Gay doctors 'out and proud'
Gay doctors increasingly comfortable coming out in their workplace, according to report by British Medical Association
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Saturday, 31, Jan 2009 12:01
Gay doctors are increasingly comfortable coming out in their workplace, according to a report by the British Medical Association.
The report, published today, described the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) doctors and medical students in the NHS and found a major sea-change in attitudes over the last few years.
"Societal attitudes towards homosexuality have changed over the years," said Dr Justin Varney, co-chair of the BMA equal opportunities committee, which produced the report.
"There was a time when homosexuals were imprisoned as criminals and treated with electroshock therapy to 'cure them of their disease'.
"Like the UK, the NHS has come a long way in recognising sexual and gender equality since it was founded in 1948.
"Many of the stories in the report show that LGBT doctors are out and proud at work and this is brilliant news, however, there are still accounts of discrimination which shows we still have a long way to go."
Some of the statements by LGBT doctors in the report highlight the improvement in working conditions for those who want to be open about their sexuality.
"In the past, I was fearful of coming out and kept my work and private life entirely separate," one doctor said.
"However, it's much easier when you are 'out' and don't have to worry. I was pleased to be appointed knowing that the 'gossip' had reached the appointments committee in advance. Luckily, I no longer have to come out at work, as everyone knows, and the majority of my colleagues are entirely blasé."
Another writes: "When I was training to become a doctor there was only one 'out' LGBT GP in the area. Now there are hardly any straight white male GPs. That's what I call progress!"
The report comes five years after the Gender Recognition Act first offered legal protection to homosexuals.