Regence employees celebrate Pride month 2021 during another unique year

By Regence
June 16, 2021
Regence Pride 2021

Pride activities will again look different this year for many of us, as people continue to get their COVID-19 vaccines and help communities reopen safely. In the meantime, Regence employees in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and beyond are taking safety precautions and finding their own way to celebrate Pride month 2021.

In honor of Pride 2021, teams across our states raised pride flags at nine of our buildings to show support for the communities where we work, live and play.

Regence Pride 2021 flags no logos

We also spoke with members of our PRIDE ERG (Professionals Respecting Individuality, Diversity & Inclusion Employee Resource Group) about what this month means to them. Below are three highlights.

J. Sanders (he/him)
Marketing Strategist and PRIDE ERG co-chair

To me, Pride means family. I am a proud co-parent with my long-time friend, Angela. 25 years ago, when we brought our daughter Stella into the world, we faced some challenges within our families and our community—but we also found a wealth of support. Since then, that support for our family, as well as the broader LGBTQ+ community, has grown and evolved so much!

The festivities of Pride month coincide with Father’s Day—so celebrating pride together with my daughter has become a tradition. No big parades this year, but Stella and I will still be celebrating and look forward to getting back out there next year!

Regence employee J Sanders
J Sanders

Saysha Belton (she/they)
Customer Service

Pride month is an exciting time of year because of the parades! I love seeing everyone feeling free and happy, and I love being able to support local LGBTQ+-owned businesses at the event. This year, I’ve been focusing on making Pride month a little more about actual impacts in peoples’ lives.

I’ve only been a part of this PRIDE ERG for a short time, but after the transgender training and overall acceptance this company has shown toward our community, I had to join and see where the magic was happening.

My most used resource has been Facebook. There are queer exchange groups, and a lot of small businesses advertise there.

“It Gets Better” is a non-profit that I support, and their mission resonates with me deeply. Their goal is to provide resources and support for young teens and adults that are struggling to find their identity and navigating coming out so that nobody ever feels alone in their journey. Their site is full of open and honest stories of self-exploration, and ways to figure your own identities out.

Regence employee Saysha Belton
Saysha Belton

Sebastian De Freitas (he/him)
Multicultural Segment Marketing Manager

 

Read more about how Regence is committed to inclusive health care and the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

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