A Message from the Strategist
As the Principal Strategist for the Sexual and Gender Minority Employment Portfolio, I am elated to introduce the NIH theme for our 2024 Pride Month commemoration, "Pride in Belonging."
I hope this month’s activities will inspire you to take pride in your individuality and help foster the sense of belonging many of us find within our communities. We will highlight how various aspects of identity intersect and explain the importance of this intersection in addressing systemic inequalities here at NIH and for the communities we serve.
Belonging is experiencing happiness and comfort as a valued member of a group where acceptance and support from others are evident. By focusing on belonging, NIH recognizes the multifaceted nature of identity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual community and the challenges faced by individuals who navigate intersecting identities. This powerful message highlights the strength and beauty in coming together, embracing differences, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
By working together, both within the organization and with external allies, NIH can continue to make strides toward creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all staff.
Monique Robinson
Sexual and Gender Minority
Employment Portfolio Strategist
- Message From Leadership
- Podcast
- SafeZone Training
- Events
- Blogs
- About the Artwork
A Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
NIH proudly celebrates Pride Month under the banner of “Pride in Belonging.” This theme embodies the ongoing journey of recognizing, embracing, and uplifting LGBTQIA+ people across NIH and beyond. This year’s Pride Month centers on belonging to highlight the importance of embracing diversity and cultivating an inclusive atmosphere where all individuals are esteemed and empowered to flourish. Here at NIH, we know that diversity of thought and backgrounds within the NIH workforce is vital to advancing the mission of our agency.
NIH is committed to building belonging for LGBTQIA+ communities not only this month but throughout the year. We are proud of the work that is being done across the agency toward cultivating diversity in clinical trials and broader health research representative of sexual and gender diverse communities. We have also taken steps toward fostering a more supportive, respectful, and inclusive workplace for LGBTQIA+ people within the biomedical and health science research enterprise.
We hope that you will join us in celebrating Pride Month at our events throughout June. To kick off the month, we invite you to attend the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s (EDI) tomorrow, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. in front of Building 1. Raising the Pride flag signifies that LGBTQIA+ people are welcomed and celebrated at NIH, while also demonstrating our agency’s commitment to elevating these communities’ voices and perspectives in the work we do. Other Pride events this month include weekly SafeZone training from EDI along with a celebration and scientific webinar hosted by the NIH Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office.
Together, let us continue to build a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging for all members of the NIH community. This month and throughout the year we encourage you to visit EDI’s website, explore the blog posts, follow the office on LinkedIn and X, and watch EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed.
Sincerely,
Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D.
NIH Director
Kevin D. Williams, Esq.
EDI Director
*The May 1 NIH and EDI Directors’ all-staff message incorrectly stated that the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act/Magnuson Act took place at the National Library of Medicine. The anniversary and exhibit took place, and is currently still running, at the NIH Library.
What were you surprised to learn during our Pride 2024 observance?
Join the conversation on our social media channels below. Share what posts resonated with you and let us know if there are other topics you would like to see in the future.
#PrideInBelonging #Pride2024 #NIH2024Pride
What Women Want . . . At Work Podcast
SafeZone Training
Join us for specially scheduled Pride Month SafeZone Trainings. SafeZone promotes awareness and education on the needs and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals.
- Thursday, June 6, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT
- Monday, June 24, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT
Events
Inclusive Pride Flag Raising
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. EDT
On Tuesday, June 4, join EDI and Salutaris for the Pride Flag Raising event. Meet us on the lawn in front of Building 1 at the flagpole.
In the event of rain, we will meet on the 8th Floor of Building 31. Food trucks will be available at Building 10 South, Lot 10 H.
Learn More
2024 Safety, Health, and Wellness Day
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. EDT
The 2024 NIH Safety, Health, and Wellness Day will be held at the 6th Floor Conference Center of Building 31, C Wing on the NIH Bethesda campus. Everyone is welcome.
Featured Blogs
Meet Salutaris – The NIH Sexual and Gender Minority Employee Resource Group
The Journey of Belonging Starts in the Family
Active and Authentic Allyship
“
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.
— Audre Lorde, American Writer and Professor
”
About the Artwork
Our 2024 Pride Month artwork celebrates the vibrancy and intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ community. Although the flag has evolved into several variations, some of which are subtly placed as buttons worn by the people in the image, the original Pride flag created by Kansas native Gilbert Baker boldly sits at the center of the artwork.
