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LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network Newsletter – April 2021
In the latest LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network Newsletter, find out how to nominate in the upcoming elections and read first-hand stories and experiences of LGBT+ Network Members.
Sat 17th April 2021
The PDA
Being BAME and LGBT+: My personal coming out story
By Vimal Patel (he/him), Community Pharmacist and PDA LGBT+ Network Member
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Coming out of the closet was unquestionably difficult. When you are both LGBT+ and BAME, it is especially hard as there is double prejudice. One would have thought that the BAME community would be more accommodating, considering that they face their own prejudices, mostly racism.
However, I have found less acceptance from the BAME community regarding LGBT+ individuals. I consider that the issue is more of a cultural one in instances where family and standing in the community are placed over the needs of the individual. |
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For example, something as simple as marrying somebody of a different caste, religion, or race in a heterosexual relationship can create issues and tensions, with bickering amongst the community. Try and imagine telling them that you are LGBT+, which is often considered taboo.
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Just Like Us #YoungerMe campaign
By Scott Rutherford (he/him), third-year pharmacy student and PDA LGBT+ Network Member
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Just Like Us is a charity that aims to empower young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, as well as people who belong to other less common identities (abbreviated to LGBT+), whilst educating non-LGBT+ young people about LGBT+ identities. Just Like Us trains 18–25-year-olds to visit schools and share their stories and run workshops about different sexual orientations and genders.
In December 2020, Just Like Us ran a campaign called #YoungerMe which invited LGBT+ people to share a photo of themselves when they were younger (or something that represents their childhood) and tell the world about the impact that LGBT+ inclusive education would have had on them when they were growing up. The campaign attracted the attention of the whole community and shed a light on the importance of making sure young people know that they have a place within their schools, colleges, and the wider community.
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Staccato: Personal notes by a respiratory
pharmacist during a global pandemic
Ameet Vaghela (he/him), lead pharmacist for respiratory and allergy services
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I was born in Harrow, London and was brought up in Lusaka, Zambia, and completed my studies in the UK. I am a NHS respiratory pharmacist in Brighton. Some things I enjoy are singing with the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, origami paper folding, watching dystopian films, and getting to grips with Twitter!
‘Staccato’ is my first publication – and I was selected as one of five finalists in a pharmacy writing competition. I am proudly married to my husband, Tarun, and we live in Brighton. |
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To read Ameet’s publication, click below.
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- Follow the PDA LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAlgbt
- Please also feel free to share this mailing with a colleague that would like to read it.
- Pharmacists that are not yet members of the PDA LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network can join here.
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