Posted on: June 8, 2022
Pride is both a celebration and a time to acknowledge the on-going challenges and discrimination faced by people in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. During Pride month we have an opportunity to take action for change.
Walk the Learning Pathway
We invite all staff and medical staff to walk the 2SLGBTQ Learning Pathway, reflect and increase awareness of the lived experiences and healthcare needs of people in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Knowing the history of 2SLGBTQ+ people is important to enhance your ability to provide compassionate and effective care to people from diverse communities. This is a brief history of PRIDE…
Many people cite the Stonewall Riots as the spark that lit the flame of the 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement. The Stonewall Inn in New York City was a bar frequented primarily by gay men and drag queens. The police routinely raided and arrested gay men because homosexuality was illegal at the time. Women were often arrested if they were wearing less than three pieces of “feminine clothing" (read: “modest", covering the body).
On June 28, 1969, patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back during a police raid. This initial riot led to protests which then led to the inaugural pride parade a year later – in June 1970. Although there are lesser known altercations between police and people in 2SLGBTQ+ communities that occurred throughout the 1970's in Canada, it is the bathhouse raids that occurred in Toronto in 1981 that is often called “Canada's Stonewall."
In many places around the world, being 2SLGBTQ is still a crime punishable by imprisonment and/or death.
Over the next few weeks, watch for articles in the Weekly and continue to “Walk our Pride" by learning more, discussing how we can create more welcoming and inclusive environments for people from 2SLGBTQ+ communities and, of course, recognizing and celebrating Pride together.
One more thing…
Some questions have come into the pride@islandhealth.ca inbox. Here is a commonly asked question and response:
Can I have rainbow lanyards for myself and my team?
We love Pride swag too! In previous years, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and people who completed a learning session received a rainbow lanyard to demonstrate their commitment to creating inclusive environments. If you are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and would like a lanyard, just reach out and we'll send you one.
Because learning sessions are on hold, the 2SLGBTQ Learning Pathway was developed. We encourage you to work through the Pathway, read/view the resources, and go through the self-assessment questions. It is important to take this step before wearing a rainbow lanyard. When you feel confident that you meet the 'criteria' suggested for allyship, email us at pride@islandhealth.ca and we will send the first 50 people a lanyard! Since this is based on the honour system, we appreciate your honesty in completing this Pathway.
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What are you doing for Pride month? Show us how you "Walk your Pride" by sharing your photos and stories with Pride@islandhealth.ca. We'll share on our Flickr album and social media channels.