June is Pride Month, the annual event which celebrates LGBTQ+ voices, culture, achievements and activism.
As an organisation which is committed to inclusivity, the Care Group knows that being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community is vitally important, both for our staff and for the patients and residents we serve.
To celebrate Pride Month, Chris Norton, our Deputy Director of Governance and Nursing, has written a powerful piece showing the true value of being an LGBTQ+ ally.
Chris writes:
We've all heard the word "ally" floating around, but what does it really mean?
Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community means supporting and advocating for them, even if you don't personally identify as LGBTQ+. In our line of work, that support isn't just nice to have, it's vitally important.
Why is allyship so important?
For many years, and even still today, members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced significant discrimination and stigma, which can make accessing healthcare a daunting experience.
When we visibly demonstrate allyship, we are sending a clear message to others that our environment is safe and inclusive. This helps build trust with LGBTQ+ patients, which is crucial for open communication about health needs. If a patient feels they might be judged or misunderstood, they might hold back crucial information or even avoid seeking care altogether.
From the moment someone walks through our doors at the Urgent Treatment Centre at the Royal London Hospital, goes into our headquarters at Island Health, or we visit them in their homes, we must make sure that they feel safe. Every interaction matters. Using inclusive language, using a rainbow lanyard or a badge can make a significant difference. It tells someone, "You belong here."
It’s not just about patients! It's also about our LGBTQ+ colleagues, who also deserve to feel fully supported, respected, and valued in the workplace. Some of those colleagues may not be as confident in saying that they are part of the LGBTQ+ community; however, we know that an allied environment increases team morale, reduces stress, and allows everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work, leading to better care for everyone.
So, what does it mean to be an ally?
Being an ally isn't about being an expert on every aspect of LGBTQ+ issues. It's about being willing to learn, listen, and act with kindness and respect.
Here are some top tips for being an ally:
Take the initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, terminology, and the specific health challenges the community faces. There are numerous resources available – see more at the links at the bottom of this article.
Simple things like using gender-neutral language (e.g., "they/them" until you know someone's pronouns), asking for and respecting pronouns, and avoiding assumptions about relationships or family structures.
Be open to hearing personal experiences. If a patient or colleague shares something with you, listen without judgment and validate their feelings.
If you hear or see discriminatory remarks or actions, politely but firmly challenge them. This sends a powerful message, and this behaviour is not tolerated at GPCG.
Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes. We all make mistakes, and that's okay. If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun or say something insensitive, apologise, correct yourself, and learn for next time. It’s the effort and intent that truly count.
Embracing allyship is a rewarding journey (not just for June and Pride Month) that benefits us all. Let's continue to learn, grow, and stand together!
Chris Norton (He/Him/His), Deputy Director of Governance and Nursing
Find out more:
