Monash Health is returning to the annual Midsumma Pride March in 2024, and there’s still time to RSVP. We’re excited to support our LGBTIQA+ employees and the whole rainbow community for this joyful celebration.
Monash Health is committed to an inclusive culture; reflecting and celebrating the diversity of the community we work with and serve. Being part of the Midsumma Pride March is an opportunity to show our care and support for members of the Rainbow Community, be it family, friends, patients or ourselves, goes beyond hospital and health service doors.
Taking Pride in Care
Monash Health joined the Midsumma Pride March for the first time in 2023. The spirit of the day was light and festive, with scores of Monash Health employees, their families, loved ones and pets taking part.
We asked some of last year’s marchers about their experience marching with Monash Health at the Pride March, and here’s what they said:
“I take immense pride in having been part of Monash Health’s inaugural participation in the Midsumma Festival parade last year. As a member of the Gender Clinic, it is truly affirming to witness the work we do for the Trans, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary community celebrated alongside the collective efforts of our hospital staff towards LGBTI+ clients and consumers. Being present at this event again this year holds great significance for me, and it was truly fulfilling to actively support our LGBTI+ communities while proudly representing Monash Health at Midsumma.” – David Colon Cabrera, Research and Project Officer, Gender Clinic
“The Midsumma Pride March was one of the most supportive and meaningful events I’ve attended. We were able to come together in a fun, supportive and engaging way to not only feel more connected to Monash Health but also the community we support” – Chirag Lodhia, Acting Director, Digital Health Training and Adoption, Contact Centre and Pathology IT, Acting Chair, LGBTIQA+ subcommittee
“Taking part in Monash Health’s first pride march at Midsumma was an incredible experience. We knew it would be special, but sometimes we don’t realise the impact of our actions until the moment, or later when we hear of how important visibility is to our community. Seeing the LGBTIQA+ community represented, along with our valued allies showing support was a visceral moment of solidarity. Being present, not only for our community, but for our loved ones was truly remarkable, and one that is sure to stand in the pages of Monash Health’s history.” – Basem Kerbage, Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator, Deputy Chair, LGBTIQA+ subcommittee
“It was a beautiful day to be at Midsumma, spending time with so many of you while we waited to march. I’m proud to have been there with you all, while you showcased the pride in the work we do and how we celebrate and support the LGBTIQA+ community at Monash Health, and in each other, on such a joyous occasion.” – Associate Professor Anjali Dhulia, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Medical Services
Join the Midsumma Pride March 2024
You can join the Midsumma Pride March to march with those who can and in solidarity with those who cannot. If you prefer not to join the march, you can come along and cheer your colleagues, friends and family on the sidelines.
Where: Gather at Ian Johnson Oval (corner of Lakeside Drive and Fitzroy Street) under the Monash Health “Pride in Care” banner
When: Sunday 4 February 2024. Gather between 12 to 12:30 pm
To receive information about marching with us, fill out the form to register your interest.
What is the Midsumma Pride March?
A signature event of Midsumma festival, over 7,400 marchers usually take to the streets down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda each year and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support for the Rainbow Community.
Dykes on Bikes precede the marching contingent as per tradition, with the march itself led by Boon Wurrung Elders and a Rainbow Aboriginal Float along with the Premier of Victoria, Minister for Equality and the Creative Industries and Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality.
Young people, often amongst the most vulnerable within our communities, can walk towards the front of the march as a positive and strong affirmation for LGBTIQA+ youth.
Stay in the loop about supporting LGBTIQA+ inclusion at Monash Health
Get in touch with the LGBTIQA+ Subcommittee via email if you’d like to stay up to date with the latest initiatives.
Approved by Chris McLoughlin, Executive Director, People and Culture