Medicine, Under The Scope – LGBT+ History Month

February marks LGBT+ History Month, a month to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community but also reflect on the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This year’s theme (set by Schools OUT) is Medicine – #UnderTheScope, and focuses on the work and lives of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals and those that have made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

There are plenty of virtual and in person events and activities you can get involved with throughout the month, including:

🏳️‍🌈 Listen to Mental Health Network’s podcast on LGBTQ+ workforce visibility

🏳️‍🌈 7th Feb: Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure’s LGBT+ History Month Book Chat is perfect if you enjoy reading and discussing books with LGBT+ themes. Any LGBT+ titles can be recommended and discussed, it is free and will take place at Redbridge Central Library and on Zoom.

🏳️‍🌈 11 Feb: ReportOUT are hosting a fun and informal online talk that will cover a range of queer histories from across the globe, such as queerness in Ancient China, the Ottoman Empire, pre-colonial Africa, Edo Japan, the Lavender Scare and the Molly Houses in the U.K. 

🏳️‍🌈 26th Feb: In this session, Dr. Tony Lloyd, Chief Executive of ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity, will explore recent research indicating why prevalence of neurodiversity for LGBT+ people is double that of the general population and what this means in terms of cumulative cultural, educational and economic exclusion. 

Find lots more events here, or even add your own!

Keep up with the conversation about LGBT+ History Month online: 

  • LGBT+ History Month are posting every day at 1pm on their social media about LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare 
  • Follow the hashtags: #LGBTplusHM & #UnderTheScope and even share you own experiences.

#lgbtqia🌈 #usualise #lgbtplushistory #educateOUTprejudice #lgbtplushistorymonth2024

 LGBTQIA+ people and mental health: 

Despite progress, LGBTQIA+ people are still more likely to face discrimination, abuse & stigma. The effects that can have on someone’s mental health are enormous. Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, difficult experiences of coming out – these are just a few of the things that might contribute. 

🌈 LGBTQIA+ people are still 2-3 times more likely to experience a mental health problem. [1]

🌈 In 2018, a report by Stonewall found that over half the LGBTQIA+ people they spoke to had experienced depression in the past year, with another 10% saying they think they’d experienced it too. [2]

🌈 67% of trans people said they’d experienced depression in the same past year. [3]

🌈 People who are bi are 13% more likely to experience depression than gay and lesbian people, and were more likely to face discrimination from within the community – all because of their identity. [4]

🌈 For non-binary people it was higher still, with 70% saying that they’d also experienced depression too. [5]

Access mental health support: 

  • Mind in Mid Herts‘ LGBTQ+ social support group, which runs on the last Tuesday of every month, 4-7 pm, at our Stevenage centre.
  • Mind’s Infoline: open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Can give you information on mental health support and signpost you towards help in your area. Phone: 0300 123 3393 / Email: [email protected] 
  • Side by Side: Mind’s online mental health community available 24/7.

Other LGBTQIA+ support options:

[1] Journal of General Internal Medicine (2015), Sexual Minorities in England Have Poorer Health and Worse Health Care Experiences: A National Survey.

[2] P6, LGBT in Britain: Health Report, Stonewall

[3] P6, LGBT in Britain: Health Report, Stonewall

[4] P17-18, LGBT In Britain: Bi Report, Stonewall

[5] P6, LGBT in Britain: Health Report, Stonewall

Posted on: 2nd February 2024