NHS rainbow badges and lanyards
You may have spotted some of our staff wearing NHS rainbow badges and lanyards. This is just one way to show that Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC) services are open, non-judgmental and inclusive places for people who identify as LGBTQI+ – all identities, regardless of how people define themselves.
About the initiative
The rainbow badge initiative began at Evelina London Children’s Hospital to send a message of inclusion for people that identified as LGBTQI+.
Lesbian, gay, bi and transgender people in the UK can still face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, which can have a direct impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. Research shows that:
- one in five LGBTQI+ people are not ‘out’ to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care
- one in seven have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination
- one in eight have experienced some form of unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they identify as LGBTQI+ (Stonewall, Nov 2018)
- Most NHS Trusts in the UK now provide rainbow badges and lanyards to staff to help reduce these barriers.
At GHC we are fully committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all our patients, colleagues and visitors. Simple visible symbols, like the rainbow badges and lanyards, are designed to remind everyone that GHC is a safe space to talk, be open and get support if needed.
Have you spotted someone wearing a rainbow badge?
If you see a member of staff wearing a rainbow badge, ask them about it! It is a reminder that you can be open with all GHC staff about your identity and who you are. They will listen and respond without judgement and do their best to get you support if you need it. If you work for us and would like to know more, visit our staff intranet for more information about our lanyard and badges and how to make a pledge.
