On behalf of: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
June marks the start of Pride Month across Canada. It is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the ongoing work required to foster equity and inclusion within our healthcare system.
At Island Health, recognizing Pride is an opportunity to focus on the practical, everyday actions that make our workspaces and care environments safer and more welcoming for colleagues and the people we serve. Building a culture of inclusion means taking small, intentional steps to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
Here are four ways you can demonstrate active allyship to your 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, clients, residents and colleagues:
Shift your language: Share your own pronouns when introducing yourself to proactively create a welcoming space (e.g., “Hi, my name is Todd, I’m an RN and my pronouns are he/him.”). Respect and use the name and pronouns that someone provides you, and don’t refer to them as "preferred”.
Handle mistakes gracefully: Making mistakes is normal and part of human nature. If you accidentally use the wrong name or gender for someone, simply recognize and correct your mistake and move on. A simple correction helps avoid unwanted attention.
Commit to training: Allyship is a continuous journey. Learn more from the educational toolkits, terminology guides and training resources available on the 2SLGBTQIA+ intranet page. Once you’ve completed the training, request a Rainbow Lanyard to show your support and active allyship. This is a visible signal to patients and colleagues that you are committed to providing safe, affirming connection and care.
Speak up against discrimination: Everyone has a responsibility to address discrimination, bullying and harassment. If you witness or experience gender-based discrimination, report this to your leader or respectfulworkplace@islandhealth.ca. If you have any questions or need support navigating these situations, please reach out to the DEI team at DEI@islandhealth.ca or the Respectful Workplace Team.
Join Us: 2026 Pride Event Calendar
Island Health team members will be walking alongside our official Island Health vehicle, beautifully decorated by staff in the 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. At select events, look out for our Population and Public Health medi-tents offering health services and vaccination information, as well as sexual and reproductive health resources.
Bring your family and friends and celebrate with us at these upcoming regional events:
| Date |
Community |
Territory |
Events |
| June 14 |
Nanaimo |
Traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation |
Parade Public Health Booth |
| June 27 |
Campbell River |
Traditional and unceded territory of the Ligwiłda'xw people, including the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, Kwiakah First Nations |
Public Health Booth |
| July 12 |
Victoria |
Traditional and unceded territories of the Lekwungen People, known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations |
Parade Public Health Booth |
| July 17-19 (Parade date TBA) |
Salt Spring Island |
Traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Hul'qumi'num and SENĆOŦEN speaking Nations |
Parade |
| August 29 |
Comox Valley |
Traditional and unceded territory of the K'ómoks First Nation |
Parade |
Show Your Pride: Get Involved Today
Can't make it to a parade? There are many ways to show your support:
- Wear Your Allyship: Take the training, commit to allyship, and wear your Island Health Pride lanyard to show patients and colleagues that you are committed to providing safe, affirming care. Request a rainbow lanyard.
- Island Health Pride T-Shirts: Get your Pride tee today by visiting the Island Health Store. Shipping is an estimated 2-3 weeks.
- Share Your Pride Photos: Snap a selfie wearing your Island Health Pride lanyard or t-shirt or celebrating at an event and send it to us! Your photo will be featured in the community gallery
- Connect with Community: If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are looking to connect and build a supportive network, you can request an invitation to join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group by emailing DEI@islandhealth.ca.
- Learn and Grow: Allyship is a continuous journey. You can access educational toolkits, terminology guides, and community resources on the 2SLGBTQIA+ intranet page. To deepen your understanding, review the Guide for Supporting Transition and Gender Diversity in the Workplace.