25.06.20
NHS England launches first virtual pride to support LGBT+ community
NHS England are set to host its first-ever ‘Virtual Pride’ to celebrate and involve all NHS LGBT+ staff and allies, marking the time of year thousands of people would ordinarily be gearing up for Pride season.
Taking place on Friday 26 June, the NHS Virtual Pride event, which is being run on a voluntary basis, is set to be introduced by the NHS’ Chief People Officer, Prerana Issar, and feature music, poetry, DJs, comedy and video messages of support.
It has been organised by members of the NHS England and NHS Improvement LGBT+ Staff Network among others.
In previous years NHS staff have joined in Pride marches across the country to celebrate who they are, to showcase the NHS as Europe’s biggest employer of LGBT+ staff, and to stand in solidarity with all those who still face discrimination or feel unable to be open about their sexuality or gender expression at home or at work.
Vicky Adamczyk, Chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network, NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: “This year is unique as we know, with all our NHS people working incredibly hard in challenging circumstances in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are doing as much as we can as a staff network to provide additional support.
“We’re especially conscious that for some LGBT+ individuals, being at home is not always a happy or safe place to be themselves, which is why it is so important we continue to create inclusive work environments and networks for LGBT+ staff and allies.”
To get involved in the lead up to NHS Virtual Pride please follow @VirtualNHSPride or head to facebook.com/VirtualNHSPride, and use the hashtag #NHSVirtualPride to join the conversation. Friday’s event will begin at 6.00pm.