BOURNEMOUTH West MP Conor Burns has spoken out about the prejudice he says he's suffered in his personal life and in politics for being gay.

“I’ve been able to overcome this, but it wasn’t easy, and I think it is vital that others feel confident enough to ‘come out and speak out’ around their sexuality, and not feel discriminated against," he said. "This is a topic I feel extremely passionate about as I have encountered prejudice in my own personal life and in politics for being gay.”

Mr Burns MP for Bournemouth West, Alderney and Branksome East, was speaking at the launch of a new initiative supporting NHS staff and patients who are gay, bisexual or transgender.

The Pan-Dorset NHS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network, led by Dorset HealthCare, provides a ‘one-stop shop’ of information and support for staff and patients who may be experiencing struggles with their sexuality.

So far more than 10 organisations have signed up, including Dorset County Hospital, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital, the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dorset Mental Health Forum, and LiveWell Dorset. Bournemouth-based LGBT support services Over The Rainbow and Space are also involved.

Speaking at the network’s launch at The Lighthouse in Poole, Mr Burns said he believes this is a ‘step in the right direction’ in tackling the stigmas around being gay or transgender in Dorset.

“It's great to see the diversity of the public and private sector organisations pledging their support, and I hope this will entice smaller ones to follow suit so we can build strength in numbers,” he said.

Equality and Diversity Manager for Dorset HealthCare David Corbin said: “We’ve had a long-standing ambition to have an LGBT network across local NHS organisations, so it is great to finally get one in place. We want people to feel like they can access help at the earliest possible stage, and not be afraid to be open and honest about their sexuality."

He said the network could provide advice for managers who may not know how to approach someone who is transgender, and help those who are experiencing trouble in their work and personal lives after coming out.

He added that the network would also help to improve the experience of LGBT patients.”

The group will initially meet every other month, and will be promoted at events throughout 2018. Anyone who would like to be involved or find out more information should contact its Chair, Jonai da Silva, on Jonai.Dasilva@nhs.net.