WMS Students are delivering three seminars during LGBT+ history month exploring issues faced by the LGBT+ community and how to be more inclusive in your practice. These seminars will be limited to twenty WMS students and on completion of one of these seminars, attendees will be awarded a Rainbow Badge.

Tickets are first come first served so please click on the link above to make sure you reserve your space!

Have you got any burning questions you have felt too embarrassed to ask or are worried it will offend? This is a no stupid question event! If you want to submit an anonymous question beforehand please follow this link:

https://forms.gle/W8hvCmwgvEbxZDC3A

What is the Rainbow Badge Scheme?

Rainbow Badges is an initiative that gives students a way offer open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for patients and their families, who identify as LGBT+ ie lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (the “+” simply means that we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves)

The Rainbow Badge initiative originated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.

Why wear a badge?

By choosing to wear this badge, you are sending a message that ‘you can talk to me’.

You aren’t expected to have the answers to all issues and concerns but you are a friendly ear and will know how to signpost people to the support available.

Lesbian, gay and transgender (LGBT+) patients face inequalities in their experience of NHS healthcare.

A recent Stonewall survey published in Nov 2018 estimates that one in five LGBT+ people are not out to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care, and one in seven LGBT+ people avoid treatment for fear of discrimination.

Despite the progress made towards LGBT+ equality in recent years, many LGBT+ people still face significant barriers to leading healthy, happy and fulfilling lives, with high rates of poor mental health and challenges when accessing healthcare services a contributing factor.

Increased awareness of the issues surrounding LGBT+ people when accessing healthcare on the part of NHS staff can make significant differences to their experience, and in turn on their physical and mental health.

Potentially, even the perception that discrimination might happen is enough to cause harm. Simple visible symbols, such as these rainbow badges, can make a big difference for those unsure of both themselves and of the reception they will receive if they disclose their sexuality and/or gender identity.