| 23 June 2025
June is dedicated to the visibility, resilience, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month – the historic nod to grassroots activism and the iconic Stonewall Uprising in June 1969 – is a commitment to listening, learning, and leading with kindness. What began as a political protest against systemic police harassment and discrimination in New York City is now one of the most colourful celebrations worldwide, bringing together people from all walks of life: frontline healthcare workers, teachers, faith groups, veterans, community organisations, and LGBTQ+ people of every race, gender, age, and ability.
From festivals and art exhibits, to marches and concerts, Pride Month commemorates the progress made by – and for – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. Beyond creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ voices though, Pride Month remains a reminder to take action. To drive everyday decisions, conversations, and choices that recognise and honour each and every person’s health, wellbeing, and dignity, regardless of who they love or how they identify.
From multicoloured marches to meaningful reform
This year, we centre our UK celebrations and reflections around the theme of Activism and Social Change, highlighting the pivotal role that LGBTQ+ individuals have played and continue to play in driving progress and transforming society. Over the years, the NHS and wider healthcare services in particular have taken important steps to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals – on both sides of the care journey.
Essentially, training in Equality, Diversity & Human Rights has evolved to include deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and topics like unconscious bias, inclusive language, and respectful workplace behaviour are increasingly embedded in mandatory compliance training for staff at every level.
The NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network has also produced a practical LGBTQ+ inclusion framework, as well as further guidance to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff and patients.
And let’s not forget the trailblazers who have contributed everything from groundbreaking research to public health leadership in strengthening and evolving healthcare systems around the world. There are a few particularly influential LGBTQ+ figures – past and present – who have reshaped the healthcare landscape through advocacy, innovation, and courage:
- Dr. Sophia Jex-Blake (1840-1912), physician and educational activist. As leader of the Edinburgh Seven – a group of women who defied convention by enrolling to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh – Sophia opened the doors for women in medicine and fought for a world where people of all identities could study, serve, and heal without compromise. Believed to be gay for her relationship with fellow physician Dr. Margaret Todd, she co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women, set up Scotland’s first women-staffed hospital, and helped push through the Medical Act of 1876, allowing women to qualify as doctors in the UK.
- Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935), physician and sexologist. A visionary ahead of his time, Dr. Hirschfeld was a pioneer in the study of sexuality and gender identity. He founded the world’s first Institute for Sexual Research in Berlin and advocated for trans and gay rights at a time when doing so was dangerous. His legacy continues to influence sexual health and gender research today.
- Dr. Patrick Trevor-Roper (1916–2004), eye surgeon and gay rights advocate. A consultant ophthalmologist, Trevor-Roper was one of the earliest openly gay voices in British medicine. In 1955, he provided powerful testimony to the Wolfenden Committee (a government-appointed panel tasked with reviewing laws around homosexuality and prostitution), arguing for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. His expert medical evidence influenced the landmark Wolfenden Report, which laid the groundwork for the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality a decade later. Trevor-Roper also co-founded The Terrence Higgins Trust, which remains the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.
- Dr. Rachel Levine, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health. Dr. Rachel Levine made history as one of the highest-ranking openly transgender officials in the United States. A trained paediatrician, she has led on public health issues ranging from adolescent mental health to COVID-19 response. Her appointment is not just historic— it’s a huge step toward inclusive healthcare leadership.
- Dr. Ronx Ikharia, emergency doctor and TV presenter. Dr. Ronx is a non-binary, queer, visible and vocal advocate for young people and healthcare equity. Their work as an emergency medicine doctor and presenter on science and health programmes makes them a familiar and inspiring figure — particularly for LGBTQ+ youth considering careers in medicine.
Why representation matters
Despite some of our health heroes’ best efforts, LGBTQ+ people in the UK continue to face discrimination – particularly in healthcare but in employment overall. In fact, recent UK data paints a pretty sobering picture:
- 52% of LGBTQ+ employees report bullying or harassment at work.
- 1 in 3 of all LGBTQ+ employees have left roles due to discrimination.
- 39% LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide who they are at work.
- Only 14% of LGBTQ+ NHS staff say their organisation responds promptly when they raise concerns.
But discrimination isn’t limited to our workforce. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, accessing healthcare services can still be a source of anxiety or marginalisation. Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ patients are more likely to experience discrimination, poor communication, or a lack of understanding from providers. This isn’t just a reputational risk – it’s a health inequality.
Time to act
Transforming these statistics into meaningful change starts with targeted training and inclusive leadership, and there is no time like the present. Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, respect, and human dignity – both in society and in the healthcare settings that serve it. As we celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s critical for healthcare professionals and organisations to reflect on their commitment to equality and non-discriminatory care.
At Skills for Health, we believe that inclusion should be more than a policy – it should be embedded in everyday practice. That’s why we’re proud to offer multiple eLearning solutions, including MeLearning’s LGBTQ+ Awareness course as well as our own Equality, Diversity and Human Rights course, which is aligned to the Core Skills Training Framework® and designed to ensure your teams deliver care that is not only clinically safe, but culturally competent and person-centred. It’s suitable for all staff across health and social care, and is particularly vital for front-line teams, HR professionals, and leaders responsible for culture and compliance.
Empower progress
By taking the time to refresh or complete Equality, Diversity and Human Rights training, healthcare staff can:
- Build confidence in delivering inclusive, respectful care.
- Recognise and challenge unconscious bias.
- Understand their legal and ethical responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
- Create safer, more welcoming environments for all service users.
Most importantly, mandatory inclusion training is designed to protect and benefit healthcare workers themselves. Staff wellbeing is deeply affected by harassment and invisibility and therefore workplace retention suffers, and patient care can be compromised. But your organisation can improve morale and empower progress by ensuring every staff member understands their role in creating a fair, respectful, and psychologically safe workplace.
Pride Month is not just about celebration – it’s about visibility, safety, and belonging. For LGBTQ+ people in healthcare, whether working on the frontline or accessing services, these values can be life changing. By continuing to champion inclusivity through training, policy, and leadership, the healthcare sector plays a vital role in driving social change and shaping a more equal future.
Celebrate Pride with action. Let’s build a truly inclusive healthcare sector – together.