Medicine as a profession should reflect the population it is responsible for. Therefore, workforce diversity is essential to improve care for marginalised groups. Although significant steps have been taken to acknowledge the issues of gender discrimination, attainment gap and racism, the system still fails educating and taking comprehensive actions to address these inequalities. Furthermore, the literature offers meagre evidence on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other identities (LGBTQ+) representation in the profession and on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ medical trainees. As a result, we must ask ourselves whether we fully understand the importance of proactive LGBTQ+ representation, inclusion and education in encouraging future trainees, students and applicants in joining our ranks.
This paper will explore current issues in LGBTQ+ policies and the known and hidden challenges faced by LGBTQ+ trainees. Finally, the paper will discuss potential steps to achieve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the medical profession to benefit colleagues…