February is LGBT+ History Month, and this year’s year’s theme is ‘Activism and Social Change,’ which highlights people both past and present that have helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.

Throughout the month you will hear from some of our amazing LGBT+ #TeamNWAS members, who will be sharing their chosen activist and why this month is important to them.

Adam Williams, LGBT+ Network Chair and Paramedic, spoke to us about the work of activist Dr Michael Farquhar. Dr Michael Farquhar designed an LGBTQ+ rainbow badge that is now worn by hundreds of thousands of NHS workers up and down the country. The badge aims to be an instantly recognisable symbol, which tells staff and service users that the person wearing this badge is someone who can provide a safe space, empathy, compassion, respect and understanding. 

On this, Adam shared: “We joined the badge scheme in February 2020 and they have been in demand ever since. After an initial flurry of requests for badges from LGBT+ members of staff, I would have to say that most requests for the badges these days are from allies, which is fantastic, and to me shows what an inclusive workplace NWAS is.

“So far, the badges have made a huge impact both locally and nationally, and could quite possibly have saved lives. From my own personal experience, I have noticed the positive effect they can have on patients when a distressed young adult was about to open up to me about being gay when they spotted the badge on my uniform.”