June is Pride Month, when we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) individuals across America and reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.
Ballad Health, as part of its values, supports equality and treating everyone with respect. This applies to patients and visitors to our facilities but also to fellow team members. As healthcare workers, we’re all in this together and no one should be ostracized, harassed or treated unfairly due to their sexual orientation or gender preference.
Pride Month
The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement. A police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, led to riots and protests against harassment and unfair treatment of the gay community. A year later, a march was held on the anniversary of the raid. The gay rights movement took shape from there, modeled after the civil rights movement and the women’s rights movement.
Gaining respect and equality
The LGBTQIA+ community has made great progress in the fight for equality since then, with gay marriage now more widely accepted and many regressive laws struck down. But there’s still a long way to go. Many states lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity for LGBTQ people. Discrimination, bullying and acts of violence still occur toward LGBTQIA+ individuals at an alarming rate.
Studies also show that discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Experiences of violence and victimization are frequent for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
It’s important for all team members to make sure everyone — including the LGBTQIA+ community – has proper access to healthcare and there are no health disparities.
Ballad Health’s Diversity and Inclusion Program
Ballad Health has a Diversity and Inclusion Program that includes a Diversity Council comprising leaders and team members from across the system, and three subcommittees to address 1) healthcare equality; 2) language and mobility; and 3) race, religion and culture. The program embraces an environment where inclusion is valued and people respect each other as individuals, and we appreciate our differences as well as our similarities.
If you want to know more about our diversity and inclusion program or are interested in joining, call 423-302-1572.
June 2021, as Pride Month, is a time to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, to celebrate the great diversity of the American people and to wave their flags of pride high. Ballad Health and the Diversity and Inclusion Program wish everyone a happy Pride Month!
Pride Month events
Friday, June 11
Tri-Cities’ Queer Outdoor Club – 5 p.m., Winged Deer Park, Johnson City. Park social with volleyball, frisbee and badminton.
Saturday, June 12
TriPride Fundraiser: Pride Brews & Fun at Gypsy Cidery – Noon-5 p.m., Gypsy Circus Cider Company, 2645 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport. $1 from each pint sold will be donated to support this year’s TriPride parade event Oct. 16 in downtown Bristol. Throughout June, Gypsy Cidery will also donate $1 from each pint sold of Pridealicious Seltzer, a special drink brewed for Pride Month.
Monday, June 14
Open Forum – 6 p.m., Pride Community Center, King Centre, 300 E. Main St., Suite 159, Johnson City. PrideTriCities.com.
Friday, June 18
TriPride Fundraiser: Singo! Karaoke & Brews with Friends – 6 p.m., Bristol Station Brews & Taproom, 41 Piedmont Ave. ‘80/‘90s-themed Singo! starts at 7:30 p.m. with door prizes. $1 from each pint sold will be donated to support this year’s TriPride parade event Oct. 16 in downtown Bristol. Talk to board members, get involved with the Planning Committee and just come out and have a great time!
Saturday, June 19
TriPride Fundraiser – 1 p.m., Pride Community Center, King Centre, 300 E. Main St., Suite 159, Johnson City. PrideTriCities.com.
Tuesday, June 22
Open Forum – 6 p.m., Pride Community Center, King Centre, 300 E. Main St., Suite 159, Johnson City. PrideTriCities.com.
