During the month of June, our nation celebrates LGBTQ Pride Month. This celebration of diversity has its roots in the Stonewall riots of 1969.  

During that weekend, patrons of the Stonewall Inn protested and rioted against the raids that were commonplace in New York City at LGBTQ bars. This is credited as a sentinel event in the pursuit of equality for LGBTQ people both in the United States and internationally. 

We at Holy Cross Health and Trinity Health celebrate and honor our LGBTQ colleagues, patients, families, allies, donors, and community members. The statement issued by Trinity Health’s Mission Executive Council speaks loudly to our ministry’s commitment to equality: 

“Trinity Health’s commitment to continuing the healing ministry of Jesus demands that we create a welcoming and safe environment where every person feels included, valued, and has a sense of belonging. Our mission is one of service to those in need of help and healing whether in body, mind, or spirit. Our ministry is enriched by those we serve and by our diverse colleagues; together we enrich one another. Our workplace embraces everyone, encourages our colleagues to utilize their gifts in service to this sacred work, and promotes personal growth and flourishing. As such, we do not discriminate or treat people unjustly based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  This includes all our patients, residents, participants, colleagues, providers, and community partners who are part of the LGBTQ community. All are welcome, all are needed in our healing ministry.”  

During the past year, together with Kim Saiswick, our VP of Community Health & Well-Being, Rudy Molinet, our Board Vice Chair, several Board members, and many of our LGBTQ and allied colleagues and leaders, I have been on a personal journey of learning about the needs of the LGBTQ community.  

We have attended numerous events and supported several organizations including the 2022 & 2023 Stonewall Pride Celebration, Pride Fête, Equality Florida, South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus concerts, and the Pride Center among others.  

We have advertised in the South Florida Gay News and other publications. We launched our first-ever LGBTQ webpage that addresses the needs of the LGBTQ community including a robust list of LGBTQ and allied physicians and providers.  

In addition, we responded to the Monkeypox national public health emergency, providing community-based vaccination to any individual at risk. 

We continue to expand our ministry to provide healthcare services including Mpox vaccines and HIV prevention services out in the community where patients can feel comfortable receiving services in familiar and safe spaces.  

Our Wilton Manors medical group practice continues to grow and we are adding new LGBTQ and allied physicians to this and other Medical Group practices. Our PATH (Pride at Trinity Health) colleague resource group is very active in our ministry and our new mission leader Mary Carter Waren continues to educate us on the importance of honoring the LGBTQ community as an integral part of our ministry. 

I have been struck by the level of compassion, community, and appreciation that the LGBTQ community has shown Holy Cross Health.  

I have learned so much and continue to learn more about this incredible community who are our neighbors, physicians, nurses, colleagues, donors, board members, family members, loved ones, and friends. 

We at Holy Cross Health strive to be a beacon of light and love for all patients and families who seek our care. This has been a difficult year for the LGBTQ community, and I am committed to making sure our ministry is an open and affirming presence in the LGBTQ community.  

I am proud to call myself an LGBTQ ally and invite all our colleagues to embrace and celebrate the LGBTQ community as we continue in our mission of being a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our community. 

Happy Pride Month from our family to yours!