Leadership Message: PRIDE | The importance of community, visibility and unity
(SACRAMENTO)
By Joleen Lonigan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, Patient Care Services, VP, Associate Chief Nursing Executive
Dear Colleagues,
The month of June has always been my favorite time, as it is a time of community, visibility, and unity. I have identified as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community since my teenage years and hold this time to elevate the community, increase visibility, and amplify our unity. I feel more visible and unified with the large community in June than in any other month. This is a time for joy, solidarity, remembering where we’ve been, and reaffirming our commitment to equity and inclusion for our community.
The Cal Band Joins UC Davis and UC Davis Health at the 2025 Sacramento Pride March!
Big news — and it comes with brass, beats, and bold UC pride!
This June, the iconic Cal Band from UC Berkeley is teaming up with UC Davis and UC Davis Health to bring the rhythm, spirit, and celebration to the 2025 Sacramento Pride March on Sunday, June 15!
With 50 talented musicians leading the way, the Cal Band will headline our vibrant UC contingent of more than 1,000 staff, faculty, students, and families as we march in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community — in full color, volume, and heart.
While the UC Davis Marching Band is cheering us on from commencement this year, we’re thrilled to welcome our UC Berkeley siblings to keep the music alive. It’s a powerful reminder that the University of California stands united — in love, in pride, and in purpose.
This year’s theme, “We All Belong,” is more than a message — it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for visibility, inclusion, and unwavering support. Every step we take, every note we play, and every banner we raise declares that belonging is not just a belief — it’s our promise.
This isn’t just a march. This isn’t just music. This is a message.
With the Cal Band’s electrifying energy and our community’s unstoppable spirit, we’re showing Sacramento — and the world — that UC Davis Health proudly stands with the LGBTQIA+ community. We lead with courage. We march with purpose. And yes — we do it all with a killer soundtrack.
Let’s make some joyful noise. See you on the parade and march route!
Join us in promoting belonging as we highlight Pride Month this June. Let's unite our communities to celebrate our differences and uniqueness, uplift our various cultures, and march together in unity.
This Pride Month, we’re reaffirming UC Davis Health's commitment to honoring all forms of diversity and to serving all of our LGBTQIA+ patients, employees, and communities with compassion and fairness. It is vitally important for everyone to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion at UC Davis Health.”
—Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S. Associate Vice Chancellor, Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Choosing to participate in the Sacramento Pride March with UC Davis health is one way you can help UC Davis Health send a clear message of our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We lead the way in health equity, diversity, and inclusion at UC Davis Health.
UC Davis Health and UC Davis team members, family and friends from the 2024 Sacramento Pride March.
March and Festival Registration Information
Sacramento Pride March
Date: Sunday, June 15
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
Location: Southside Park (2115 6th Street)
More than 1,100 people registered to march with UC Davis Health before the May 16 deadline to be guaranteed a complimentary t-shirt.
Registration remains open for staff, faculty, students, and their immediate families but a complimentary t-shirt is not guaranteed.
This year’s theme is "We All Belong"—a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a value, it’s a commitment. Amidst the challenges to LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, your presence at Sacramento Pride sends a clear and necessary message: UC Davis Health stands with our LGBTQ+ community.
This Pride Month, we celebrate the contributions of those who represent and support the LGBTQIA+ community at UC Davis Health and beyond. During June, we join with people and groups around the world to recognize all students, faculty, and staff, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to the ideals of belonging, inclusiveness, and understanding. This is more than something we do — it is who we are.”
—Bruce Lee Hall, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. Interim Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences and Chief Clinical Officer
Safety information
As we prepare to show up with pride and unity at the Sacramento Pride March on Sunday, June 15, we want to remind everyone that while this is a celebration of love, identity, and inclusion, we may encounter anti-LGBTQ protestors along the route. Please do not engage with any negativity. The best response is to smile, wave, and keep marching proudly. We rise above hate by standing together with dignity and joy. There is strength in our numbers, and your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Let’s represent UC Davis and UC Davis Health with the grace, respect, and pride that define us.
Your health, wellness, and personal safety are essential. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and present during Pride Month activities:
Dealing with counter-protesters and anti-LGBTQIA+ individuals
Travel in groups – when arriving at the festival, during, and after
Be mindful of your surroundings
If you see something, say something
Do not engage with counter-protesters – alert the registration table or event security
Know your rights
Have an emergency contact
Use de-escalation techniques if approached
Dial 911 if needed
Health and Wellness Safety Tips
Stay hydrated - bring a water bottle
Use sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a hand fan
Limit alcoholic drinks
Use hand sanitizer frequently
Bring healthy snacks as needed
Use a face mask at your discretion
Emergency Contacts:
Notify event organizers or police if you face violence or harassment for immediate support.
Dial 911
Call the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471 to report non-emergency events or activities
Let's make Pride Month a celebration of unity, love, and belonging!
At UC Davis Health, we don’t just talk about inclusive culture—we actively work to create it. Pride Month is a time to reaffirm our support for the LGBTQIA+ community and to stand together in creating a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and seen."
—Michael Condrin, M.B.A. Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for UC Davis Health
Volunteer Sign-Up Information
This event would not be possible without our amazing volunteers! Please help us by signing up for the following roles:
To stay informed about PRIDE events, email hs-pride@ucdavis.edu to be added to the PRIDE membership and Listserv.
Nurses are at the heart of healing, and healing starts with acceptance and inclusion. At UC Davis Health, we celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month - and every day of the year—because belonging is essential to the care we provide."
—Christine Williams, R.N., M.S., C.N.S. Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
Become a Donor
In honor of Pride Month, we invite you to join your colleagues in supporting inclusive care, services, and resources for all by becoming anemployee donor. Whether a featured fund in support of our LGBTQ+ community, or another program you’re passionate about, you can make an impact.
You may support thePRIDE Employee Resource Group Initiatives Support Fund. Gifts to this fund help the UC Davis Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to support career, personal, and educational enrichment of staff who show participation in and/or advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you for considering to donate.
Stay Tuned
Please continue to visit this site for updates and more information leading up to Pride Month.
Equity in health care begins with respect—for our patients, our colleagues, and our community. This Pride Month, we stand united, ensuring our care reflects the diversity and preserves the dignity of those we serve."
—Joseph M. Galante, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Chief Medical Officer, UC Davis Medical Center
Principles of Community
Employees participating in the Sacramento Pride March are expected to embody the UC Davis Principles of Community throughout the event. This means demonstrating respect for the dignity of all individuals, fostering a climate of inclusion, and acting with integrity and responsibility. As participants, employees and all participants should carry themselves with professionalism and a commitment to community building—celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and engaging respectfully with one another and the public. By upholding these values, we affirm our dedication to creating a welcoming environment where all feel seen, valued, and supported.
At UC Davis Health, we are honored to celebrate Pride with our community. We stand in unwavering support of LGBTQIA+ employees, patients and their families. Guided by our core values of kindness, trust and inclusion, we embrace the vibrant diversity that strengthens us and reaffirm our commitment to equity and belonging for all.”
—Debbie Aizenberg, M.D. Chief Physician Executive, UC Davis Medical Group and Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care
