The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a guide to LGBTQIA+ related microaggressions as part of its Inclusion and Diversity workstream.
The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, Intersex and Asexual, and ‘’+’’ acknowledges that there are non-cis gender and non-straight identities that are not included in it.
The newly launched guide, which looks at discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, is part of a series that examine race, disability and gender microaggressions, the RPS stated.
It covers examples of verbal microaggressions and behaviours and aims to create a more positive culture.
The guide has been written with assistance from the RPS Action in Belonging, Culture and Diversity (ABCD) group, the Pharmacists' Defence Association LGBT network and LGBT Foundation.
Praising the RPS efforts, contributor from the ABCD group Julie Morgan said: “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.”
Scott Rutherford, chair of the PDA LGBT+ Network, said: "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."
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre