LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives and culture, and it provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the prejudice and discrimination sadly still faced by many. This year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the very first UK Pride March which took place in 1972. Here’s why we’re showing our full support throughout February and beyond…

What it’s all about

The aim of LGBT+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public through the following means:

• Increasing the visibility of LGBT+ people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community.
• Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community.
• Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT+ communities.
• Promoting the welfare of LGBT+ people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBT+ people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.

Working to make the YourGP practice a safe  and inclusive space for the LGBT+ community is something our team is particularly passionate about, especially given the results of a recent study – The The LGBT in Scotland – Health Report.

Healthcare and the LGBT+ community

The LGBT in Scotland – Health Report, which was based on a YouGov polling of 1,261 LGBT people in Scotland, makes for a worrying read. It highlights experiences of poor mental health, substance abuse, and discrimination in healthcare environments, as well as challenges in accessing health services.

• 49 per cent LGBT people have experienced depression in the last year. That figure is 72 per cent for trans people.
• 52 per cent of trans people have thought of taking their own life in the last year.
• 14 per cent of trans people have been pressured to access services to question or change their gender identity.
• 24 per cent of LGBT people have witnessed discriminatory or negative remarks against LGBT people by healthcare staff.
• 37 per cent of trans people have avoided healthcare treatment for fear of discrimination.
• 27 per cent of LGBT people have experienced healthcare staff having a lack of understanding of specific lesbian, gay and bi health needs.
• 59 per cent of trans people have experienced healthcare staff having a lack of understanding of specific trans health needs.

Creating a safe space at YourGP

YourGP is proud to support the LGBT+ community in a variety of ways. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can talk openly about your thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. We can also help to give you the confidence to talk to friends and family about what you’re experiencing, and provide information on social and support groups. From screening tests and treatments, to counselling services, we offer complete confidentiality at our Sexual Health Clinic and Gender Clinic. We welcome everyone as an individual and we respect each person’s right to anonymity.

Get involved

There is lots happening in Edinburgh throughout February to mark LGBT+ Month – from art exhibitions and film screenings, to talks and workshops. Check out the fill programme of arts, cultural and educational events at www.lgbthistory.org.uk.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak to a healthcare professional within a safe and supportive environment, call YourGP on 0131 225 5656 or email reception@your.gp.