Interview with Nurse Marshall H. Blue: A Trailblazer in LGBTQ Healthcare
In the realm of healthcare, where diversity and representation are increasingly recognized as vital to providing equitable and compassionate care, few individuals embody the intersection of professional excellence and personal advocacy as profoundly as Marshall H. Blue, Sr, DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNL, PHN. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Dr. Blue serves as the Director of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Dignity Health in North Central California. His journey is not just one of professional achievement but also a testament to the power of perseverance and advocacy as an African American gay male in a predominantly white, female profession.
In this interview, Dr. Blue shares his inspirational story, from the influences that guided him into nursing to the challenges and triumphs he has encountered as a member of the LGBTQ community. His insights offer a profound look into the evolution of healthcare's approach to LGBTQ issues and the importance of representation and mentorship in nurturing future generations of nurses.
General Background
Can you tell me a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
"There are two nurses that stand out in my mind that I have always equated with my decision and success in nursing. My aunt was an LVN, practicing throughout the US and Africa, primarily Nigeria as a missionary. She told me stories of her many adventures as a nurse. Nursing is really everywhere; you can travel and see the world as a nurse. Another individual was my high school nurse. I used to go to her office frequently, trying to get out of algebra, and she eventually caught on. She said, 'You need algebra for nursing!' Both of these nurses talked about how they were able to give back to any community where they lived, and how people would trust them. They solidified what I wanted to do. I liked travel, I wanted to give back, and nursing was something that I thought I could do and do well."
How long have you been working as a nurse and in nursing leadership, and in what types of healthcare settings have you worked?
"I’ve been a nurse for 43 years, 11 of which have been in leadership, progressively moving from a charge nurse to assistant manager, manager, and now director. Primarily, I’ve been in pediatric acute care, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and neonatal transport. Within the hospital setting I’ve also been fortunate enough to work with adults in the cardiac care unit, neuro-orthopedic surgery, and post-anesthesia recovery unit. In addition, I have been the neonatal transport and high-risk infant follow-up program coordinator."
Personal Experience
As a member of the LGBTQ community, how has your identity influenced your experiences in the healthcare profession?
"The patient population I care for tends to not identify any particular way due to their young age. However, in the mid-2010s, when I decided to go back to school, I found my voice as a gay male nurse speaking out against injustices in my community. I hadn’t hidden my identity, but I also hadn’t spoken to it. After obtaining my BSN, MSN, and DNP, I felt I needed to lend my voice to programs in my community. I could speak not just as an African American nurse but also as a gay nurse. Now, I can speak on panels, lend support to research, and provide personal stories. Having the education allowed me to be heard as a professional. It’s saddening that one has to go to such lengths to be heard."
How has your experience as a member of the LGBTQ community informed your work in healthcare leadership?
"Representation matters. Being Black, male, and gay in a primarily white, female career brings challenges, especially when dealing with providers who don’t want to deal with you as a person. Luckily, that has not been my issue. I come in with confidence and say, 'Let’s work together,' and, when necessary, I call them out on their issues. Representing Black individuals, males, and my gay community as a professional has allowed others to take notice. However, I think being Black has impacted my leadership more than my sexual orientation."
Have you ever encountered situations where you needed to educate colleagues about LGBTQ issues? How did you approach these conversations?
“I have had conversations with colleagues who have used their religious beliefs to imply that being gay was a choice and a sin and have prayed for those who weren’t following 'the right path.' I’ve told them, 'I’m glad that you pray for people, but don’t pray that God saves me from my gayness. I’ve worked for years to accept myself as a gay man.' They’ve been apologetic, but I made it clear that such commentary wasn’t appropriate for the work setting. We’re good now, and they understand."
How do you see your role in helping to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for future LGBTQ nurses?
"I aim to be comfortable in my skin and provide a welcoming environment for any new nurse identifying as LGBTQ+. I want to be a resource and someone they can count on. It’s important to help them feel grounded and empowered to resolve conflicts themselves. I want to be that welcoming person they can talk to."
What advice would you give to your younger self starting out in nursing, especially regarding navigating the profession as an LGBTQ individual?
"Embrace who you are now. Forty-two years ago, I didn’t accept myself as a gay male. This lack of self-acceptance kept me hiding and complacent. If I heard something that wasn’t right, I didn’t say anything because it would 'out' me. But I don’t regret my path because it created the person I am today. I would tell my younger self to be part of something real, to be true to yourself, and speak up. My partner of 18 years knew who he was at 25. Very different from who I was at that age."
Healthcare Environment
Have you seen any changes or improvements in the healthcare system’s approach to LGBTQ issues during your career?
"The fact that it’s actually recognized that we’ve been completely inequitable to the LGBTQ+ community is significant. Vocal people have demanded equitable care. We deserve access, too. Now, there are community task forces partnered with state and federal agencies, and there’s money being spent on issues supporting this community. Research is being done that wasn’t being done before."
Advice and Insights
What advice would you give to other LGBTQ individuals considering a career in nursing or healthcare?
"Find a mentor who is very supportive of who you are as a person and who will help you develop the professional aspect of your life. Be a beacon to the community. We’re still in the trailblazing era; we’re married, we’re whole families now, and we’re up and out front. We’re not shamed by who we are. If you want to be part of the healthcare profession, find a mentor. A mentor that has a special tie to who you are will have a special perspective. I had some great mentors, and that’s why I’m still here."
Personal Reflection
How do you think being a member of the LGBTQ community has shaped your perspective on healthcare and patient advocacy?
"I’ve not made it my mission to just be gay and have everything about my life be gay. What people see first about me is being Black. The way that I’ve been able to support the LGBTQ+ community is through my DEIAA committee work and ensuring information dissemination, not just through the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) but also through DNPs of Color. I’m passionate about anyone who doesn’t receive quality, equitable care. I know there is improvement needed on the local, state, and federal levels for our people."
Association of California Nurse Leaders
Email: info@acnl.org
Website: https://www.acnl.org/
Location: 180 Promenade Circle suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95834, USA
Phone: 916-779-6949