On Sunday, September 9, the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, in collaboration with the UVM Cancer Center, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, UVM’s Prism organization, and the UVM Health Network, proudly participated in Burlington’s 41st annual Pride Parade.
Celebrating Burlington's 41st Annual Pride Parade
Medical Students and Health Professionals Promote Inclusive Care at Burlington’s 41st Pride Parade
On Sunday, September 8, the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, in collaboration with the UVM Cancer Center, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, UVM’s Prism organization, and the UVM Health Network, proudly participated in Burlington’s 41st annual Pride Parade.
The event, which featured Vermont’s own drag performers like Emoji Nightmare, Sasha Sriracha, and King COCKtail, brought the community together in a powerful display of unity and support. Pride continues to play a vital role in addressing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for visibility and representation, and shining a spotlight on global human rights issues. Beyond celebration, Pride fosters mental well-being, education, and solidarity, while pushing for change and underscoring the ongoing fight for equality and respect for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I think this is an opportunity to reflect on the issues we face in the world and consider how we can come together to make things right, in solidarity,” said Janet Franz, from the Larner College of Medicine’s Office of Medical Communications. “And seeing all the spectators with their signs, with words of hope and different perspectives … it just makes my heart fill with joy.”
Demonstrating Larner’s dedication to patient-centered and compassionate care, medical students from all years participated in the parade, marching proudly alongside peers from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and leaders from the UVM Cancer Center, UVMMC, and other faculty.
“Pride is an opportunity for queer individuals to connect with our shared history and stand together as a community as we look toward the future. It’s a reminder that LGBTQIA+ people have existed throughout history and deserve the same rights as everyone else,” said Elliot Cullen, a second-year medical student at the Larner College of Medicine.
Cullen further emphasized the importance of Pride for health care providers. “Pride allows us, as physicians, to humanize ourselves. We talk a lot about social justice and listening to our patients, but the diversity within the medical field needs to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. By being open, proud, and visible, we can better connect with and care for our patients.”
Collaborations between health care institutions and LGBTQ+ organizations highlight the significance of inclusive patient care, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These efforts align with core principles of equity, aiming to eliminate health care disparities and create a safe and respectful environment for both patients and providers. Embracing Pride helps foster empathy, build trust, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It also serves as an educational platform, encouraging cultural competence and confronting biases, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. By actively engaging in Pride, health care professionals reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity, contributing to a broader movement for societal acceptance and equality within the health care system and beyond.