June is here, and as in years past, we celebrate Pride Month, a time when we acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. One of the most powerful aspects of Pride is the focus on inclusion, which creates a sense of belonging. GP Strategies consultant James Garza says, "Belonging is something our brains are hardwired to crave because it taps into our innate desire for connection." Honestly, it feels good to be included!
At VUMC, LGBTQ+ faculty and staff members can join the P.R.I.D.E. Resource Group to feel connected and participate in event planning and educational activities. Here are some ways to show your Pride this June:
- Trivia Tuesday – Join the P.R.I.D.E. ERG on Teams every Tuesday in June by emailing pride.erg@vumc.org for a fun session of LGBTQ+ trivia questions posted throughout the day.
- Wear Your Pride– Wear an item of clothing that is the color of the Pride flag which you identify with each Thursday in June
- Pronoun Pride Day (June 22) – Wear pronoun pins to let everyone know your preferred pronouns.
While the focus of Pride Month is inclusion, some individuals may be feeling isolated and unsure of themselves. If so, VUMC faculty, staff members, and their spouses can contact Work/Life Connections-EAP for a free, confidential counseling appointment by calling (615) 936-1327.
