Dear colleagues,
In celebrating PRIDE this month, we celebrate all that is good in humanity.
We celebrate all those things that unite us as people – but we equally celebrate what makes us unique and distinctive.
This June, we highlight the contributions of our LGBTQ communities – in the arts, in science, in government – in all aspects of life.
PRIDE reminds us that it is through our collective input and discourse that we accomplish change, understanding and strength as a people.
In honor of Pride Month, the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The School of Dentistry, The School of Pharmacy, and the University Counseling Services will host a Safe Zone training event. The event will take place virtually on Wednesday, June 14, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and in person on Thursday, June 22, noon – 2 p.m. in room 5-200A of the MMEC building. You can also check out the community calendar of pride events this month at www.vapride.org.
Let’s all be proud today of who we are, of all we welcome into our lives as friends and family and of what we want our future to be.
Whether in the care of patients and communities, in the teaching of students or in discovery, we are all PROUD – not just this month, but every month, of the light and spirit of our LGBTQ community.
Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System