June 2025
June is Pride Month, an important time to celebrate the contributions, history, and resilience of our Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual friends, family and neighbours (2SLGBTQIA+). At Univi Health Centre, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone is welcomed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Throughout the month of June, Pride flags will be proudly displayed at each of our sites. This symbolic gesture reflects our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our dedication to fostering environments where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels they belong.
Studies in Northern Ontario indicate that youth suicide rates are four times higher than the provincial average. This elevated risk is often linked to factors such as geographic isolation, limited access to mental health services, and a lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive resources and supports. These challenges highlight the importance of fostering inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environments for all, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities.
The Sudbury East region has a significant history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and celebration. Sudbury’s first Pride event, held in 1997, marked a major milestone by bringing community members together to advocate for greater visibility and rights. This event has since become an annual tradition, reflecting the region’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Queer North Film Festival, launched in 2016, have helped highlight the stories and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Northern Ontario, including those in Sudbury East.
By recognizing Pride Month and displaying the Pride flag, Univi Health Centre reaffirms its solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reinforces the importance of visibility, acceptance, and equal rights for all.
