LGBTQ+ History Month 2024

Posted on 12/02/24

The 2024 theme for LGBTQ+ History Month is Medicine – #UnderTheScope.

This year, we are celebrating the invaluable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the field of medicine and healthcare. This includes their contributions both past and present.

Throughout history, LGBTQ+ individuals have made remarkable contributions to the field of medicine. However, society has often overlooked or overshadowed their achievements. This year, we have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of LGBTQ+ staff within the NHS and other healthcare settings.

We want to highlight the remarkable lives of two influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on the medical world.

Sophia Jex-Blake

Displaying determination and the breaking of barriers, Sophia Jex-Blake’s journey is remarkable. Born in 1840 in England, Sophia defied societal norms to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including gender discrimination, she nonetheless became the first woman to enrol at the University of Edinburgh to study medicine in 1869. Her resilience and pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.

Cecil Belfield Clarke

Another trailblazer in LGBT+ history that we celebrate is Cecil Belfield Clarke. He was a remarkable physician born in Barbados in 1894. Despite the challenges of his time, Cecil pursued his education with determination and won a scholarship to study medicine at Cambridge University. Throughout his career as a GP in Elephant & Castle for over 40 years, Cecil made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

He developed Clark’s rule, a mathematical formula for calculating medicine dosage for children aged 2-17. This formula remains an essential tool in healthcare today.²

These contributions to medicine from LGBTQ+ people continue to inspire future generations. They remind us of the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in healthcare education.

At David Game Higher Education (DGHE), we are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where students actively explore diverse perspectives. We believe in acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds. This helps us better prepare our students to address the complex challenges facing modern healthcare.

We design our courses including diverse perspectives to ensure that graduates are equipped to meet the needs of a multicultural society.

References:

1. By Margaret Todd – The Life of Sophia Jex-Blake, new version from here, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40181112 ↩︎
2. LGBT+ History month 2024 (2024) LGBT+ History Month. Available at: https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2024/ (Accessed: 12 February 2024).
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3. By Unrecorded – Original publication: The Keys: the official organ of the League of Coloured Peoples Immediate source: Southwark Heritage Blog https://southwarkheritage.wordpress.com/2020/10/07/dr-cecil-belfield-clarke-1894-1970/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66686749 ↩︎