Homophobia in medicine
Editor - It is apparent from the report of
the two students in the October issue1
and
the research of several bodies, including the
gay and Lesbian Association of Doctors and
Dentists, that homophobia does exist in the
medical profession.
Several gay colleagues of mine choose to
operate under a self imposed policy of
“don't ask, don't tell” when it comes to being
“out” at work. This is for several reasons,
including avoiding any potentially negative
responses (which thankfully are usually just
being embarrassed and feeling uncomfort.
able like the poor consultant in this article).
Otherwise, few people actually enjoy their
personal lives being used as a piece of social
currency by their colleagues, as medics are
inherent gossips. I would also add that my
sexuality really should be of no interest to
my colleagues unless they are my friends
also, and frankly I am often surprised that it
is of any interest to anyone, but perhaps that
is my own naive opinion.
I have generally been “out” at medical
school, largely because I socialise with my
friends here, and it would seem churlish and
tedious to attempt any kind of dual identity
with them. I haven't experienced any homo.
phobia directly, but have overheard some
comments from people who were obviously
feeling uncomfortable in one way or
another. Rarely do these comments make
me angry, as they always seem slightly
pathetic, as after all it is a phobia!
The gems I have been party to have
reinforced the idea that a lot of homopho.
bia and discomfort among medics arises
from our peculiar inability to see one
another as people as well as professionals.
particularly, during a course on human
sexuality, several students engaged in some
“anti.batty” banter (most likely to cover up
some embarrassment). A good friend of
mine pulled them up on this, pointing out
that in a hall full of 100 people there may be
some who were gay and so would be
offended by such chat. The reply came,
“FIell, yes of course, statistically speaking,
but surely not anybody here?”
Eleanor james, final year medical student, Oxford university
Email: eleanor.james@worc.ox.ac.uk
studentBMJ 2001;09:399-442 November ISSN 0966-6494
- MacDonald R. homophobia in medicine. studentBMj 2001;9:358.9. (October.)
