The way forward
Lesbian, gay and bisexual doctors
Legislation needs to be understood and implemented in relation to sexual orientation
Suggestions:
- The BMA should produce guidance on sexual orientation to address some of the issues and concerns for doctors as employers and employees, in the light of new Employment Equality (sexual orientation) Regulations.
The guidance should help to raise awareness within the health sector more generally as well as providing information and resources, potential strategies, patient interaction, educational strategies and recommendations. - Trusts and primary care organisations should ensure that they are fully aware of the legislative requirements and should implement existing guidance.
Some examples are work produced by ACAS, GLADD, and Stonewall-NHS Scotland.
Suggestion:
- More data needs to be collected on lesbian, gay and bisexual doctors.
The health departments should consider how such information could be gathered for the medical workforce, in addition to other statistical information currently collected. However, great care and sensitivity will be needed in the collection, collation and dissemination of this data.
Suggestion:
- Trusts and deaneries should identify a key individual who can act as a first line of support and confidential advice to doctors.
These individuals should be identified to doctors and provide confidential advice to doctors who raise concerns about issues of discrimination in relation to sexual orientation. The role of these individuals needs to be supported by the Trust so that there are procedures in place which address concerns and allegations of discrimination.
Suggestions:
- Medical schools should review the way in which sexual orientation is presented within the medical curriculum.
In particular, teaching about ‘homosexuality’ should be integrated into the curriculum rather than defined in contrast to a normative standard of ‘heterosexuality’ as this perpetually reinforces negative stereotypes. In addition sexuality should not be exclusively taught and discussed in the context of HIV, genitourinary medicine or psychiatry. - Medical schools should consider issues of sexual orientation within their admissions policies and within their anti-bulling and harassment procedures.