LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Each June, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. UI Health is proud to join in this year's celebration by featuring employee spotlights, sharing how they honor and serve as advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
Has there been a figure in your life -famous or not -that served as an inspiration to you and why?
In my life I had so many people that inspired me in so many ways: Pedro Zamora (Real World), Ryan White, Princess Diana, etc. When I came out in the 1980's. things were very different. We literally were fighting for our lives, for more and better treatment for people affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition to Pedro Zamora and Ryan White, what most inspired me to get more involved working in the Latino community were friends who were directly impacted by the pandemic.
My first volunteer job was at a clinic where I started as a receptionist, then interpreter and later, as an HIV/AIDS Instructor/Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross Latino Program. Losing so many of my friends and loved ones to AIDS was very traumatic, but at the same time it gave me the strength and motivation to keep going on to educate and prevent the spread of HIV.
What hopes or wishes do you have for UI Health as it implements further diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives?
I know that so many things are changing at UI Health regarding the LGBTQ+ community. I have experienced those changes in my own life, having been able to provide medical benefits for my husband. This is a big deal to me personally and I hope, and I have faith that things will continue to improve for our community.
What have been some challenges of serving in healthcare or your specified field as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
I feel that healthcare in the LGBTQ+ community today is so different and so much more inclusive and respectful. There are still some challenges that we face with some healthcare workers that cannot accept our lifestyle for whatever reasons --who still treat you differently and make comments, but we need to speak up and report those people. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. That is why it is so important to be out and visible in the workplace. It helps to dispel preconceived opinions people may have of LGBTQ+ members.
Has there been a figure in your life -famous or not -that served as an inspiration to you and why?
I'm most inspired by both of my parents. They have always encouraged me to be proud of who I am and where I come from. Growing up, I readily embraced my Black and Mexican heritages, even when others felt I had to choose one identity over the other. It took a bit longer to get to the point where I am also proud to be a gay man, but they were the ones that inspired me to embrace all that I am. I do so now publicly and without shame or discomfort. I wouldn't be in the position I am today without all the little lessons and talks we shared that built up my confidence in myself. When I become a parent, I will definitely be borrowing from their playbook.
Why is UI Health a place you are proud to work at as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
I'm proud to work at UI Health, in part, because it is an open and accepting space. Prior to coming to UI Health, I never saw myself openly acknowledging being gay in the workplace. But when I started my journey here, I saw people being their full selves and being embraced as equals. UI Health is a place where I do feel I can bring my full self and bring in new perspectives to the work I do here. I'm also proud to work at UI Health because we are committed to providing care to the LGBTQ+ community and are recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index in multiple areas.
What hopes or wishes do you have for UI Health as it implements further diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives?
I know UI Health is deeply committed to addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I'm hopeful and confident that the organization will remain open to hearing from new voices to learn where we need to improve. As we get a better grasp on our areas for improvement, I expect UI Health to be intentional about developing appropriate solutions.
Has there been a figure in your life -famous or not -that served as an inspiration to you and why?
My parents have always inspired me. They are Mexican immigrants who came to this country with very little and managed to work several factory jobs to support my education and my family. They've shown me the importance of hard work and hope.
What might you recommend to others as they celebrate and reflection LGBTQ+ Pride Month?
Celebrating Pride is not so much about a parade or a party, it is about celebrating all those people that came before us who gave their lives and fought so hard to accomplish the rights and freedoms that we now have. Those early activists paved the way.
What advice would you give to youth growing up today?
I tell my LGBTQ+ adolescents all the time: be yourself and don't mind what others think! It is easier said than done, but succumbing to others' perceptions and expectations results in your inability to live your truth.
Why does the celebration of LGBTQ+ history and achievements matter to you?
I believe that LGBTQ+ history is important for everyone but especially for future generations. I think that by telling the history we can decrease violence towards LGBTQ+ people, especially LGBTQ+ youth. Looking back at the advancements this community has achieved, by working together, reminds us that through love, respect, diligence, and compassion we can continue to create a more inclusive, justice filled, safe space for ourselves and our children.
Why is UI Health a place you are proud to work at as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
UI Health received the designation of Equality Leader from the Human Rights Campaign's Health Equality Index for 2022. I see this designation not as a final destination, but as a continuous commitment of striving towards providing a positive experience for LGBTQ+ patients, employees and families. There are so many employees within Health who are passionate about this journey and are working to ensure continued advancement towards this mission everyday.
What might you recommend to others as they celebrate and reflect on LGBTQ+ Pride Month?
Pride Month is a month to remember the beautiful diversity of our society. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning + (LGBTQ+) community is composed of a multitude of unique identities reflected in the rainbow flag that these communities fit under. Pride month is a time to uplift, stand with and remember the LGBTQ+ community's history and goals.
