I never could have imagined that this job would become such a cornerstone of my life. Over the past seven years, I’ve witnessed Halton Healthcare transition from intention to action in its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Here, authenticity is not only accepted—it’s encouraged.
I remember my early years here and saying, “I don’t necessarily need Pride at work.” At the time, I didn’t realize how much of a privilege that statement was. I’ve always been able to come to work as my true self, where my skills and contributions were the focus—not my gender or sexuality.
I’m proud to witness the impact of Halton Healthcare’s commitment to gender-affirming care and inclusive practices. When my family and all patients can access care without fear or bias, that’s the work that truly matters. It’s about creating a safe environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
This year, I had the honour of speaking at Halton Healthcare’s Pride flag-raising ceremony. Raising the Pride flag is not just a celebration, it’s a call to action. It’s a moment of peace and pride in my identity, my family, and the organization I’ve had the privilege of being a part of. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work still lies ahead.
For me, the flag-raising ceremony was more than a symbol of progress—it was a celebration of a workplace where everyone can thrive. Halton Healthcare continues to grow, learn, and lead in ways that empower every individual to be seen, heard, and valued.
What Being an Ally Means to Me—And Why It Matters
Being an ally isn’t one-size-fits-all. As both a colleague and a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I advocate for inclusive change and support education around what allyship can mean. It’s about showing up with your voice and actions, whether that’s offering compassionate care, challenging bias, or speaking up.
Allyship starts by respecting how people identify, including their names, pronouns, and experiences. For those on the front lines, that means using inclusive language, asking for pronouns, and staying informed. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is a sign of growth. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Small, consistent efforts build trust and create safer, more welcoming spaces.
For leaders, allyship must go beyond symbolic gestures. It means reviewing policies, hiring practices, and systemic barriers that impact 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and patients. There’s no standard playbook—and that’s the point. Every act of allyship shapes someone’s sense of belonging.
Visible progress today lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs. I’ve seen this firsthand—when allies speak up, systems change.
Allyship isn’t performative—it’s personal, ongoing, and courageous. You don’t need all the answers, just the will to act, learn, and stay committed. Together, we move forward.