Former EastEnders star Michael Cashman visited St Thomas’ Hospital to celebrate LGBT history month last week.
The actor made TV history in 1989 when he portrayed the first-ever gay kiss in a British soap.
The campaigner, who sits as a peer in the House of Lords, joined staff from the hospital’s LGBT network.
The network’s co-founder, Jayne King, said it was a welcome reminder of the progress that has been made.
“It was wonderful for Lord Michael Cashman to attend our LGBT+ History Month event at St Thomas’”, she said.
“Our LGBT+ Network gives a voice to our LGBT staff and patients and to be joined by Michael, who has been doing the same for the whole country throughout his career, was a source of great pride.
“Having Michael with us is a great reminder of the incredible progress that has been achieved, while keeping us motivated to ensure that staff and patients of all sexualities and genders feel represented.”
Lord Cashman, who helped found Stonewall, gave a speech to thank nurses and doctors who treated his late husband, Paul Cottingham.
The activist also signed copies of his memoir ‘One of Them’ donated by his publisher. The event raised more than £200 for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity, said the hospital.