Have you spotted our NHS Rainbow Badges?
You may have seen some of our staff wearing NHS Rainbow Badges. The badges are just one way to show that Evelina London is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for people that identify as LGBT+.
LGBT+ stands for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and the + simply means that we are inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves.
If you see someone wearing a badge, you can ask them about it. The badge is a reminder that you can talk to our staff about who you are and how you feel. They will do their best to get support for you if you need it.
About the rainbow badges initiative
Growing from a conversation and shared experiences between colleagues, the initiative aims to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.
Many young LGBT+ people say that they do not have an adult they can turn to or confide in. We believe that people who work in healthcare can play a key role in making things better.
If you want to find out more about the initiative, you can email rainbowbadge@gstt.nhs.uk.
Evelina London staff can apply to wear a badge online. Search 'rainbow badges' on the intranet (GTi).
Our highly-successful rainbow badge initiative is now a national NHS England project.
Information for young people
Talking about sexuality and gender, and how you feel about it, can be difficult, especially at first.
People wearing a rainbow badge are there to listen, support and to help you to seek help if you need it.
There are some great resources to find out more about gender and sexuality, most of them online.
Juno Dawson’s This Book Is Gay, written by a young adult author and former PSHE teacher, is a book that aims to ‘smash the myths and prejudices surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity’.
More information about gender identity can be found on the NHS information website. Find out about the future of NHS gender services for children and young people on the NHS England website.
The Albert Kennedy Trust provides support for LGBT+ young people who may be living in a violent, abusive or hostile environment, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Hear from some of our staff what NHS Rainbow Badges mean to them
"Sometimes when working in PICU a baby will have 2 Mums and I’ve noticed that some parents haven’t always felt comfortable being open with all staff members. Once I saw a Mum looking at my badge and after that she knew it was ok to just be herself. She knew she was accepted, could be open and not judged."
Hannah Brindle, staff nurse
"I love my badge and wear it with pride. I’ve had a conversation about my badge when travelling on the bus to do a home visit. An older man asked why there were rainbows for the NHS everywhere. I commented that the rainbow was to show support for LGBT+ patients and staff. We then had a long discussion how things have changed in society since he was a young man. It was an enriching discussion for both of us."
Lynzi Crisp, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist