Pride:  From Philly with L.U.V.  (Legacy, Unity & Visibility)

By Kim Thomas, MS, Integrated Healthcare Systems Navigator

While we all share various characteristics that make us the amazing individuals that we are; we are also like no one else in the world.  We should take pride in that!  June is LGTBQ+ Pride Month. The word “pride” is a key concept within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + community. Pride represents solidarity to many, a collective and identity. It also represents a resistance to discrimination and violence. People, including the neurodiverse, express their love and pride in many different ways, but it isn’t up to us to judge.

By infusing competence and sensitivity into our daily practice can help move the needle. Of note, is the University of California San Francisco, who in 2016 developed PRIDE core values that have become a part of the University’s mission.  

UCSF’s PRIDE Values 2016

Philadelphia Pride Month Calendar: https://phillygaycalendar.com/pride/

‍Chester County PrideFest: https://lgbteachesco.org/pridefest

NewHope PrideFest: https://www.newhopecelebrates.com/pridefest/

‍DoylestownPride Festival:  https://www.dtownpride.com/

Bucks/Mont Pride Festival:  https://www.bucksmontpride.com/

Check out the It Gets Better Project. Take the pledge to speak up against hate and intolerance whenever and wherever you see it.  Watch videos from folks who know “It gets better,” or submit a video of your own.

How will you move the needle?  Knowledge is power, so the first step is educating yourself.  Next, we want to get involved!  This year’s theme for Pride in Philadelphia is Philly L.U.V. (Legacy, Unity & Visibility).  Other counties throughout the state have their own theme.  

Here are some links to activities to explore:

• P- Professionalism: To be competent, accountable, reliable and responsible, interacting positively and collaboratively with all colleagues, students, patients, visitors and business partners.
• R- Respect: To treat all others as you wish to be treated, being courteous and kind, acting with utmost consideration of others.
• I- Integrity: To be honest, trustworthy and ethical, always doing the right thing, without compromising the truth, and being fair and sincere.
• D- Diversity: To appreciate and celebrate differences in others, creating an environment of equity and inclusion with opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.
• E - Excellence: To be dedicated, motivated, innovative and confident, giving your best every day, encouraging and supporting others to excel in everything they do.