June is Pride Month – a time to celebrate the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ2S+ communities. Holland Bloorview is committed to building and fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible and anti-racist environment, where all individuals are valued and treated with respect and fairness. 

“At Holland Bloorview, we’re encouraged to look beyond the Pride Month events and celebrations,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO. “For our staff and for the children, youth and families that we serve, it is about fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and supported. Gender diversity must be respected as an expression of human diversity, and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and creating psychologically safe spaces for all.”

Joanne Maxwell, vice president of experience, transformation, and social accountability, echoes these sentiments: “At Holland Bloorview, we embrace the opportunity to celebrate Pride Month. We recognize the importance of creating spaces and experiences for our clients, families, staff, students and volunteers that are safe, inclusive, welcoming, and accessible for all. Pride Month is an opportunity to express our support for and solidarity with the LGBTQ2S+ community and our commitment to ensuring the rights of every person are respected.”

In addition, Rajpreet Singh Sandhu, manager of environmental services and co-chair of  Holland Bloorview’s LGBTQ2S+ employee resource group, says, “Pride Month is important to recognize  as it celebrates diversity while remembering the historical events that paved the way to the present day. It is a prominent time to celebrate differences while increasing visibility and awareness of how alike people are. It provides allies a platform to show support, creating empowerment for the community.”

Holland Bloorview encourages staff to participate in various Pride events within and around the city. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to support and engage with the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month and supporting love, acceptance and pride. Let's come together to honour diversity and inclusion at Holland Bloorview and beyond.