Celebrating Pride Month, June ’22

Contributor: Mandy Malone-White, B.A., CACIII (they/them), Regional Director – Michigan 

Each one of you has a unique story, talents, strengths, and invaluable perspectives that shape how you show up every day. Where you’re from, your ethnicity, the color of your skin, gender, pronouns you use, and socioeconomics are all part of a rich kaleidoscope that makes us better for our families, communities, and the workplace. Not too long ago, sharing that sentiment was viewed as blasphemous in many circles. But because of the bravery and courage of so many before us, we’ve had much to celebrate during Pride Month, and it’s up to each one of us to continue fostering a culture of care and inclusivity. One way to do that is to learn about the history, why it matters, and what each of the acronym letters and colors in the Pride flag mean. That is the intention of this article. Whether you know about it or not, may this be a reminder to pause and reflect on what and how we can do better as individuals and as a healthcare company to affirm the loved ones, friends, colleagues, and patients in our lives who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

The Stonewall Riots 

Grey Villet / The LIFE Picture Collection / Getty Images

Pride Month is a way to honor the people from the Stonewall Riots, one of the places where the then-called gay rights movement began. During the 60s and before, gay bars and clubs were some of the safer places for LGBTQIA+ individuals but patrons were subject to laws against them gathering, engaging in “gay” behavior (i.e. public displays of affection or dancing), and being served alcohol. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay bar in the Greenwich Village area of New York City and sparked six days of violent riots by bar patrons and residents who could no longer tolerate the bigotry and persecution. To learn more, read this story on History.com and watch the PBS special “The Stonewall Uprising.” 

Pride flag colors carry meaning 

In 1978, artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag at the request of gay rights leader Harvey Milk who wanted a positive, visual symbol around which people could rally. Each color has a meaning and Baker took into consideration the significant roles the rainbow played in history. You can learn more in Baker’s memoir Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color. Since the original eight-stripe flag, several other variations developed to celebrate the gender identities that fell under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. Each color of today’s six-stripe rainbow flag designed by Baker has the following meanings. To learn more, read this 2020 Parade Magazine story

  • Red = Life 
  • Orange = Healing 
  • Yellow = Sunlight 
  • Green = Nature 
  • Indigo = Serenity 
  • Violet = Spirit 

What do the letters mean? 

As society has grown more inclusive, so has the acronym for the LGTBQIA+ community, which is the current, inclusive, correct reference today. Each of the letters stand for lesbian (L was the first letter to be used publicly), gay, transgender, bisexual, queer (can also stand for “questioning”), intersex and asexual. Learn more here in a National Geographic story about the evolution of the acronym. 

Why pronouns matter 

According to the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center at the University of California – Davis, pronouns (i.e., they/them, she/her, he/him) are central to who we are and it’s important to ask people what their pronouns are to show respect and care. To learn more about pronouns and tips on approaching people when asking how they identify, visit here

What can you do? 

  • Share your stories. We want to elevate stories from our diverse team members, treatment centers and patients on an ongoing basis, and not just once a year. Reach out to our editor so that we can make that happen. 
  • Are you acting in allyship? For example, do you ask people what their names and pronouns are, or do you make assumptions with gender-specific language? Do you ask people about the gender and pronouns of their partner, or do you make assumptions that they are in relationship with someone of the opposite gender? Learn actions you can take to be a good ally here.  
  • Tell us how BHG can do better. Email us with suggestions, questions, and concerns about how we can do a better job of affirming our colleagues and patients at [email protected]