We all want acceptance. Equality. Love.

For our friends in the LGBTQ+ community, chances are, none of the above have come easily. For some, they have not come at all…yet.

Holy Cross Health continues to regard the LGBTQ+ community as an integral part of our ministry. We salute the courageous individuals who fought for progress and reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone can live freely and authentically.

It is our hope and goal that all people receive the healthcare they need in a respectful, welcoming environment. Universally, we realize much work remains to be done. At Holy Cross Health we are doing our part to be the change we want to see in this world. In early May, we celebrated our designation as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index. 

As one of 462 healthcare facilities nationwide earning the Healthcare Equality High Performer designation, Holy Cross Health celebrates our LGBTQ+ patients, colleagues, families, allies, donors, and community members. The designation represents years of working to ensure access and support for our local LGBTQ+ community.

While we proudly stand together to observe the global monthlong Pride celebration, we recognize that true Pride is an ongoing journey toward understanding and inclusion for all. Pride Month traces its roots back to the Stonewall riots of 1969. During that June weekend, patrons of the Stonewall Inn protested and rioted against frequent raids in New York City’s LGBTQ bars. This is credited as a sentinel event in the pursuit of equality for LGBTQ people both in the United States and internationally.

Over the past several years, Holy Cross Health representatives have attended numerous events and supported several organizations including the 2023 and 2024 Stonewall Pride Celebrations, Pride Fête, Equality Florida, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, and the Pride Center, among others. We have advertised in the South Florida Gay News, OutSFL and related publications. We continued to enhance our LGBTQ webpage that addresses the needs of the LGBTQ community including a robust list of LGBTQ+ and allied physicians and providers. We are living out our mission of serving members of the community – and have extended our reach through anchor and guest appearances on Queer News Tonight.

In January of this year, we celebrated the election of Rudy Molinet, as our first out LGBTQ Board Chair. His perspective and leadership are a strong and powerful affirmation of our continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Board level. His work on the Board continues to inspire us to learn more about the needs of the LGBTQ community. Our outreach team continues to provide healthcare services such as mpox vaccines and HIV prevention services 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 have added new LGBTQ+ and allied physicians to this and other Medical Group practices. Our S.P.I.R.I.T (Showing Pride, Inclusiveness, Respect & Integrity at Trinity Health) colleague resource group is very active in our ministry. Our mission leader Mary Carter Waren hosted a community event featuring Michael O’Loughlin, author of “Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear.” His research has focused on the response of many Catholic priests and sisters during the height of the AIDS crisis in the ‘80s and '90s.
 
I invite all colleagues to join me in embracing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community near and far, as we continue our mission of being a compassionate and transforming healing presence. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, your voice and support are invaluable in fostering a more inclusive society. Together, let’s keep working toward acceptance, equity, and love.

Sincerely,  
Mark Doyle