WMS Pride
WMS Pride
The Student Network for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies across all courses at Warwick Medical School.
We offer peer support through monthly meet-ups (entire community plus allies, and for specific student groups e.g. Trans+ medics, QTIPOC), social events and check-ins, promotion of inclusive medical education, and working for inclusivity within the wider university for LGBTQIA+ students.
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Open letter emailed to WMS leadership 07/11/2023
We will update this page with any response received. To add your name in solidarity, click here for the quick form.Link opens in a new window
As students of WMS, we are writing to express our concern regarding the recent comments made at the Conservative Party Conference last month.
As members of the WMS community, we believe it to be crucial for our institution to take a firm stand against discrimination towards transgender and gender diverse communities and reaffirm its commitment to the GLADD charter (November 2022), as well as the principles outlined in the UK Medical Schools Charter, in which point 6 states;
“Support LGBTQ+ students and staff to work in an environment free of hate, discrimination and harassment. This should include the implementation of future guidance on creating fair and equitable medical schools that challenge the exclusion of marginalised people, as outlined by the Medical School Council Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Alliance.”
The Charter, which provides guidance on promoting equality and diversity within medical schools, emphasises the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all patients, staff, and students. It recognises that every individual, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to respectful and compassionate treatment.
In light of the recent events, we kindly request that WMS issue a statement explicitly expressing support for transgender patients, staff, and students, condemns transphobia in all its forms, and emphasises our commitment to upholding the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion - especially as we feel that this embodies the Warwick Doctor Values.
Such a statement would serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it would provide reassurance and support to the transgender community within our institution, ensuring that they feel safe, valued, and respected. Secondly, it would send a powerful message to the wider healthcare community, reaffirming WMS’s dedication to providing high-quality and unbiased support to all, regardless of their gender identity. Finally, it would serve as a reminder to all that discrimination and prejudice have no place within our community or the healthcare field, whilst ensuring that WMS students are aware of the importance of patient centred care for all groups.
We believe that WMS can play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and accepting healthcare environment, creating a workforce of change agents, and ensuring that our institution remains at the forefront of medical education and practice.
We are more than willing to collaborate with any individuals or WMS groups who are working towards promoting diversity and inclusion. Together, we feel we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all members of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We eagerly await your response, and hope that we can work together to make WMS a leading example of inclusivity and equity in healthcare and education.
Signed,