To celebrate LGBT+ History Month, the PDA is taking the time to explore some of the key achievements and milestones of the PDA LGBT+ Network since it was first launched in April 2020.
In its first year
In the PDA LGBT+ Networks’ first year it hosted its first-ever event that gave members the opportunity to discuss relevant issues in pharmacy and the future direction of the network. Soon after in December 2020, the network released its first LGBT+ newsletter. This newsletter discussed LGBT+ inequalities in health, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and more.
Almost a year since the network first launched it held its first-ever elections and invited members of the network to submit their nominations. The elections searched for a President, Vice-President, and Honorary Secretary to lead the network.
In its second year
Following the elections of the PDA LGBT+ Network, the first-ever President, Vice-President, and Honorary Secretary of the network was announced during Pride Month in June 2021. The elected committee, who are still leading the network, are:
- Scott Rutherford, President of the LGBT+ Network
- Lauren Keatley-Hayes, Vice-President of the LGBT+ Network
- Soh Xi Ken, Honorary Secretary of the LGBT+ Network
Since being elected, the committee has supported the networks’ members and has worked to raise awareness of issues faced in the LGBT+ community.
In August 2021 the LGBT+ Network launched its pronoun badges and flyers. The pronoun badges were created as wearing a pronoun badge is a simple but effective way of signalling that you respect people’s pronouns and their gender identity. Pronoun badges and flyers can be ordered here.
Recently the network has been in touch with the GPhC and PhSC on more inclusion of LGBT+ education in the MPharm programme. The network also took part in the ’16 days of Action Against Domestic Violence’ campaign and has responded to the government consultation on conversion therapy.
Scott Rutherford, President of the PDA LGBT+ Network said, “I’m so proud of what the network has achieved since it launched, from our pronoun badge campaign and conversion therapy consultation response to our ongoing work to encourage LGBT+ inclusion within the MPharm curriculum. I would like to thank new and continuing members for their contributions, support, and say a massive thank you to the rest of the committee for their constant commitment to going above and beyond.”
The PDA LGBT+ Network’s future
The rights, health, and very existence of transgender people are often disputed. In order to support transgender and non-binary pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, pharmacy students, and patients, the PDA LGBT+ Network plans to continue building on its #LGBTplusMPharm campaign. The campaign promotes more inclusive education, to encourage the publication of guidance, and to improve the experiences and outcomes of transgender people seeking gender-affirming care.
Learn more
- The PDA host their first LGBT+ network event
- LGBT+ Network Newsletters
- Scott Rutherford elected as the first President of the PDA LGBT+ Network
- PDA LGBT+ Network launch pronoun badges and flyers
- PDA LGBT+ Network writes to GPhC and PhSC on more inclusion of LGBT+ education in the MPharm programme
- Domestic violence in the LGBT+ community
- PDA LGBT+ Network responds to government consultation on conversion therapy
- Guide to: Discrimination in the Workplace
- More inclusion of LGBT+ education needed in pharmacy schools
- Insight magazine – EDI edition
Get involved
- Join the PDA LGBT+ network here.
- Follow the PDA LGBT+ Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAlgbt
- Contact the PDA LGBT+ Network committee know by emailing lgbt@the-pda.org
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.