The IBMS celebrates Pride across the UK
Standing with members, colleagues and partner organisations, Pride is a fantastic opportunity to show support of LGBTQ+ inclusion across healthcare and biomedical science.
On Saturday 4th July, biomedical scientists from across the UK came together to represent the profession at Pride in London, while Welsh members also took part in Pride Cymru in Cardiff on 13th June. Pride Cymru is Wales' largest celebration of equality, bringing together communities from across the country to promote inclusion, visibility and acceptance.
For the IBMS, taking part in Pride is about showing that biomedical science is a profession where everyone should feel respected, valued and able to be themselves. Inclusive workplaces help people thrive, strengthen teams and ultimately contribute to better care for patients.
Setting up at the IBMS offices
Members making their way to the Pride in London parade in their 'I'm a biomedical scientist' lab coats
The IBMS meets West Ham's official mascot, Hammerhead
Passing through Piccadilly Circus during the parade
Marching through central London, members wore white lab coats which read 'I'm a biomedical scientist' and carried the #IBMSPride banner, making the profession recognisable to the crowds lining the route. Along the way, supporters cheered the group, with one individual instantly spotted in the crowd. She was holding a sign that read: "Keep hate out of healthcare." It was a powerful reminder that healthcare should be inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Many members described the experience of walking through the capital with thousands of others as meaningful, particularly while representing biomedical science and showing visible support for LGBTQ+ colleagues, patients and communities.
IBMS member, Nikki Gutridge, said:
I was glad to be part of the IBMS section of the parade, highlighting the inclusive and diverse attitude of the biomedical science profession.
The IBMS is proud to stand alongside NHS organisations, professional bodies and other healthcare partners at Pride each year. By taking part, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a profession where everyone feels they belong, where diversity is valued, and where biomedical scientists can provide compassionate, inclusive care to every patient and support every colleague.