Time for Pride

It is also a time to remember those who campaigned in the past and fought long and hard for LGBTQ+ rights. Many of you may be thinking why the month of June is so important. Pride month started in the USA to commemorate the Stonewall riots that took place in June 1969. For many the riots were seen as the start of the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights. 

In the UK 2023 is a significant year as it marks 20 years since Section 28, the law that banned the promotion of homosexuality in the UK was repealed. Section 28 had an impact on generations of LGBTQ+ people who experienced discrimination, fear and abuse. For the RCN 2023 is also a significant year. At London Pride in 2003 this was the first time the RCN joined a Pride march and we were the first Royal College to ever march at a Pride. That year the RCN made history. At the start of the march there were three of us proudly holding our RCN banner high in the air. By the end of the march at Hyde Park over 50 student nurses and nurses had joined us, jumping out of the crowds to support us and march with us. The power of nursing was palpable with the crowds cheering and clapping us. At the end of the march we knew that this had started a journey for the RCN – not just for members but for our patients as well.

Over the last two years at RCN Congress debates have taken place on banning conversion therapy and the role of nursing in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ communities who are victims of hate crime. Nursing has a clear role to play in supporting all members of the LGBTQ+ communities regardless of where we work. For those of us who work in the independent health and social care sectors such as care homes, local authorities, independent hospitals, educational settings, charities and general practice we have a role to play in supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues and patients. The settings we work in are different to the NHS and provide the opportunity for us to do things differently and make a real difference to people’s lives.

Wherever you work take some time to find out about local services and organisations that provide services and support for LGBTQ+ people, look at the websites of national charities such as Stonewall or the Terrence Higgins Trust or speak to your employer about what is available in your organisation. All of this time will count towards your revalidation as well as giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding and knowledge and be able to provide the best care possible to your patients.

The RCN has produced a range of LGBTQ+ professional resources - Pride In Nursing.