Posted on: 14 May 2024
Friday (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 peers.
IDAHoBIT was founded in 2004 by Louis-Georges Tin who sought to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trans+ (LGBT+) Community globally.
17 May was chosen as it is the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) declassified homosexuality as a mental illness on 17 May 1990 at the 43 World Health Assembly.
LGBT+ people still face hate, discrimination and violence every day including here in the UK.
PRIDE@CNWL, our LGBT+ staff network, work closely to make improvements within our Trust and help further the cause of equality across many areas. They are here to support staff with any difficulties they are experiencing in the workplace and ask allies to come forward and become a safe listening ear at work.
The Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Caul, is Executive Sponsor for the network and sent out a message of support to network members this week ahead of IDAHoBIT. Graeme married his long-term partner Xavier in 2016 and is the proud dad of two children.
Graeme said
"It’s important to understand the individual in our care and all their needs so that we can give them the best possible care. Having visible LGBT+ role models and rainbow symbols helps staff to bring their whole selves to work and that also means patients feel safe to be themselves.
"I’m incredibly proud of the diversity of our Trust and we welcome colleagues at our regular network meetings to help shape the services we deliver."
The network runs regular LGBT+ awareness training for staff including allies. Teams can book directly on the Trust’s learning and development zone. If you would like to join the network as a member or ally, please email lgbt.cnwl@nhs.net
This week staff from our networks and older adult mental health services are holding an event for staff: Acknowledge International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with 50+ Staff Network Peer Group and Pride@CNWL on Thursday 16 May 2024 at 2pm
This session will have a focus older LGBT+ staff and service users. All staff are welcome to join and find out how teams and services can be more inclusive of older LGBT+ people.