Student Advisors Soham Patne, Nafisah Khan and Priyasha Ghosh took part in an Inclusive Education Forum project to reflect on ways of embedding LGBTQ+ History into the curriculum. PRIDE month seems as good a time as any to reflect on historical milestones and celebrate the progress made while recognising the work that still needs to be done.
Introduction to LGBTQ+ in healthcare
The history of LGBTQ+ rights spans centuries, with pivotal moments shaping the movement as we know it today. The late 19th century saw early advocacy efforts, beginning with Karl Heinrich Ulrichs publishing the first calls for homosexual rights and Magnus Hirschfeld founding the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee - the world’s first LGBTQ+ rights organisation. However, it was the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City that truly ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, significantly increasing awareness and advocacy efforts worldwide.
Our discussion centred on raising awareness of LGBTQ+ needs within our community and exploring how we can better integrate LGBTQ+ perspectives into healthcare education. 
Key Discussions from the Presentation
Our session began with an exploration of LGBTQ+ struggles and achievements in healthcare from the 1800s to the present day. We highlighted influential LGBTQ+ figures who made groundbreaking contributions, such as Alan Turing, whose work in computing changed the world; Sarah Josephine Baker, a pioneering physician in public health; and Marsha P. Johnson, a key activist in the Stonewall riots. Their legacies continue to inspire LGBTQ+ advocacy today. LGBTQ+ History Month is commonly observed every February.
A significant part of our discussion focused on the current state of LGBTQ+ representation in healthcare. We explored ongoing challenges, such as health disparities, barriers to accessing care, and the need for inclusive medical education. To address these issues, we emphasised key actions such as:
- Encouraging research that includes LGBTQ+ populations in clinical trials
- Implementing LGBTQ+ competency training for healthcare professionals
- Advocating for policies that protect and support LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare settings.
While progress has been made - such as the WHO declassifying trans identity as a disorder in 2019 and the increasing global bans on conversion therapy - there is still work to be done to ensure equal access to care and full inclusion in healthcare education.
The session was highly interactive, with attendees contributing valuable ideas on how to further integrate LGBTQ+ matters into healthcare degrees. Staff and student engagement reflected a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Insights and Reflections
Ultimately, fostering an inclusive healthcare environment starts with education, awareness, and compassion.
"By being part of projects like this, we can help spark understanding and acceptance, leading to the social change that is so needed in today’s world." - Nafisha Khan, Student Advisor.
By embedding LGBTQ+ perspectives into medical and healthcare training, we can take meaningful steps toward a future where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you know needs support regarding LGBTQ+ matters—whether personal or professional—resources are available, and you are not alone. Our goal is to continue advocating for a more inclusive and understanding community where everyone, regardless of their identity, can access the care and support they deserve.
Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards a healthcare system that truly embraces diversity and equality.
References:
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). (2023). How can we improve communication with LGBT+ people in healthcare settings? [online] Available at: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/how-can-we-improve-communication-lgbt-people-healthcare-settings [Accessed 10 Mar. 2025].
- King’s College London. (2023). ABC LGBT+ Inclusive Communication. [pdf] Available at: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/nmpc/assets/research/projects/abc-lgbt-inclusive-communication.pdf [Accessed 10 Mar. 2025].
- National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. (2021). Ten Strategies for Creating Inclusive Health Care Environments for LGBTQIA+ People. [pdf] Available at: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ten-Strategies-for-Creating-Inclusive-Health-Care-Environments-for-LGBTQIA-People-Brief.pdf [Accessed 10 Mar. 2025].
- https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/how-can-we-improve-communication-lgbt-people-healthcare-settings/
- https://www.kcl.ac.uk/nmpc/assets/research/projects/abc-lgbt-inclusive-communication.pdf
- https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ten-Strategies-for-Creating-Inclusive-Health-Care-Environments-for-LGBTQIA-People-Brief.pdf
Words by : Soham Patne, Nafisah Khan and Priyasha Ghosh