All over the world LGBTQ communities are celebrating our achievements and to inspire movement going forward!  The month of June was designated as “gay pride” month to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, which were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The riots were in response to police raids and brutality aimed and gay and lesbian residents frequenting social clubs in the city.  While much has changed since those days, and we have many LGBTQ rights to celebrate, the very occasions of public pride events in towns and cities all over the world draw attention to ongoing challenges for LGBTQ people and families.  These celebrations are reminders that all of us can, in even small was, contribute to improving the health and well-being of all LGBTQ people, and assuring that all receive the best quality of nursing and health care. All healthcare providers can join in celebrating LGBTQ pride by tuning in to resources that provide insight about the needs of our communities.  For example, HealthCetera, the blog for the interdisciplinary Center for Health Media Policy, is celebrating Pride month with a focus on how one health center cares for the transgender community. And of course, follow our LavenderHealth blog and explore the many resources we make available for all to access and use freely!

And not be missed … the annual premier event focused on LGBTQ health and healthcare. This year the GLMA: Health Professional Advancing LGBT  Equality annual conference will be in Philadelphia, September 13-16, 2017.  The entire day of September 13 will be dedicated to the Nursing Summit – so plan to attend!  For more information visit the GLMA Nursing website!