LGBTQ+ History Month

Equity Specialist Grace Boleyn-St Aubyn, tells us what LGBTQ+ History Month means to her.

What does LGBTQ+ History Month mean to you?

LGBTQ history month is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how far there is still to go. We tend to think of oppression of LGBTQ people as something in the past, but developments are shockingly recent. The decriminalisation only came in 1967, still within the lifetimes of around 17 million people in the UK today. Section 28, which banned all mention of homosexuality in schools, was only repealed in 2003, and the inclusion of LGBTQ education in schools only became mandatory in 2021. With many LGBTQ+ rights still under question, this is an ongoing battle that will likely continue for some time. LGBTQ+ history month reminds us of that.

What does Nuffield Health do to support LGBTQ+ in the workplace?

Plenty! Particularly, I am a member of the Nuffield Health Pride Network – a great group of people who get together every month to discuss LGBTQ+ issues at Nuffield Health, are consulted on wider strategy and campaign for improvements. It’s a lovely group and makes me feel connected to others across the charity.

How can we support LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues?

I would say stay educated on current issues, but make sure you’re getting the perspectives of LGBTQ+ people. When you hear about a new development on the news, seek out the view of the community and see what they have to say. It’s rare that the right voices, are the ones central to the conversation.