The UNMC/Nebraska Medicine LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance is celebrating Pride Month with several events that emphasize diversity, community involvement, artistic and political engagement and activism. All events are structured to emphasize social distancing for the safety of our colleagues.
“Representation and visibility are very important for the health and wellness of the LGBTQ+ community, and that is a major part of what Pride celebrations are about,” said Emily Glenn, alliance co-chair and associate director of education and research services at the McGoogan Library of Medicine.
“We also recognize the unique perspectives the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality create, and seek to uplift the voices of people of color within our community,” Glenn said. “The current pandemic brings significant obstacles to achieving a physical togetherness, but we are dedicated to creating solidarity in any way we can. We hope as many folks as possible can join us to help spread the education, joy and support we normally find at Pride celebrations.”
The Employee Alliance has advised UNMC and Nebraska Medicine on practices regarding recruitment, benefits awareness, community outreach and patient services. The alliance has worked to guide establishment of gender-neutral bathrooms on the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus, creating space for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to comfortably and safely access facilities.
Pride Month Speaker Series
Join us for three moderated webinars from local speakers, including a queer educator, an arts leader and a community organizer. This universal Zoom link will provide access to all events.
- Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m. — “Secret Agents of Kindness and Pride: Impact and Implementation,” Ferial Pearson, Ph.D., University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m. — “Art and Pride: Using the Arts as a Vehicle for Social Change,” Brigitte McQueen, The Union for Contemporary Art
- Monday, June 29 at noon — “Pride Politics: When Giving Your All Is Not Enough,” Morgann Freeman, community organizer
Pride flags available
Created in 1978 by queer artist Gilbert Baker as a symbol of collectivism and power for the gay community, each color of the flag has significance. Red represents life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit.
The Alliance is providing free 12″x18″ pride flags for alliance members. To arrange for flag pickup, email Amy Dorton.