12 May 2023

Wednesday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex-phobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This day is used to mark the progress made, but more importantly the progress still needed to make LGBT+ rights and life quality equal with cis-gender and heterosexual peers.

As the committee for PRIDE@CNWL, our LGBT+ staff network, we often work closely to make these improvements within our Trust and help further the cause of equality across many areas.

To mark IDAHOBIT this year several of our committee members have shared their own experiences of discrimination and of strength. Today is a day to be honest and to be visible; to reaffirm our commitments as individuals, as an NHS Trust and as human beings to stand against all forms of discrimination and to plan how best to continue our work.

Zachary McArthur, Customer Care Officer in CNWL’s Surrey Sexual Health Service and Asexual and Aromantic Lead for the network, said

"Being so far from society's baseline on so many levels has made finding myself, communities and support difficult as I don't always fit the mould. Growing up and discovering myself without a road map or role model that matched who I was left me somewhat in the dark. But I've found great personal strength in being visible and owning all my many labels. I'm allowed my fair share of space in the world!" Zachary McArthur (They/She), Agender Asexual

Graeme Caul, CNWL’s Chief Operating Officer, a gay man and sponsor of the Trust’s LGBT+ Network, said

“Like most LGBT+ people I’ve experienced feelings of isolation, rejection, and shame. I remember vividly in my early career not feeling safe sharing with work colleagues any personal information about me or who I was in case of repercussion. That’s why now having such a strong staff network at CNWL is so important to me. Together we encourage staff to bring their whole selves to work and find resilience and strength in our community. I’m proud to talk openly about my husband and our two adopted children. I hope it will help some of our staff and patients know that they can come up and talk to me about any issues, concerns or fears that they may have”

Jane Rogers, Head of Communications at CNWL, a LGBT+ Staff Network committee member and lesbian, said

“It brings me so much joy to work in a place where I can be completely myself and talk openly about my experiences and my wife. Sadly, outside of work; it saddens me that even today I find it difficult to hold my wife's hand in public for fear of discrimination or even attack. I find strength and resilience from my wonderful colleagues where I’m surrounded by rainbows and acceptance every day.”

Ian Cole, Surrey Sexual Health Outreach Lead and Surrey Lead for the network, said

“As somebody who has lived through a time when homophobia was an acceptable behaviour here in the UK, I like that IDAHOBIT allows us to discuss the issue to see how far we have come, but for us to stay vigilant about how our rights are being undermined in the UK, but especially highlighting the plight of those in countries who not as fortunate as ours” Ian Cole (He/Him), Out Gay man

Clive Ingram, the staff networks expert adviser, said

“I am a sixty-year-old Gay Cis Male Parent of three children, aged 30, 28 and 15. I now understand how much phobia is silent, hidden. I have noticed my kids not being invited to as many birthday parties as their friends, the mother of my youngest is a dark skinned Indian and again, often not invited to mothers’ groups. I am always made welcome as a gay Dad but am usually the only male there. I usually meet kind generous, aware parents who show respectful curiosity to me not being heterosexual, but I have met more rigid thinking, usually based on stereotypes about what they believe a Gay man like me is like and about what I am like.”

Sofia Venuiti, Occupational Therapist and Training Lead for the network, said

“The stigma, rejection, emotional toil and loss which LGBTQ+ people have to overcome in life make us strong, compassionate survivors; and survivors help others to overcome similar challenges. I’m so grateful to be working with an organisation that embraces my diversity and where I don’t need to withhold a part of me, or fear for my physical and psychological safety for who I am. This way, I can contribute with my community to play my part. We know that especially LGBTQ+ people living in other countries aren’t so lucky and face severe discrimination and persecution, which is why we need to continue our peaceful but strong exertions for equity for our LGBTQ+ community and intersectionality with other diversities. Our community and allies need to continue to cause the ripple effect which reaches out far and wide. Stand against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, discrimination and hate crime!”

 

Individuals who identify as LGBT may face a range of difficulties related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Alongside the above some of these challenges can include:

  • Discrimination and Prejudice: LGBT+ individuals may face discrimination and prejudice from society, including family, friends and strangers. This can lead to social isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
  • Lack of Legal Protection: In many parts of the world, LGBT+ individuals face legal discrimination, including laws that criminalise same-sex relationships
  • Health Disparities: LGBT+ individuals may face higher rates of certain health problems, such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and mental health issues, due to social and cultural factors, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare.

Despite these challenges, many LGBT+ individuals have also discovered strengths and positive aspects of their identity.

Join us in sharing the things that bring you strength to support others in the community worldwide this IDAHOBIT!

If you would like to join the network as a member or ally, please email us at: lgbt.cnwl@nhs.net