Introducing the Executive Committee

Many of our members ask who we are and would like to know a bit more about us. In addition our recent membership survey, and previous experience, has revealed that many people would like more positive role models who are prepared to be open and honest about who they are and what they do. This is what some of the committee members have written about themselves:

Dr Justin Varney, Co-Chair and lead for External Relations

Well, I work currently as a locum consultant in Public Health in London where I've developed a local, regional and national role around lesbian and gay issues relating to healthcare. Before I did public health I was a GP VTS but defected to a more nine to five job which panders to my meglomaniac tendancies. Outside of work I am deputy chair of the CPHMCH and an elected member of the EOC at the BMA, I'm an independant advisor to the Metropolitan Police and a trustee of the Consortium of LGBT Vol Sector Organisations. I also do work around the homeless at a national level and am from September President of the Section of Public Health and Epidemiology at the RSM.

I'm a huge movie nut with varied tastes ranging from slushy romance to action, horror and sci fi. I travel quite a bit but mainly to New York where my baby godson is. I live in SE London in the Peckham area and am happy to be contacted by GLADD members if I can be of any use, at meetings I'm usually the big cub/bear looking one who's usually smiling so come over and say hello.

Dr Rafik Taibjee, Member without Portfolio

I'm a Senior House Officer in Paeds at Sandwell, and am training to be a GP in the Black Country and Birmingham.  I've been involved with GLADD for 6 years.   I like good food, performing arts, letting my hair down on the dance floor and meeting friends for drinks as well as flying planes and singing in choirs. I am interested in complementary medicine like acupuncture and Ayurveda.  My other involvement is with the BMA, where I have been involved with junior members for 8 years now, in various guises, being on the GP Registrars Committee and Deputy Chair of the Junior Members Forum.  I also inspect medical schools as part of the quality assurance mechanisms as a 'Visitor' for the GMC.

If you want to organise an event for GLADD members drop me a line and I'll try and arrange some money to help.  I'm normally the one with sticky labels at GLADD events, so please say hi if you see me.

Dr Stuart Sutton, Secretary

I am a GP Trainee in Newham, North East London, having recently moved to South East London after 8 years in Newcastle upon Tyne. I've been on the committee just over a year now and am generally involved in the day-to-day communications received by the exec and helping organise some of our annual events. I've found GLADD to be a really enjoyable way to network with other LGBT colleagues and have met some fabulous people through the organisation.

In my spare time I enjoy everything London has to offer from the theatre (including the occasional attempt at acting) to a big gay night out. I will usually be found grinning at all and sundry at GLADD events and can be easily identified by my ginger hair! We're always keen to hear from members (or prospective members) who would like to get involved with GLADD so please feel free to drop me an email at the secretary email address.

Dental Rep Position is currently vacant