Atrium Health is hosting an in-person celebration with food, fun, music and dancing in Greater Charlotte. Teammates are encouraged to wear their Atrium Health LGBTQ+ Pride t-shirts. The celebration will also include a cash bar, and teammates are welcome to bring a plus one. However, due to the cash bar, all participants, including plus ones, must be 21 or over. This event is open to all teammates and allies from all regions.
We have redesigned the LGTBQ+ pride t-shirt to be more inclusive. Order the new shirt in the Atrium Health proud store with either the Advocate Health Logo or the Atrium Health logo. Pride badge ribbons are also available for bulk order directly from Action Plus. Order your t-shirt today!
Download one of two Pride Teams background to show your pride throughout the month of June.
What is LGBTQ+ Pride Month?
The month of June is nationally recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride month. We celebrate LGBTQ culture, and traditions, embrace history and do so much more. For over 50 years, there have been varying forms of Pride Parades - from political activism to pure celebration. June is a tribute to all that have made life easier for the LGBTQ+ community today.
Why is it celebrated in June?
On June 28, 1969, when police raided a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, in New York City’s West Village, the historically oppressed patrons decided they had enough and fought back. This incident was the primary key to the Gay Liberation Movement, and many consider it a catalyst of the revolution. Hundreds of people participated in the Stonewall protests. The entire incident lasted for six whole days.
Exactly one year later on June 28, 1970, thousands marched from Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what is now considered the first-ever Pride parade. Since then, every year thousands come together to march that same route on June 28. The Stonewall Uprising is the main reason Pride month is celebrated in June.
Health Equity for LGBTQ+ People
Research shows that sexual and gender minority individuals face considerable physical and mental health disparities, risk factors and barriers to care. These disparities are rooted in systemic and interpersonal prejudice, discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other (LGBTQ+) individuals and communities. Learn more on HealthyPeople.gov.
Beyond just advocating for systemic change, providers and clinics have an inherent, ethical duty to foster an affirming, culturally competent environment – one that helps mitigates disparities at the patient level.
The 2017 Center for American Progress Survey showed once an individual experience discrimination in any form, they are more likely to avoid doctor's offices. Among LGBTQ+ people who had experienced discrimination in the year prior, 18.4% reported avoiding doctor's offices out of fear of discrimination. It is critical that we become and remain aware of LGBTQ+ patients’ lived healthcare experiences.
In 2024, Advocate Health hospitals earned top honors in Healthcare Equity Index. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center was named an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” and received a perfect score, while 44 other Advocate Health hospitals across Illinois, North Carolina and Wisconsin received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.
Atrium Health is committed to advancing the cultural competence of our teammates as it relates to the unique healthcare needs of our LGBTQ+ patients. Furthermore, Atrium Health offers an array of inclusive and affirming clinical care services.
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