This year the theme for LGBTQ+ History Month is Medicine - #Underthescope

Throughout the month we will be posting lots of helpful resources and information. LGBT History Month was originally created in 1994 in the US and was adopted by the UK  as a national history month in 2005 to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people.

Today, I want to share this article with you about five members of the LGBTQ+ Community that have had a lasting impact on the world of medicine! 

More information can be found about each individual within this article: LGBT History Month 2024: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Icons in Healthcare – Rainbow & Co (rainbowandco.uk) ( Article by Tilly Brogan)

Two people featured in this article are Sophia Jex-Blake and Ewan Forbes:

Sophia Jex-Blake (born in 1840) was the first practicing female physician in Scotland. After qualifying as a Doctor, Sophia helped found two medical schools for women in London and Edinburgh at a time when medical schools were only accepting men.

Secondly, Ewan Forbes (born in 1912) was a rural GP and Scottish Nobleman, he played a key role in the advancements of Transgender Rights. Ewan began identifying as a boy from a very young age, he pursued his education in Medical School as a male despite the legal lack of recognition. Ewan became a well-loved GP and took a historic step in legally changing his name in 1952. 

Stay tuned for more stories, helpful websites and articles that we will be sharing throughout the month of February for this super important celebration!