Championing LGBTQ+ Experiences as Psychological Practitioners

Thursday 30 November 2023

09:15am - 10:30am

The first of the Psychological Practitioners Community of Practice’s ‘Championing…’ Events commenced with enthusiasm last Thursday morning. An intimate group of PWP LGBTQ+ Champions and interested parties across the Southeast and London contributed to rich and inspiring conversation of LGBTQ+ matters. Subjects such as increasing visibility, evolving affirmative language, and celebrating trans joy were explored in a non-judgemental and educative forum.

Facilitated by myself and SCFT’s Gender-Based Violence Champion, Cicely Hayes, this discussion built the framework for three important questions:

• What successes have you noticed in your service’s champion role?
• What challenges are you currently facing?
• What would you like to achieve going forward?

The response was broadly positive regarding the work achieved by the present service’s LGBTQ+ Champions. Group members referenced the involvement their Champions have had in organising service presence at local Pride Events and liaising with Trust-wide LGBTQ+ Networks. One attendee shared their service’s successful implementation of a Low-Intensity LGBTQ+ Wellbeing group for LGBTQ+ clients experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as their policy of facilitating assessments with LGBTQ+ staff members at the patient’s request.

This evolved into a dialogue around the feasibility of matching clients to therapists with similar experiences and how LGBTQ+ affirmation could be represented in other ways, such as rainbow-themed lanyards and pronouns on ID badges. Another challenge was raised regarding the fear of ‘getting things wrong’ within a zeitgeist of constantly evolving language, citing the infamous LGBTQQIP2SA acronym as an example. This culminated in a general agreement that the key to using appropriate wording rests on taking an individualised, curious, and patient-led approach.

As the meeting came to a close, the group shared their takeaways and ideals for moving forward. In a distributed survey, attendees were asked how they would like this event to evolve in the New Year to ensure the momentum from the event is built upon meaningfully. In sum, it was hugely inspiring to see everyone’s passion in providing the effective and empowering support for the LGBTQIA+ community and staff.

Many thanks to those who attended and contributed so valuably – I look forward to the next event!

Verity Sutcliffe (They/Them)

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner 

LGBTQ+ Champion