Overlake Celebrates Pride Month

June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Overlake Medical Center & Clinics is pleased to once again recognize this annual observance as an ally to the many communities of people celebrating during this important time. In honor of Pride Month, we asked Overlake team members to share their perspectives on what Pride means to them.

Image

• "Pride month is a critically important month to honor all those who have fought for the liberties that me and my family enjoy today—and to remind us all that the work is not yet done—in fact, in so many ways, the work is just as important now as it was 50 years ago. We must not become apathetic. So, we together, gratefully and joyfully, celebrate our pride this month, and all the months to come." – Jenn McAleer, Chief Compliance & Risk Officer
• “Pride Month is a time to celebrate love and partnership in all of its forms!” – Emily Wimberly, Speech Language Pathologist
• "Pride to me is a time to both celebrate and reflect. It's a moment to honor the achievements that the LGBTQIA+ community has made in its pursuit of social justice and equality. To be grateful for those who have come before and the struggles they endured so that people like me can marry the people who we love and enjoy the rights and privileges everyone else enjoys. At the same time Pride is a meditation on the challenges that we as a community still face. Much has been achieved but much still remains to be done so that all members of our community can be lifted up equally." – Ian White, MD, Colon and Rectal Surgery
•  “It's so important to have this kind of visibility to show that we are here, that queer people are just like everyone else in the world. And by having the support of amazing organizations like Overlake, it shows that we stand together.”  – Shelby, Overlake team member
• “We celebrate during Pride Month to showcase the joys and struggles our community has been through together, and to continue to fight for our right to live life on our own terms.”  – Neal Cragg, ARNP, DNP
•  “Pride is a reminder of the resistance and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history, while also recognizing and celebrating the strides we have made as a community in terms of advancing human rights, celebrating diversity and being able to have "pride" in who we are as human beings.” –  Tyler Kuhk, ARNP 
• "I want to thank Overlake for being an organization that welcomes me as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with open arms and without judgement so that I can be my authentic self." – Eric, Overlake team member
• “Pride Month is a time for LGBTQIA+ persons to celebrate culture, achievements, activism, togetherness and support. It is not only for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, but allies (those who support), family and friends. Even for those who are not "out" (visibly LGBTQIA+ to others), the above items provide an important role in support and send a message that other people have struggles, stories and successes to share.”  – Matt, Overlake team member
• “For me, Pride Month goes beyond a rainbow and identifying as LGTBQ! Pride Month means that I am able to live my truth as a human being and be a proud American. That I am not only represented but celebrated within our big melting pot we call America!” – David, Overlake team member
• “Pride month to me is an opportunity to outwardly express who you are and not be afraid to show your true authentic self.  It is a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion.” – Tyler, RN
• “Pride Month is a celebration of liberation for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. We still face a large amount of adversity and discrimination. Having a time to celebrate who we are helps to unite more people and spread awareness. This is also a time to educate others on these matters.” – Devon, Overlake team member