Summer Party 2009

This year's Summer Party held at the Rotunda restaurant included both familiar faces and a number of new members who had never attended a GLADD event before. The warm late summer's evening was spent in the bar and terrace overlooking the waterfront whilst enjoying a selection of canap's, hearty mains and dessert. The venue was perfect for mingling and meeting other doctors, dentists and students. I personally found the event to be a great success. I received very useful professional advice from some members (thanks) and had the opportunity to meet many others and engage in a wide range of interesting conversations.

This is exactly why I would commend GLADD events to everyone whether you are a consultant, GP, dentist or retired member who has not been along to an event for a few years or a student who has just joined GLADD there is undoubtedly something you will find enjoyable about attending. Some members are out at work and to everyone they know whilst others are only out to a very few close friends or, perhaps, nobody except GLADD members. As someone who became involved with GLADD and began attending meetings fairly recently (a couple of years after coming out myself) I can honestly say that I have learnt from the experiences and reflections of other members and thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and acquaintances. I have become more aware of problems facing LGBT doctors through my involvement in GLADD, and for many people the opportunity to attend events can be invaluable in finding the support they need to deal (and methods dealing) with these issues.

 London Pride 2009

Once again GLADD led on the coordination of the NHS LGBT Staff float at the London Pride Parade on Saturday 4th July 2009. About 40 people took part in the float, including doctors, dentists, managers, nurses, physiotherapists and pathology staff. The float was one of the best year and the crowd reaction was amazing. Over 1 million people watched the parade.