Jono Cavan, Head of Pharmacy at University Hospital Monklands and Chair of NHS Lanarkshire’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) employee network is encouraging colleagues to get involved in Pride month.
Jono said: “Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBT+ rights have come, and how in some places there’s still work to be done. It also calls for people to remember how damaging homophobia, biphobia and transphobia were and still can be.”
On Saturday 20 July LGBT+ network members will be marching with other Scottish Boards at MardiGla (Pride Glasgow) and on Saturday 27 July at South Lanarkshire Pride in Hamilton, both of which promise to be colourful days celebrating inclusion and diversity. Everyone is invited to come along; more information will be shared via the staff brief and on the network’s FirstPort pages.
If you identify as LGBT+ you’re invited to join the LGBT+ network which meets quarterly on teams and in-person. The network aims to provide a forum to support LGBT+ staff; a safe space to discuss and influence issues with key decision makers and an arena for LGBT+ staff to raise their concerns, in a safe and confidential environment. Time to attend network meetings is protected subject to workplace pressures. To join or to find out more email LGBT.Staffnetwork@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Getting involved during Pride month can also include promoting inclusion, learning more about how services can be more inclusive of LGBT+ people and raising awareness of the health inequalities LGBT+ people experience.
Learning is available from the TURAS Equality and Diversity Zone and on learnPro. For more information, contact the NHS Lanarkshire Equality and Diversity Team: Hina Sheikh (E&D manager) or Chris Kimber (E&D advisor).
Staff are also invited to pick up an inclusive pride badge or rainbow lanyard from Employee Network awareness events the NHS Lanarkshire Equality and Diversity Team will be offering over the summer.
