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Walk through the halls of any building on the BW/F distributed campus, and you’re sure to see a sea of friendly faces. Look a little closer, and you’re likely to see another friendly symbol: a small rainbow sticker on ID badges. The stickers are a component of BWH’s LGBT employee affinity group’s “Be An Ally” campaign that kicked off this summer. All BWHers—not just members of the LGBT community—are encouraged to wear the sticker on their badges to visibly show support for LGBT patients, visitors, prospective employees or staff members.
In recognition of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, BWH Bulletin asked BWHers to tell us why they wear the sticker, and what it means to them to see their colleagues wearing the stickers. If you would like to participate in the “Be An Ally” campaign, email BWHLGBT@partners.org
Kerstin Palm, OTR/L, CHT, CLTOutpatient Rehabilitation Services Manager, Faulkner HospitalI’mexcited to see so many people proudly wearing the “Be An Ally” sticker. To me, it means that my colleagues are willing to actively participate in our shared responsibility to ensure that all patients, staff, and visitors are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Sean McBride, MDResident, Radiation OncologyThe Brigham is an incredibly welcoming place. My colleagues and co-workers are one of the most open and inclusive groups I’ve come across. Because the hospital is a very team-oriented place, I think it’s important for all employees to be able to share their stories with their colleagues in order to promote the type of cohesion and bonding that allows these many teams to function up to their potential. For those LGBT employees who might be hesitant to confide in their co-workers, the “Be An Ally” sticker shows them how supportive they know, deep down, the Brigham already is. It also sends a strong message to our patients that, no matter their background, we are here to listen and help.
Graham McMahon, MD, MMScAttending Physician, EndocrinologyFor me, it is a visible reminder that those around me appreciate diversity and that this hospital is place where I, my colleagues and my patients can feel welcome and comfortable.
Tanya Zucconi, MBASenior Analyst, Center for Clinical ExcellenceA colleague’s willingness to wear the flag indicates a recognition of LGBT folks, who for too long have been invisible, at best. Acknowledging LGBT with the flag reminds everyone that we are part of a global village, and we really should have each other’s back. Wearing the flag is one indication of who has my back, even if I don’t know the person wearing the badge.
Erin McDonough, MBASenior Vice President, Communication & Public AffairsI wear the “Be An Ally” sticker to ensure that every person I encounter at the Brigham knows that they will be treated with the warmth, dignity, and respect that everyone deserves.
Joel Katz, MDMedical Internship and Residency Program Director, Department of MedicineI am proud to wear my sticker as a reminder that we are all working together for a common purpose: taking the best care possible of our patients. Discussions spurred by the sticker have been an opportunity for me to learn about the often hidden issues faced by LGBT staff and patients, and for me to educate others when they ask me about it. We should all be aware and respectful of our diversity, which directly promotes a richer and broader community working collectively to improve health access and outcomes.
Amy ParoProjects and Training Coordinator, Organizational Development and LearningI wear an Ally sticker because it’s important to me that all new employees walk into Orientation and see that they work for an organization that is inclusive of everyone. We employ a diverse workforce and we serve a diverse population of patients; this diversity spreads beyond age, culture and race. Being more aware of LGBT issues that face our employees and the patients that we serve will help us to continue to build an environment of mutual respect. I also hope that wearing my Ally sticker will identify me as a safe person for anyone who needs support or resources in our community.
Briana CampbellAdministrative Coordinator, Center for Faculty Development and DiversityThis is important to me because it says that I welcome diversity. It also says that I will not tolerate offensive behavior. People deserve to be treated fairly, especially in a health care setting. By wearing stickers on our badges, we are creating a work environment of fairness and inclusion, and that sentiment will translate directly to patient care.
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