9 February 2026

LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual celebration held every February in the UK. 

The month provides an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and achievements, reflect on past struggles for equality, and support ongoing work to create inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, public services, and communities.

With LGBTQ+ History month well underway, we want to share with you what we are doing across CNWL to celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues and help those who want to learn more. 

What is CNWL doing?

CNWL has been a member of the Stonewall Index for over a decade. This means we are constantly being reviewed on how inclusive we are for LGBTQ+ staff. We have made the Top 100 list nine years in a row, most recently ranking 18th out of 246 employers. 

We also have our LGBTQ+ Network. The network is open to all CNWL staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary or in any other way and throughout February, the network will be hosting a series of events. 

Join our events 

We kickstarted LGBTQ+ History month by hosting an event on ‘Enhancing LGBTQ+ representation’. The event focused on how we always need to consider LGBTQ+ people in everything that we do. There was a discussion on what LGBTQ+ inclusive care really looks like and the importance of representation from those in the community. Also, the value of inspirational leadership and how important it is to have leaders in healthcare creating safe spaces where staff can learn about the lives and experiences of others, in an acceptable way.

The event was led by Natasha, Clinical Psychologist in Harrow Older People's Services and the Memory Clinic, and a long-standing member of the LGBTQ+ Network. Natasha has worked at CNWL for 13 years and teaches at the University or Hertfordshire, where she published the research article, LGBTQ+ in clinical psychology training in the UK: The sound of silence, which inspired the theme of this discussion. 

Joining Natasha in the conversation was Sofia, Training Lead for the LGBTQ+ Network and former co-chair. She introduced the idea of queerifying spaces, systems and forms - consciously shaping environments that reflect the people who use them. Importantly, she highlighted that those affected by a system won't always hold all the answers, and it's on all of us to help re-imagine what better could look like. 

The group shared a variety of things you can do personally, and around the Trust, to show you’re an ally to those in the community. Small gestures can make a big difference in helping people feel included and supported!

Ways you can be an ally

  • Make an effort to use people's pronouns, and don't assume. 
  • Attend a Pride event, an LGBTQ+ exhibition or watch a LGBTQ+ documentary or film created by someone in the community.
  • Wear a rainbow lanyard around the Trust, showing those around you that you’re an ally, this often brings safety.
  • Be open to listening and learning. Give those around you permission to share what they feel comfortable with and ask questions.
  • Read and learn about LGBTQ+ history and culture.
  • Donate to or buy things from LGBTQ+ owned shops and charities.
  • Speak up for the community, if you hear someone being homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic, challenge them and let them know they are in the wrong.

What's next?

Our next event on 18 February brings together three speakers who'll be sharing their lived experiences, personal journeys and the different ways they support the LGBTQ+ community. It's a great opportunity to hear inspiring stories, learn something new and connect with colleagues who are passionate about inclusion. 

We want CNWL to be an inclusive and safe workplace to all colleagues. Although we are already doing good work, we always strive to be better, learn and grow. We welcome any feedback, whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ Network or not, we would like to hear from you.