What have you done today to make you feel proud?

By Lynne Galvin, Regional Head for the North of England on 21 August 2024 Midwifery Midwives Clinical practice

The RCM’s North of England team has spent the past few weekends at Pride marches across the region. Lynne Galvin, the RCM’s Regional Head for the North of England, explains why it’s been so important

Over the past few weeks, the RCM’s Northern team has been going to Pride events with RCM workplace reps and members across the region, and I have to say, I couldn’t be more proud. Wearing our RCM Pride t-shirts, and adorned with flower garlands and glitter, we’ve been representing not only LGBTQ+ maternity staff, but all those from the LGBTQ+ community that come through the doors of maternity services.

Showing up really matters. Our team had so many conversations at these events with people genuinely delighted to see midwives and MSWs represented. In fact, we had quite a few comments from other NHS staff that they were disappointed not to see their own unions in attendance. Something else to feel proud about!

But it’s not just about the flags, or the glitter, or the dancing down the street. It’s about something much more fundamental than that. It’s about belonging and feeling like you belong. The RCM being out on the streets of Doncaster or Chester or Newcastle is an active demonstration we are an inclusive organisation, where everyone belongs.

The LGBTQ+ community has always been represented within midwifery, but it’s probably fair to say they haven’t always been recognised as they should have been. It’s important that we rectify that. We are all shaped by our own experiences, and we, as the RCM, need to be better at listening to LGBTQ+ staff. As part of our equality, diversity and inclusion work, we’re looking at the support LGBTQ+ members might need in the workplace. 

Being at those Pride celebrations is important for current and future service users too. The experiences of same-sex couples in maternity – as has been highlighted in recent Midwives articles – still isn’t always a positive one. That’s why we need to demonstrate that the RCM is an ally. Our visibility, and our advocacy, matters.

It has been great for the team to take part and recognise and celebrate gender diversity at these three events. We’ll be doing it again next year at three more events in the region. If you didn’t get a chance to join us this year, watch out for the details in 2025, get your rainbow flags ready and come along and experience it for yourselves.