February holds particular significance for LGBT+ history in the UK. LGBT+ History Month was commemorated for the first time in the UK in February 2003 to mark the repeal of Section 28, a policy that banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality.
Over the past two decades campaigners have worked tirelessly to secure further LGBT+ rights. The Gender Recognition Act 2004, Equality Act 2010, and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014 have enshrined equality and protection from discrimination in law, supporting LGBT+ individuals to live their lives with dignity, safety, and equity.
In recent years, many of these hard-won rights have come under attack. LGBT+ rights have become a central focus for many politicians, with some voicing increased opposition to same-sex marriage and broader LGBT+ rights. Even politicians and thought leaders with historically inclusive stances have backtracked, resulting in increased distrust among many in the LGBT+ community. Trans rights have come under particular scrutiny, with many trans and gender diverse people living in increasing fear and uncertainty.
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in advocating for and caring for LGBT+ people, but systemic barriers limit their ability to support their patients. For example, healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for trans and non-binary patients, yet many continue to experience obstacles such as long waiting times, lack of specialist services, and negative clinical encounters. These challenges directly affect patient trust, engagement with services, and long-term health outcomes.
'NHS services are shockingly under-resourced and access to gender affirming care is severely limited. Too often, GPs are hesitant to make referrals, and for those who do reach specialist clinics, the process is frequently marked by gatekeeping and pathologisation. These issues lead many trans people, including health professionals themselves, to seek private care at significant personal cost or else be left with only DIY options.
'In my opinion we should be seeing healthcare based on shared decision making and informed consent. We also desperately need to properly resource, standardise, and streamline access to remove these impediments to receiving care,' says Alex Ashman, ENT consultant and BMA EDI advisory group member.
Trans and non-binary doctors routinely face discrimination in their workplaces. According to a 2022 BMA survey, half of trans respondents experienced transphobia at work and just a third of trans respondents were open about their gender identity with everyone in their place of work or study. These experiences have significant detrimental impacts on doctors’ wellbeing.
'As a non-binary resident doctor in training, I feel a definite tension. On one hand I feel it is extremely important to be open and visible, and advocate from a position of privilege for my trans and non-binary patients who face widespread discrimination both within healthcare settings and wider society.
'On the other hand, I still feel the pressure of conservative professional norms within medicine, and it will be impossible to provide more inclusive care without changing and challenging this through education, and explicit effort to create inclusive working environments and cultures. I am therefore pleased that the BMA policy position on the rights of transgender and non-binary people in healthcare settings recognises both staff and patient factors, as I see these as intimately linked,' says Alex Robertson, GP registrar and BMA Proud Network co-chair.
BMA members have passed several policies supporting the rights of LGBT+ healthcare professionals and patients, as well as the broader community. These policies demonstrate that defending LGBT+ rights is a professional, ethical, and clinical responsibility for our members.
Our updated policy position on the rights of trans and non-binary people in healthcare settings is centred around the need to advocate for equitable access to healthcare, create safe and inclusive workplaces for trans and non-binary people working in healthcare settings, and end discrimination related to gender identity.
Through our collective effort and solidarity, we can work to build a healthcare system where patients can access equitable care and staff can work openly, safely, and without fear.
Alanna Wurm is a senior policy adviser in the BMA equality, inclusion and culture team