June marks Pride Month across Canada: a time to recognize the rich history of queer advocacy and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other sexual orientations and gender identities—in all its diversity. What began in the 1970s as a grassroots protest for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, has grown into a national movement for visibility, inclusion and equity.
Pride Events
This year, we invite you to join Island Health at a local Pride Celebration event where we'll connect, celebrate and stand together:
- June 8 in Nanaimo, the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation — Parade and Public Health Booth
- June 28 in Campbell River, the unceded traditional territory of the Ligwiłda'xw people, including the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, Kwiakah First Nations — Public Health Booth
- July 6 in Victoria, the traditional territories of the Lekwungen People, known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations — Parade and Public Health Booth
In Nanaimo and Victoria, Island Health team members will walk alongside an Island Health vehicle decorated by our dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. At each event, look for the Island Health booth, where Population and Public Health Nurses will share information on health services, vaccinations, and sexual and reproductive health.
As Chandra Berkan Hozempa (she/they), Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, shares:
“These events are more than just an opportunity to celebrate Pride—they are an opportunity for us to connect with staff across the Island and share about our collective joys and wins, but also the resiliency of the 2SLGBTQIA+ employees who have been advocating and doing this work here in our organization for decades.
I hope we can shine a light on all of the work our queer staff have done and continue to do, including the work done by our unions to advance employment equity for queer and gender diverse staff across our organization. We are a better organization because of it."
Island Health Pride T-Shirts
Celebrate diversity, inclusion and the power of being yourself with Island Health's Pride t-shirt. Whether you're marching in a parade, working a shift, or cheering from the sidelines, wear our colours with pride and let local communities know who we are.
Get your Pride tee today by visiting the Island Health Store. Shipping is an estimated 1-2 weeks, which is subject to change due to ongoing Canada Post labour negotiations.
Rainbow Lanyards
Another way to demonstrate your support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is by wearing an Island Health Rainbow Pride Lanyard.
To receive a lanyard you must review the information and take the training outlined here. Once completed, reach out to the DEI team at DEI@islandhealth.ca to have lanyards shipped to you and your team via interoffice mailing.
Remember—When you are wearing a lanyard, you are signalling safety and, at bare minimum, that you have taken the training and have committed to continuous learning as an active ally. Wear your lanyards with Pride and remember the significance and meaning it holds for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
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This Pride season, we gather recognize the advocacy and strength of Island Health 2SLGBTQIA+ team members and the wider community. Across the country, and across Island Health, we recognize how far we've come and the work still ahead.
For more education, resources and supports visit the 2SLGBTQIA+ General Information Intranet Page.