Thanks again for marching with us
The sun was shining and the energy was electric as more than 50 of us marched together in our second Toronto Pride parade on Sunday.
Proudly waving rainbow fans, our group, led by OMA President Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman and Dr. Tehmina Ahmad, a Toronto-based endocrinologist and transgender health-care specialist, celebrated the importance of health equity for all.
At the parade, we asked some of you why you’re proud to be part of or allied with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and this is what we heard:
It has been hard to identify a single moment that signifies my pride to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Ironically, answering this question provided me with one: I asked one of my daughters if I had done anything memorable to support her in expressing her identity as a gay woman. She could not think of a specific one, because in our home her identity, and her right to love whom she will, has always been secure, celebrated and supported. I am proud of this, as I am proud of her.
– Dr. Greg Rose
Vice-chair, General Assembly Steering Committee
Infectious diseases consultant, Ottawa
As a queer physician, I’m proud to show up – in clinical spaces and in the community – to help build a more inclusive future in medicine. Whether organizing CME sessions on gender diversity and affirming care or marching with fellow physicians and allies in the Pride Parade, I’m reminded of the power of visibility, education and solidarity. I carry with me those who can’t always show up, and I’m honoured to be part of a movement that’s making health care more compassionate, inclusive and empowering for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
– Dr. Joyce T.W. Cheung
Family medicine and supportive and palliative care physician, Toronto
Thank you for marching with us. We’ll see you next year!