Kate Skitakova
June 10, 2025

Pride in Care – What True LGBTQ+ Inclusion Looks Like in Today’s Care Sector

Every June, as rainbow flags ripple across streets and screens, Pride Month invites us to celebrate the vibrant spirit, resilience, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. For those of us working in the health and social care sector, it’s more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. It’s a time to reflect on how we can ensure every individual, especially those seeking support or assistance, feels truly seen, valued, and respected. As someone who’s spent years advocating for better care, I’ve met countless carers and workers whose dedication inspires me, but I’ve also heard heartbreaking stories from LGBTQ+ individuals – particularly older adults who fear judgment when accessing full-time care. This Pride Month, let’s commit to transforming the care sector into a place where everyone feels at home, no matter their identity.

Where Inclusion Misses the Mark - Struggles of LGBTQ+ People in Care

For many LGBTQ+ people, especially those in later life, the prospect of entering a care setting can feel like stepping into the unknown. A 2021 Stonewall study found that one in six LGBTQ+ individuals over the age of 55 fear discrimination in care services due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This statistic hits hard. Imagine living a life where you’ve fought for acceptance, only to feel you must hide who you are to receive the support you need. Older LGBTQ+ individuals often grew up in eras when being open about their identity was not just frowned upon but could lead to ostracism, legal repercussions, or worse.

According to Skills for Care , this historical context makes them less likely to disclose personal details to a worker or carer, which can hinder the quality of assistance they receive.

I once spoke with a retired nurse, who shared her hesitation to enter a care home after decades of proudly living as a lesbian. “I worried the carers wouldn’t understand my life or my partner’s role in it,” she told me. Her story isn’t unique, but it’s a reminder of why full-time care jobs must prioritise inclusion. When workers create environments where individuals feel safe to share their identities, it transforms care from a transaction into a meaningful connection.

What Inclusive Care Really Looks Like - Practical Tools That Make a Difference

Thankfully, the care sector is evolving. Organisations like Skills for Care have introduced practical guidance to empower carers and workers to deliver inclusive support. This includes tips on using affirming language – like respecting chosen names and pronouns and strategies for building trust, such as listening without judgment. These tools are vital for carers who want to provide person-centered care that honors both emotional and physical needs. For example, addressing a trans individual respectfully or recognising a same-sex partner as next of kin can make a world of difference. It’s not just about meeting basic needs; it’s about ensuring every job in care reflects a commitment to dignity.

I recall a training session I attended where a worker shared how she’d helped a trans resident feel comfortable by simply asking, “How would you like me to address you?” That small act of assistance opened a door to trust, allowing the resident to share more about their needs. These moments show how care can be transformative when carers are equipped with the right tools and mindset.

Pride in Care - How Celebrating Identity Drives Inclusive Change

Pride Month is a celebration of progress, but it’s also a reminder of the jobs left to do. Inclusion isn’t a one-time achievement – it’s an ongoing commitment. Too often, LGBTQ+ individuals in care settings are treated as exceptions rather than individuals whose identities deserve to be celebrated. Whether it’s ensuring support for trans individuals, acknowledging same-sex relationships, or challenging unconscious biases among workers, every step forward matters. Care Management Matters highlights stories of carers who’ve gone above and beyond, like a worker who organised a Pride-themed event in a care home to honor residents’ identities. These efforts show what’s possible when care is rooted in compassion.

As carers, we have a unique opportunity to make care settings places of belonging. I think of a full-time carer I met who noticed a resident seemed withdrawn. By taking time to listen, she learned he’d never felt safe discussing his identity as a gay man. With her support, he began sharing stories of his life, which not only improved his well-being but also inspired other workers to foster more open conversations. This is the power of care—it’s not just a job, it’s a chance to change lives.

Breaking Down Barriers - Steps Toward True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Care

Despite the progress we’ve seen, many barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion in care still remain. That’s why training is so important. Programmes like those from Carefour offer practical advice to help carers navigate sensitive conversations and confidently stand up for inclusive policies.

There are also bigger, systemic challenges. Some care organisations don’t yet have clear policies on LGBTQ+ inclusion, leaving carers without a roadmap to follow. This is where strong leadership makes all the difference. Managers and policymakers need to make inclusion a real priority by providing ongoing training and creating environments where carers feel safe and supported in doing their best. For example, Skills for Care stresses the importance of clear guidelines—like recognising same-sex partners as family – which might seem small but means the world to the people receiving care.

Here are some ways we can all help break down these barriers:

Offering training that helps carers feel comfortable and confident when discussing identity
Encouraging carers to speak up and push for inclusive policies in their workplaces
Putting clear, written protocols in place that recognise and respect diverse family relationships
Ensuring managers lead by example, showing they truly support inclusion every day
Creating welcoming spaces where carers feel empowered to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people

These steps aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about making sure every person in care feels seen, respected, and valued.

Living Pride in Care - How Personal Commitment Transforms Practice

As someone passionate about care, I believe Pride Month is a chance to recommit to equity. I’ve seen the difference it makes when a carer takes the time to understand a resident’s life story, whether it’s celebrating a same-sex anniversary or respecting a trans individual’s pronouns. These acts of assistance aren’t just kind—they’re essential. They remind us that care is about connection, not just routine.

Last year, I visited a care home where workers had created a “Pride Wall” displaying residents’ stories and photos from their lives. One resident, a trans woman, beamed as she shared how the support from her carer helped her feel seen for the first time in years. That’s what Pride in Care means—creating spaces where every job in care reflects a commitment to dignity and respect.

Making Pride Month Count: What Care Workers Can Do Right Now

This June, let’s make “Pride in Care” a lived reality. Here are actionable ways to contribute as a worker, carer, or leader in the care sector:

Educate Yourself: Dive into resources like Skills for Care’s guidance to learn how to provide inclusive support. Training equips carers with the tools to make every interaction affirming.
Foster Trust: Create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe to share their needs. A simple question like “How can I best support you?” can open doors to meaningful assistance.
Advocate for Change: Push for policies that prioritise inclusion, from staff training to clear protocols on respecting identities. Every carer can be a voice for equity.
Celebrate Stories: Share and honor the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in care. Whether it’s hosting Pride events or creating spaces for storytelling, these efforts build community.

Looking Ahead - The Future of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Care

The care sector has the power to lead by example. By embedding inclusion into every job, we can ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals—no matter their age or background—receive the support and assistance they deserve. Let’s use Pride Month as a springboard to create a future where every worker and carer champions dignity, where every care setting feels like a safe haven.

Together, we can transform care into a space where everyone’s story is celebrated, and every identity is honored. This Pride Month, let’s take pride in building a care sector that truly cares for all.