UC Davis Health shows up in big numbers at Pride March
(SACRAMENTO)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated in June each year. At UC Davis Health, our commitment to relationship-based care and fostering a culture of inclusion is steadfast and stronger than ever.
Pride March
UC Davis Health and UC Davis team members, family, and friends showed up in a big way at the Annual Sacramento Pride March on Sunday, June 9. The UC Davis Marching Band and Gunrock also joined the festivities in the streets of downtown Sacramento. People from all walks of life gathered along the route dressed in rainbow colors and waved flags to celebrate love, acceptance, and equality. The success of the Pride March and Festival was a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Click on the images below to view them in greater detail.
Leadership message
Pride Month this June serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to promote equity in the civil liberties and privileges of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+). UC Davis Health is a powerful collective. We call upon all of us to reflect on our own relative comfort, and commit to elevating the equity, safety, and civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more.
Information Hub
This site is an information hub for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance while highlighting Pride Month's significance and historical roots. We hope the information fosters understanding, solidarity, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Let’s unite our communities to celebrate our differences and uniqueness, uplift our various cultures, and march in unity. We are proud to create change and remain a leader in health equity, diversity, and inclusion at UC Davis Health.
Pride Month may be ending soon, but the team at Blaisdell Medical Library invites you to explore and enjoy these Pride-inspired book recs any time of year. Here are Pride Month book recs shared by our Diversity Resident Librarian Ezekiel McGee in May.
This Pride Month, we should all join hands and celebrate the remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, both here at UC Davis Health and throughout our country. As a nation-leading health system committed to health equity, our inclusive and compassionate values reflect a deep respect for each person who walks through our doors. We are strongly committed to fairness for all of our partners and communities. Research proves that inclusivity leads to organizational innovation and productivity – and research also shows patient treatment programs have better outcomes when an organization has a robust DEI program, so that it reflects the community it serves, as UC Davis Health does. Together, we can continue to foster a future where everyone can be their true and authentic selves and we all respect and serve each other."—David Lubarsky, CEO of UC Davis Health and Vice Chancellor for Human Health Sciences
UC Davis Health recognized as a 2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Leader
Medical Center earns national honor for the 13th consecutive year
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has re-designated UC Davis Medical Center as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader as part of the group’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
This is the 13th consecutive year the foundation has recognized UC Davis Health for advancing LGBTQ+ equity among its patients and employees. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
The PRIDE ERG and Vice Chancellors Council celebrate continued leadership as UC Davis Health is re-designated as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Leader. They are championing the community and policy building together with the organization to be awarded this recognition.
To stay informed about PRIDE events, email hs-pride@ucdavis.edu to be added to the PRIDE membership and ListServ.
This Pride Month we have opportunities to highlight our members of the LGBTQ+ community -- their accomplishments and experiences in our health system and in academia overall. At UC Davis Health, we strive for an inclusive culture where everyone is comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. This is what enables us to best serve our patients while also feeling deep belonging with our community."—Bruce Hall, Chief Clinical Officer
Pride background information
What does LGBTQ+ stand for? LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. The "plus" represents other identities including pansexual and two-spirit. The first four letters of the acronym have been used since the 1990s, but, in recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the need to be inclusive of other identities to offer better representation. Download a poster with more information including, history, sexual and gender identity terms and pronoun usage guidelines.
Flags are symbols of community membership, unity, and visibility. The pride flags have evolved over the years to promote greater inclusion and recognize our various communities. The flags featured here are only some of the many used by LGBTQ+ people to show their pride.
LGBTQ+ Glossary
The Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion hosts a page on its website with an LGBTQ+ Glossary of common terms, definitions, and terms to avoid.
Pride Month is an opportunity for us to recognize and support our LGBTQ+ patients and team members. We believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. By embracing diversity, we strengthen our organization and improve the quality of care we provide. This month, and every month, we stand with our LGBTQ+ community in our ongoing commitment to equality."—Michael Condrin, Interim Chief Administrator & Interim Chief Operating Officer
Show your pride in June
You may download the UC Davis Health pride email signature and virtual meeting background for month-long use. (Once you open the virtual meeting background link, save the image to your desktop and upload it to your virtual meeting platform background in settings.)
Pride Month is a time to celebrate our LGBTQ+ patients and staff, and to reaffirm our commitment to compassionate, affirming care. Our nursing team is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. We believe that embracing diversity enhances the care we deliver and builds stronger connections with our community. Together, we strive to create a culture of acceptance and respect for all."—Christine Williams, Chief Nursing Executive
Safety information
As with attending any event, keeping health, wellness and personal safety in mind is essential. This advice is not meant to deter you from attending Pride Month activities. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you be more present. While preparing for pride celebrations, it’s essential to create a safety plan before attending the events or parties:
Dealing with counter-protesters and anti-LGBTQ+
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 – physically or verbally – alert the registration table or event security
Know your rights
Have an emergency contact
If interacted with, use de-escalation techniques
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
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
Pride Month is a time for us to honor our LGBTQ+ patients, families, and staff. We acknowledge the unique challenges they face and reaffirm our commitment to providing inclusive care, with kindness and respect for all patients. Our medical team values the diversity of experiences and perspectives, which enhances the quality of care we deliver. By standing with the LGBTQ+ community, we strive to create a safer, more equitable environment for all."—Joseph Galante, Interim Chief Medical 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 an employee 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 the PRIDE 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 LGBTQ+ community. Thank you for making a gift to lift up our newest initiative.
The evolution of Pride highlights UC Davis Health’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, that is why I’m proud to be a part of employee giving knowing my contribution helps all communities, including ones I identify with. Being able to give at any level, including just $10 per paycheck, means that I can create an impact along with our institution."—Matthew St. Amant, Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
