes, and celebrate inclusiveness.
Health and Care LGBTQ+ Inclusion Framework
The LGBTQ+ population in the UK experiences significant physical and mental health inequalities compared to the general population. These inequalities extend from increased risk factors for ill health and barriers to accessing healthcare and support, to discrimination against LGBTQ+ staff within the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these inequalities and caused significant negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ population. Recent NHS Staff Survey data shows that the LGBTQ+ workforce remains at heightened risk of physical violence from patients, and bullying, harassment or abuse from colleagues.
The NHS, along with other health and care organisations, seeks to provide fair access to health and care for all, to improve the health of all parts of the population, and to be an inclusive employer. And yet, the sparse data that currently exists, along with feedback from members of the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network, exposes that we are still on that journey.
Leaders of NHS organisations seek support on how to make progress and deliver on their role in creating genuine improvement for staff, patients and the population. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a catalyst for the Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network, in collaboration with the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, to develop this inclusion framework.
