As we celebrate our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community during Pride Month, let’s also recognize the ongoing fight to ensure equity and to overcome mistreatment, oppression, and marginalization.
Pride Month takes place each year in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in June of 1969 and was a key tipping point in the gay rights movement. In the more than 50 years since, barriers have been removed as a result of advocacy, perseverance, and sacrifice by many, but, we can all commit to the individual actions necessary to create work and learning environments that promote self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility that extends beyond this month of recognition.
As a school of medicine and healthcare organization, we must also continue to work to ensure equity in access and care for the LGBTQ+ patient community we serve in North Carolina. We must also work to create an inclusive culture for our team members and students. Beginning this week and continuing throughout June, multiple events have been planned throughout UNC Health to celebrate the incredible contributions of our LGBTQ+ community and provide continuing education on ensuring a respectful and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ co-workers and patients.
– Aleyah Pryor-Pankey and Nate Thomas
Continue reading and view events listing: UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine Recognize Pride Month
Internal members, see also email on June 4 from Silvia Ramos “Pride Month Program – LGBTQ+ resources and connections.”
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed June 2021 LGBTQ Pride Month, urging us to take time during this month to reflect on the LGBTQ rights movement and the important progress that has been made. Read the PDF Governor’s proclamation.