I am proud to work for the NHS, and of course public support for the NHS, and all other essential workers, can only be considered a good thing. However, as I saw more rainbow flags, in person and in the media, I quickly realised that these were not intended as support for the LGBTQ+ community, but rather as support for the NHS. Assuming that this was a Pride flag, I inwardly reproached myself for my assumptions that I wouldn’t see or feel support for the LGBTQ+ community in the South West. And not long after lockdown was imposed, I was pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow flag on my drive home from work.
However, as a queer person, moving to a place with a reputation for largely Conservative politics and attitudes, I had some reservations about how welcome I might feel.Īs I work in an NHS secure inpatient psychiatric service, I have continued to work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. I made the decision to move for an Assistant Psychologist role, which I had worked hard to secure, and was excited to start. Moving to the South West of England a few months ago, I had mixed feelings.