GLADD is the Association of LGBTQ+ Doctors and Dentists, the UK organisation for LGBTQ+ doctors, dentists and medical and dental students. Members get community, mentoring, regional networks, events and signposting to specialist support. GLADD does not give medical or dental advice, and you contact the committee through the form on its website.
Key facts
- Who can join
- Any doctor, dentist, medical or dental student who supports GLADD's values and constitution
- Cost
- Membership fee not stated on the homepage. LGBTQ+ Meet Up events are listed as free.
- How to contact
- Contact form on gladd.co.uk, answered by committee members. Allow at least five working days for a reply.
- Covers
- The whole UK, with regional networks
- Charity number
- Not published on the website
What GLADD offers members
- Community and mentoring. A mentoring scheme and a network of LGBTQ+ colleagues across medicine and dentistry.
- Regional networks. Groups which connect members living or working near each other.
- Events. An AGM dinner, summer and New Year parties, Pride events and socials, plus free LGBTQ+ Meet Ups. At the time of checking, upcoming Meet Ups were listed in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leicester.
- Signposting. Support pages on LGBTQ+ health, bisexual and trans issues, religion, refugees and people seeking asylum, young people and professional matters.
- Education and campaigning. Training for people working or studying in healthcare, and work with the BMA, the GMC, royal colleges and Parliament.
- Projects. A student writing prize, research studies, the NHS Rainbow Badges scheme and a heritage project.
Who GLADD is for
Membership is open to any doctor, dentist, medical student or dental student who supports GLADD's values and constitution. The organisation describes itself as the UK's only body uniting and representing LGBTQ+ doctors and dentists, with members from all over the country.
Other healthcare professions, such as nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals, are not named in the membership rules. If you work in one of those roles, look for LGBTQ+ staff networks in your employer or union, and read our page on professional communities.
Why a professional LGBTQ+ network helps
Say a dental foundation trainee has moved to a new city for training, knows nobody and is unsure whether to come out at the practice. A regional Meet Up gives the trainee people to talk to who have faced the same choice in the same profession. A trans medical student facing awkward questions on placement can use GLADD's trans support page as a starting point, then speak to the medical school.
Isolation at work takes a toll over time. Our guide to isolation in healthcare work covers practical steps, and support for students covers placements.
What GLADD does not do
GLADD says plainly the association is unable to provide medical or dental advice. GLADD is a membership and campaigning organisation, not a counselling, legal or crisis service. If you face discrimination, harassment or a mental health problem, use these alongside GLADD:
- Discrimination or harassment at work: read discrimination at work and bullying and harassment, then contact your union, the BMA or Acas.
- Free 24/7 counselling and peer support for doctors and medical students: BMA wellbeing support on 0330 123 1245.
- Mental health or addiction treatment for NHS staff in England: NHS Practitioner Health. In Wales, Canopi. New therapy referrals there are paused from 21 September 2026, and self-referrals continue.
- An anonymous peer forum for doctors with mental health concerns: Doctors' Support Network.
The BMA also keeps a list of welfare resources for LGBTQ+ medical students. Dentists can find more on our dentists hub.
Getting in touch with GLADD
- Use the contact form on gladd.co.uk. Committee members answer messages.
- Expect a reply to take at least five working days.
- Check the events page for the next Meet Up near you.
GLADD is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. In England, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. Samaritans answer free on 116 123 at any hour. See urgent support.
Common questions
What does GLADD stand for?
GLADD is the Association of LGBTQ+ Doctors and Dentists, the UK organisation uniting and representing LGBTQ+ doctors, dentists and medical and dental students.
Who can join GLADD?
Any doctor, dentist, medical student or dental student who supports GLADD's values and constitution.
Does GLADD give medical advice?
No. GLADD says the association is unable to provide medical or dental advice, but the website signposts to support on LGBTQ+ health topics.
How do I contact GLADD?
Use the contact form on the GLADD website. Committee members reply, and responses take at least five working days.
Are GLADD events free?
LGBTQ+ Meet Ups are listed as free. Check the events page for other events, such as the AGM dinner.