News

Recognising LGBTQIA+ microaggressions

We’ve launched a guide to LGBTQIA+ related microaggressions as part of our Inclusion and Diversity workstream. It joins others in the series, which examine race, disability and gender microaggressions.

Microaggressions can be intentional or unintentional comments or actions directed against a person who is usually part of a marginalised group, that signal disrespect and inequality.

Our new guide takes a look at discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation and their gender identity. It includes examples of verbal microaggressions and behaviours to look our for and to avoid as well as how to create a more positive culture.

LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, Intersex and Asexual. The ‘’+’’ is an acknowledgement that there are non-cis gender and non-straight identities that are not included in the acronym.

The reference has been written with support from the RPS Action in Belonging, Culture and Diversity (ABCD) group who have shared their real-life examples; these include Nirali Sisodia, Andrew Carruthers, Andrew Sommerville, Tristan Gildroy and Julie Morgan aswell as PDA LGBT network and LGBT Foundation.

Contributor Julie Morgan said: “It is great to see that RPS are continuing their work on raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues.

“This is important for pharmacy professionals – as individuals, as a community and as healthcare professionals.  I hope that this work, and the associated resources, will help us all to make our workplaces, services and pharmacy education more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Stevie Watson, Pride in Practice Coordinator from the LGBT Foundation, said: “It is wonderful to have supported the development of the RPS’s LGBTQIA+ microaggressions guide.

“The ‘Pride in Practice’ programme at the LGBT Foundation aims to improve access to inclusive primary care for LGBTQIA+ patients. This guide supports that goal, containing practical guidance to help pharmacy professionals identify and tackle LGBTQIA+ microaggressions in the workplace.”

Scott Rutherford, Chair of the PDA LGBT+ Network, added: "Microaggressions are often unintentional and based upon a lack of knowledge or understanding, but they are common ways by which LGBTQIA+ people can be made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, and potentially unsafe.

“The PDA LGBT+ Network is grateful to be able to share its members' experiences in a constructive and educational way in order to ensure that pharmacy is a more inclusive and welcoming profession."

Read the full guide here and download the posters for your workplace.

Join our ABCD group and contribute to more in our series on microaggressions, and take part in our ABCD meetings.  

Loading...

Email newsletter

Want the latest pharmacy news and updates straight to your inbox?

Sign up to our regular newsletter for the latest guidance, news, events and CPD opportunities.

Sign Up