Dear Editor,
I read with great interest the articles by Moya et al (2021). As an LGBTQ+ medical student, I applaud them for their candid and inspirational accounts.
I strongly believe that this demonstration of positive role modelling for both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual students will help to support a safe and non-discriminatory clinical environment; however, I recently discovered that more than one-third of LGBTQ+ staff have hidden their sexuality and gender identity at work due to fears of discrimination (Bachmann et al, 2018).
As a cisgender healthcare student, I can conceal my sexuality and gender identity if necessary. Others of my community do not have such a privilege if they fear discrimination. Once I enter the workforce, I am happy to become an LGBTQ+ role model, but I suspect that it would be more challenging for transgender healthcare workers to do this in contrast to their cisgender colleagues. Distressingly, transphobia in the UK is plentiful (Bachmann et al, 2018) and it would be reasonable to expect that being a medical professional would not protect them from such discrimination. My transgender colleagues may therefore be mindful of their wellbeing and safety.
Experience informs me that contact with diverse LGBTQ+ role models can help to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions and positively transform the workplace. All cisgender healthcare workers should become allies for our transgender colleagues and strive towards creating a safer clinical environment. I hope that this collective responsibility will help to promote a culture of safety and justice.