International day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia

Message from Pete Papworth, chief finance officer and UHD’s LGBTQ+ Network champion and ally

Today is international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. This is a day for raising awareness that micro-aggressions are still a reality for those identifying as LGBTQ+, including within our own organisation. It’s very much engrained in University Hospitals Dorset values that we are caring, we are one team and we are always improving to become a truly inclusive organisation. We want our Trust to be somewhere that everyone can feel safe and valued for the work they do as part of our team. Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable as a result of the sexual or gender identity they choose; and if staff experience behaviour that makes them feel anything other than comfortable, they should know the support we have in place to listen to any concerns and to take the appropriate action. As UHD’s LGBTQ+ Network Champion and ally, I’m proud to be supporting this day and I would encourage colleagues from around our hospitals to show their support as allies too.  Please help me to let everyone know that we challenge discrimination and support all our colleagues. 

Thank you.

We would love you to show your support. Please do share your message of support on social media using the hashtags #UHDAlly #IDAHOBIT2021 or email any messages to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pete Papworth has also recorded a video version of the message to share here.