Published: 22 February 2022
St George’s has become a signatory of the UK Medical Schools Charter on So-Called LGBTQ+ ‘Conversion Therapy’, which has been created by GLADD (The Association of LGBTQ+ Doctors and Dentists) and the Lancaster Medical School to signal broad support for LGBTQ+ staff, students and patients. Signing the Charter demonstrates the University’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and a commitment to the wider work on LGBTQ+ inclusion. See further information at the bottom of this article about getting involved and showing your support.
The decision to adopt the Charter follows in-depth discussions held at the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group and within the wider community of staff and students.
The Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group agreed the University’s position to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by calling for the elimination of oppressive and harmful practices that attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity and by educating members of our community on the impact of these practices.
Vanessa Ho, Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “Our fundamental values are aligned with the aims of the Charter, but in considering carefully our decision to become a signatory, it’s become clear that there must be more open dialogue about wider LGBTQ+ issues. The Charter acts as an external guide."
"Becoming a signatory is not sufficient to achieve effective inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community and we must continue to ensure LGBTQ+ perspectives are well represented in order to make meaningful changes."
Becky Kemp Arnold, President of the Student Union, said “I am pleased that the Charter is encouraging medical schools to reflect on the importance of being dedicated to both protecting and enriching the lives of our LGBTQ+ students and the wider community. As a LGBTQ+ student leader, I see how essential it is for the Charter to ignite further progress in LGBTQ+ education, particularly of the discrimination faced by the more marginalized members of the community. Their needs must be prioritised in making change, and as an institution we must not be complicit to the rampant transphobia and homophobia that costs the wellbeing and lives of so many of us. There is an urgent need for more research into, as well as knowledge and understanding of, the healthcare and experiences of LGBTQ+ people."
"At St George’s, we have the potential to empower our staff and students to make meaningful change in this area. The University is in a powerful position to instill values of acceptance and understanding in our community and give students the knowledge and tools they need to be LGBTQ+ allies, both during their time here and beyond.”
Work will progress to develop an action plan to advance priorities for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Among areas of focus are to improve the representation of trans people in the curriculum, to deliver awareness training, and to consider relevant estates and facilities matters. Open and transparent fora will also be established to facilitate discussions where different lived experiences and perspectives can be shared.
How you can support LGBTQ+ inclusion
Everyone at St George’s has a role to play in advancing inclusion. Opportunities to support LGBTQ+ inclusion include:
- Joining the St George’s Student Union Pride Society and staff LGBT+ network, which aim to support and strengthen the LGBTQ+ community. Allies are welcome to join the network and engage with events and initiatives.
- To gain a deeper understanding of trans people and common challenges they face when accessing healthcare, please look out for the upcoming launch of the Mass Open Online Course (MOOC), “Transgender Healthcare: Caring for Trans Patients.” This multidisciplinary MOOC has been developed alongside the LGBTQ+ community by students and staff at St George’s. Margot Turner (Senior Lecturer in Diversity and Medical Education) and John Hammond (Associate Professor in Physiotherapy) are the staff leads.