The Midsumma Pride March last Sunday was a great opportunity to get together with members of our community and show our allyship and support, as one example of our commitment to an inclusive culture.
This occasion was the second time Monash Health employees, friends, partners and children have marched behind the Pride in Care banner along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda.
Being part of the Pride March is an opportunity to show our care and support for members of the Rainbow Community, be it family, friends, patients or ourselves, which goes beyond hospital and health service doors.
Our leadership team showed strong support on the day, led by Interim Chief Executive, Martin Keogh, Chief Medical Officer, A/Prof Anjali Dhulia, ED Digital Health, A/Prof Michael Franco, Interim ED Capital projects, Paul Butler and Interim ED Communication and Engagement, Matthew Mahon.
At this week’s employee forum, Martin extended a special thanks to the LGBTIQA+ subcommittee for their commitment and work in coordinating our attendance at the march. The heat on the day kept a few people away, but approximately 60 people marched with Monash Health, representing a cross-section of sites and departments.
A/Prof Michael Franco our newly appointed Executive Director, Digital Health, attended for the first time.
“For me, it really was such a joyful day. There was such positive energy everywhere – the smiles and genuine happiness of people coming together to be themselves were special. It was wonderful to be able to show our community that Monash is a safe, inclusive and accepting place to be treated or work. The cheering and support for Monash Health from thousands of people along the route is something I won’t forget.”
Dr Ashlee Linck, Manager, Organisational Development and Learning (Equity & Inclusion, Performance and Transformation) came along with her daughter and her best friend, adorned in tulle skirts and fairy wings, waving rainbow flags.
“It was so wonderful to be a part of the Monash Health Pride March [float]. The day was filled with joy, rainbows, goodwill, kindness, inclusion and fun! Marching with my little girl, her best friend, and the Monash Health team filled my heart with pride,” Ashlee said.
Stephen Louey, Pharmacy Team Leader in Emergency Medicine at Casey, was also at Monash Health’s first appearance at the Pride March in 2023. Of Sunday’s experience, he said, “it was a celebration of diversity that was enjoyed by all, visible through the smiles and cheers of those that marched and that of the crowd, which was an amazing experience.
“I felt honoured to have had the opportunity to march the streets in solidarity with fellow colleagues chanting “Monash Health – Pride in Care” as well as proud to represent and walk behind the banner of an organisation that embodies inclusivity and supports the LGBTIQA+ community. I will definitely aim to be there again for a third time next year!”
Michelle Sliwinski, Director Clinical Operations, Community Operations Support, said, “I headed to the March with my daughter, Lily, and we had the most wonderful day. Lily was marching right up the front and said she was proud to be able to support the LGBTQIA+ people that I work with, just like I do.
“My choice to bring my daughter to the Pride March includes celebrating diversity, share an educational opportunity, promote inclusivity, support our LQBTQIA+ family members and friends, and encourage open conversations in our home. It also helps me to feel confident that my children will continue to build a positive community.”
New member of the LGBTIQA+ subcommittee, Daniel Bugno, Ward Clerk, South West 2, Dandenong Hospital marched proudly at the front of the Monash Health walking float at the Midsumma Pride March.
“I joined the LGBTQIA+ subcommittee because I wanted to contribute to making Monash Health a safer and more welcoming space for our patients, their families and friends, staff and other stakeholders. Historically and to date, health services have not been safe for queer people. Latent and overt forms of discrimination and prejudice discourage individuals from accessing health care, resulting in poorer health outcomes and health inequity in this population. Similarly, workplaces haven’t always been safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and as we’ve seen in political discourses and the media over recent years, continue to permit discrimination. As a young person who is queer, I want to use my voice to speak up and carry on advocating for equality as many generations of queer people have in the past and do presently. Everyone has the right to access healthcare; everyone has the right to feel safe; and everyone should be able to come to work without fear of prejudice.
“It was a real honour getting to walk alongside other members of Monash Health’s rainbow community, as well as seeing other health services and organisations out and proud. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was alive and full of queer joy. There were all colours of the rainbow and many fun and fabulous outfits. Walking down Fitzroy Street was euphoric, and hearing so many people in the crowd cheer on the organisation was really rewarding. It shows that our visibility in supporting the LGTBQIA+ community is meaningful, and hopefully, will translate to making individuals feel safe and welcomed, should they come to a Monash Health facility in the future.”
Acting Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Subcommittee, Chirag said, “being Monash Health’s second year at the Midsumma Pride March, we wanted to build on the incredible strength and solidarity we showed in our first appearance and make it clear that Monash Health takes ‘Pride in Care’ to our consumers, community and beyond.
“Monash Health’s presence at the Pride March – with a significant turnout of colleagues, families, and friends proudly marching under one banner – showcased our organisation’s inclusive and dynamic diversity. This powerful statement reflects our identity and extends a warm invitation to members of the Pride Community seeking healthcare services, ensuring they feel embraced and supported.
“I strongly believe that meaningful messages and actions can be delivered in fun, diverse and uplifting ways. The Pride March exemplified this principle once again this year and will continue to do so in the years to come.”
If you want to know more about the activities of the LGBTIQA+ subcommittee, please email lgbtiqa@monashhealth.org.
