In their brightest attire and carrying colourful banners and home-made signs, members of RNAO and its Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG) marched this summer in six Pride parades. The events stretched from Windsor in the west to Ottawa in the east. 

RNs, NPs and nursing students joined thousands of other allies to advocate for inclusivity and the protection of basic human rights for people of all sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions.

“RNAO is committed more than ever to supporting sexually and gender-diverse individuals,” says President NP Lhamo Dolkar. “Many of our members identify with the 2SLGBTQI+ community and/or provide care to community members. We are proud to march alongside them and will continue to advocate for safe, equitable and barrier-free care across all health sectors and settings.”

For RNIG, these awareness-building events come at an important time to promote diversity, safety and access to affirming health care for all. “In this present time, 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians find themselves facing the prospect of losing hard-won rights, feeling unsafe when entering a new situation, and fearing cross-border travel,” says RNIG President Sarah van den Enden Thornley. “All Canadians are entitled to safe and affirming health care. At RNAO and RNIG, we offer a safe space for RNs, NPs and nursing students in the 2SLGBTQI+ community and continue to celebrate pride and promote diversity.”

Let’s hear from some of the nurses attending this year’s events.