Skip to main content

LGBTQ+ Statement of Inclusion

As we embark on Pride month, we want to issue a strong statement of support to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all associated queer (LGBTQ+) colleagues, patients and community.

We have been extremely saddened by the hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community recently demonstrated in hateful comments from members of the public on our social media platforms.

At Aneurin Bevan University Health Board we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We want to make clear that as an NHS organisation we have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  We will therefore challenge and work to eliminate all forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ staff, patients and visitors.

For LGBTQ+ people, Pride month promotes their dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society's awareness of the issues they face.  Sadly, the evidence that LGBTQ+ people have disproportionately worse health outcomes and experiences of healthcare is both compelling and consistent.  With almost every measure we look at LGBTQ+ communities fare worse than others.  This is unacceptable, and we are committed to increasing our efforts to address these health inequalities.

As a Health Board, we will continue to have conversations, develop our own understanding, and continue our learning.  We have made progress, but we have a long way to go on our journey.  However, we are confident that this is the only right way forward that reflects our values and the values of the wider NHS.

Now, more than ever, we are committed to being active allies to our LGBTQ+ community and are proud to support our LGBTQ+ community, throughout Pride month and beyond.