Pride Month 2025: Dr Bu Siakpere In Conversation with Dr Bryn Jones
Posted on: Wednesday 23 July 2025
Author: Bu Siakpere FFPM and Bryn Jones FFPM
At FPM, we mark major calendar events that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. During Pride Month 2025, I was delighted to have a conversation with Dr Bryn Jones, a Global Medical Lead at ViiV Healthcare and co-lead of an employee resource group fostering a culture of inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
About Bryn
Bryn is an HIV physician by training and a Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine. He lives in North London with his husband, whom he met while playing French horn in the London Gay Symphony Orchestra—a shared passion that continues to bring music and joy into their lives. His professional and personal experiences deeply inform his commitment to inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
What is your role as the global co-lead for the SPECTRUM ERG at GSK?
As global co-lead of SPECTRUM, GSK’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), I help shape the ERG’s global inclusion strategy, support local chapters, and ensure LGBTQ+ and ally voices are represented in shaping company culture. We aim to foster a safe, visible, and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ employees and allies and are open to all employees across GSK and ViiV Healthcare. As a gay man, this work is personally meaningful and professionally rewarding. I’m an HIV clinician by training, and in my current role at ViiV Healthcare, I lead global medical strategy for an asset—working cross-functionally to align scientific insights with strategic priorities. This includes supporting data generation, engaging with external experts, and helping shape the medical narrative that informs our work and impact.
Why is it important for FPM to mark Pride Month?
Marking Pride Month is a powerful way to show that inclusion matters in every part of our profession. It’s a moment to reflect on the experiences of colleagues, celebrate progress, and commit to creating environments where everyone feels they belong.
What progress has been made in reflecting the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the development of medicines, vaccines and devices?
Speaking from my experience working in HIV, we have made significant efforts to ensure that those most impacted by HIV are represented in our work, whether that’s in medicine development, research or how people access care. We know there is always more to do and are always putting the patient at the heart of everything we do.
Can you provide examples of good collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and the LGBTQ+ community?
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a great example of how the industry can foster inclusion from within. At GSK, SPECTRUM helps ensure LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies feel included, heard, and able to find their part of the GSK community. Externally, ViiV Healthcare stands out for its deep engagement with the LGBTQ+ community—especially given the intersection between HIV and LGBTQ+ health. These partnerships show what’s possible when inclusion is a shared priority.
What would you say to members who identify as LGBTQ+ or wish to become allies of this community?
You belong here. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally, your presence and voice matter. Visibility is powerful, it helps others feel safe and seen. Join your local ERG, listen with empathy, and use your platform to support inclusion. Together, we can build a profession where everyone thrives.
Do continue to engage with FPM to explore how pharmaceutical practice is evolving across different communities within FPM, other professional organisations with patients and healthcare providers.
