Sacramento pride parade and other highlights featured
(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.
UC Davis Health celebrates PRIDE
Sunday, June 11, was definitely a “Rainbow” Chamber of Commerce Day in downtown Sacramento as the sun shined, cool temperatures prevailed and the air was filled with excitement. People from all walks of life gathered in the streets, dressed in rainbow colors and waved flags at the annual Sacramento Pride March and Parade, a celebration of love, acceptance, and equality.
“The Pride march had a phenomenal turnout. Events like this continue to anchor UC Davis Health in the community and further our diversity and inclusion initiatives,” said Matthew St. Amant, Chair PRIDE Employee Resource Group. “The sense of community has been building through the efforts of our PRIDE ERG. While there are indeed many things to celebrate, let us not forget there is still work to do to create a more inclusive and psychologically safe environment for people that identify with the LGBTQ+ community.”
Before the march began, 700+ parade participants representing UC Davis Health and UC Davis gathered at Southside Park. They were wearing colorful, matching UC Davis Health pride T-shirts and were surrounded by pride flags representing the numerous LGBTQ+ communities. The crowd buzzed with energy as the UC Davis Marching Band got everyone excited when they led the largest contingent ever from the university along the parade route.
At UC Davis Health, we celebrate Pride month to help underscore our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion for each and every person in our community, from patients to employees, students, and everyone we serve. Our institutional values reflect the deepest respect for all people’s rights and dignity, as well as an appreciation for the important sense of belonging that’s fostered when everyone has an equal opportunity. Human flourishing – and cultures of innovation – are only made possible by fully including people of every background and lived experience. We also know from research that treatment programs are more effective when an organization has a robust DEI program.”—David Lubarsky, CEO of UC Davis Health and Vice Chancellor for Human Health Sciences
Happy Pride from UC Davis Chancellor Gary May
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.
This Pride month, our PRIDE – LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and UC Davis Health are proud to support and participate in the Sacramento LGBT Community Center’s pride weekend events. We are committed to creating and sustaining an equitable, inclusive, diverse community where all members are welcomed, supported, and valued. Last year, more than 300 UC Davis Health employees and their families joined the Pride march to celebrate their commitment to supporting the LBGTQ+ community and we anticipate having even more this year! I hope you take this opportunity to learn more about our PRIDE - LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and the important work the group does within our health system and community." —Brad Simmons, Chief Administrator – UC Davis Medical Center, COO – UC Davis Health Hospital Division
Show your pride in June
You may download the UC Davis Health pride email signature and virtual meeting background to use all monthlong. (Once you open the virtual meeting bacground link, save the image to your desktop and upload to your virtual meeting platform background in settings.)
Pride safety information
As with attending any event, it’s important to keep safety in mind. None of this advice is meant to deter you from going to Pride month activities. Knowing what to do in case of emergency can help you be more present in the moment. While preparing for pride celebrations, it’s important to create a safety plan before attending the events or parties:
If at all possible, don’t attend Pride month events alone. Designate a pride buddy that can act as an accountability partner and safety plan with them.
Let someone who won’t be with you know your plans for the day/night. Let that person know who you’ll be with and if plans change. Brainstorm in advance ways people can contact and support you.
Charge your electronics and bring chargers and/or extra battery packs.
Write down phone numbers of friends or family on a piece of paper in case your cell phone dies.
Be aware of your surroundings: Locate public spaces and 24-hour businesses to seek help if you feel unsafe.
If you see something, say something. Always trust your instincts. If you feel threatened or unsafe, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
Notify event organizers or police if you face violence or harassment for immediate support.
Use words to alert bystanders and get away if you can.
For many years, UC Davis Health has been nationally recognized for providing comprehensive, inclusive health care for our patients in the LGBTQ+ community. Pride month is an opportunity for UC Davis Health to restate our commitment to exceptional personalized care for patients of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We promise to listen carefully to our patients to meet their needs and ensure access to high-quality, innovative health care.” —Michael Condrin, Chief Operating Officer, Ambulatory Care
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.
New in 2023! We are excited to announce 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 Chair, UC Davis Health PRIDE Employee Resource Group
A special THANK YOU to the following areas for their continued support in our presence:
