Pride Month: Celebrating and reflecting

A message from Rob MacIsaac, President and CEO

At Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), we have an annual tradition of gathering together to recognize Pride Month, reflect on the work we’ve done to support the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community, and look ahead to what we still need to accomplish.

Commitment to work as allies

While the physical distancing required during the COVID-19 pandemic has altered this tradition, it hasn’t changed our commitment to our work as allies, in support of patients, employees, partners, and our community.

I’m grateful for all we have accomplished during the past several years thanks to the hard work and leadership of many — HHS staff, doctors, volunteers, and members of the community who have shared their personal insights and experiences to inform the direction of work. Some of the notable steps we have taken to support Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ inclusion are:

• Gender Identity and Gender Expression policy
• All Genders Washrooms
• Trans-Inclusive Service and Care Plan
• Trans-Affirming Washroom Signage
• Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ positive space training

Making progress

While we have made progress on our Gender Identity and Gender Expression policy and Trans-Inclusive Service and Care Plan, our work continues to ensure all members of the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community are safe and valued in all spaces at HHS.

In honour of Pride month, we will be highlighting the stories of various Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identifying members of our hospital. We will also look back at the first year of our Trans-Inclusive Service and Care Plan and the accomplishments that have been made thanks to the hard work of many at HHS.

To achieve our mission of providing excellent health care for the people and communities we serve, each one of us has the responsibility to foster and uphold belonging, inclusion and safety for all.