I joined GLADD exactly 10 years ago, and have and formed some great friendships.  I moved to London from Birmingham where I trained, and was apprehensive, but with the support of many friends I’ve made through GLADD, it has been an easy transition.  This reminds me also of the resolve I gained from meeting GLADD members like David Harvey, an eminent yet openly gay paediatrician in the 1970/80s.  Thinking of great people like these gave me the courage to come out to my Muslim family some years ago, and to explain to my mother that many respected people are ‘out’ GLADD members.   I gained my family’s unconditional support.

I was for a while the only committee member outside London, and now it appears we are all Londoners.  This is not by design, and it is a shame this is the case, so I sincerely hope new blood will join the committee, if only to help organize a few events outside of London. 

 

Some personal GLADD highlights including being interviewed in front of thousands at pride in Trafalgar Square, getting a consultant surgeon to sincerely apologise for homophobic remarks and having heaps of fun at GLADD parties like the weekend in Glasgow.  My wish for GLADD is that we can become a forum for discussion and mutual support.

 

I am a GP in Lambeth, and living in Clapham, London.  My background is in medical education, and I teach medical students at Kings and St George’s.  I have for many years been involved with the BMA, chairing conferences etc.  I currently quality assure medical education with the GMC and PMETB.  I am the out-going Trainee Representative on the RCGP Council. I enjoy singing in choirs, am learning Spanish, and I’m certainly missing the hill walking and fresh air (hint to anyone equally enamored by the countryside).

 

I look forward to meeting you at one of our forthcoming events, but equally hope you’ll tell us about the issues you face as LGB Doctors and Dentists so we can work on your behalf to make things better for those who follow in our footsteps. I also hope you’ll tell us your ideas for how GLADD can do more for you as a member.
Rafik - rtaibjee@hotmail.com