RCPCH publishes updated LGBTQ+ principle statement

The purpose of the principle statement is to: 

• Outline the College’s position on the rights of LGBTQ+ people to eliminate discrimination and stigma 
• Understand the needs of LGBTQ+ children and young people 
• Support health professionals in their role of providing support to LGBTQ+ children and young people 

Through the College’s commissioned engagement work with LGBTQ+ children and young several themes emerged. These include: 

• Treating LGBTQ+ young people as individuals with different health needs
• The significance of confidentiality, discretion and privacy for LGBTQ+ young people
• The importance to young people of being recognised and their preferred pronouns and names being used
• The importance of not relating all health issues to young people’s sexuality or gender
• The need for safe advocacy and adult support for LGBTQ+ young people recognising the complex relationships that some LGBTQ+ young people can have with parents, carers and teachers

You can read the full findings of this engagement work

RCPCH is committed to maintaining an LGBTQ+ inclusive attitude in policy development and influencing. The College will continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive services in health and other sectors. 

We encourage paediatricians to read and understand the updated policy content as it will support them in their already good work. We have also provided a range of further information and resources for paediatricians, children and young people and families across the nations.  

You can find the full principle statement.