National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11. It is a day to celebrate authenticity, acknowledge the courage of 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.

What is does it mean to “Come Out”?

“Coming out” refers to the process of recognizing, accepting, and sharing one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation. This journey is deeply personal and often begins with self-acknowledgment, followed by the decision to share that identity with others if it feels safe and comfortable to do so. Because coming out can involve both risks and rewards, each 2SLGBTQQIA+ person decides for themselves if, when, and with whom to share their identity.

Why is this important to health care?

Coming out is not a one-time event — it is an ongoing process. As 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals navigate different stages of life and meet new people, they may continually face the decision of whether or not to disclose their identity, including to health care providers.

Unfortunately, experiences of stigma, discrimination, and negative attitudes within the health care system can make some 2SLGBTQQIA+ people hesitant to seek care. This can lead to delayed treatment or avoidance of health care services altogether, contributing to inequitable health outcomes.

How can we be allies to 2SLGBTQQIA+ patients?

With an estimated 1.3 million 2SLGBTQQIA+ people living in Canada, it is essential to ensure that health care spaces are inclusive, welcoming, and gender-affirming. By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, health care providers can help all patients feel safe, seen, and supported.

1. Learn. To learn more about the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, including the inequities and challenges they face when accessing health care, and how you can provide gender-affirming care, seek education opportunities!
   • Rainbow Health Ontario’s 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course is a great place to start. Check out their website at: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/
   • Egale Canada also offers tips on how to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community: https://egale.ca/awareness/tips-on-how-to-practice-lgbtqi2s-allyship/
2. Use Inclusive Language. This includes using gender-neutral language, and affirming communication. You can learn more about inclusive language and pronoun usage here: 
   • To learn more about affirming and inclusive language on Egale Canada at: https://egale.ca/awareness/affirming-and-inclusive-language/
   • To learn more about using pronouns, Egale Canada offers a Pronoun Usage Guide: https://egale.ca/awareness/pronoun-usage-guide/
3. Participate. Join the Hospital’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

To learn more about National Coming Out Day, please go to Fenway Health: https://fenwayhealth.org/lgbtqia-history-month-national-coming-out-day-2024/

You can learn more about inclusive health care for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people on the Canadian Medical Association website at: https://www.cma.ca/healthcare-for-real/what-does-2slgbtqia-inclusive-care-mean-canada

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Rae-Anne Robinson, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at: Rae-Anne.Robinson@tbh.net

Join us on Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Auditorium A/B (3rd Level) for an engaging Trivia Night in support of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-10).

• Teams should consist of four to six members, and at least one member must be a TBRHSC/TBRHRI employee.
• Non-employees are welcome to join teams as well.
• If you don’t have a team, individual registration is available, and you will be placed on a team.
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments throughout the evening.
• Exciting prizes await the winning team!

Register now by scanning the QR code below:

Click here for details on other events and activities taking place during Mental Illness Awareness Week.

All staff, professional staff, learners, and volunteers are invited to tune in, stay informed, and get involved as in our monthly Town Hall. This is your chance to hear the latest updates from across our Hospital and Health Research Institute — from strategic priorities to day-to-day operations — and to have your voice heard.

Past and Upcoming Town Hall Dates (via Webex):

September 17 @ 2:00 p.m. **Click to watch the recording**
October 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
November 19 @ 2:00 p.m.
December 17 @ 2:00 p.m.
January 21 @ 2:00 p.m.
February 18 @ 2:00 p.m.
March 18 @ 2:00 p.m.
April 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
May 20 @ 2:00 p.m.
June 17 @ 2:00 p.m.

Got questions or feedback?

This is your forum. Ask questions live during the Q&A segment or submit them in advance to ensure the right people are available to respond.

Submit your questions by:

• Emailing TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net
• Asking in real time during the Q&A segment of the Town Hall.

Submitting questions in advance ensures the right people are available to respond.

Don’t miss it — we look forward to seeing you there!

If you’d like to access a recording or presentation from a previous Town Hall, visit the archive.

Are you and your family ready to face an emergency such as a blizzard, wildfire, or power outage? Do you have an emergency plan and an emergency kit to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days following a disaster?

Be ready, not reactive.

If you’re unsure how to answer those questions, we’re here to help! The Emergency Preparedness department is collaborating with our local Canadian Red Cross to promote personal preparedness to our Hospital workers and community members during Fire Prevention Week (October 5 to 11).

Canadian Red Cross volunteers have generously offered to provide:

Workers who stop by the booth or attend the “Be Ready” talk will be entered into a draw for a $25 gift card!

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” Benjamin Franklin

The seasonal influenza vaccine clinic will be available to staff, physicians and volunteers starting October 6.

Date	Time	Location
October 6	10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Level 2 beside the Grand Staircase
October 7	10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Level 2 beside the Grand Staircase
October 8	10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Level 2 beside the Grand Staircase

No appointments required – please wear short sleeves

Please notify Occupational Health & Safety if you have received your flu shot from your doctor or at another facility. Please email the immunization documentation proof to TBRHSC.OccupationalHealthandSafety@tbh.net to ensure we update your chart.

Alternative Opportunities to Receive the Flu Shot

• Appointments can be made to receive your flu shot by contacting Occupational Health and Safety at TBRHSC.OccupationalHealthandSafety@tbh.net

• Drop-in option available on Thursdays in the OH&S Department from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:45p.m.

• The Roaming Flu Cart will be starting as soon as flu shot arrives

LET’S PROTECT OURSELVES AND OUR PATIENTS!

Remember: Influenza immunization is recommended for all health care workers.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on the influenza vaccine.

Staff that obtain their flu shot will be entered to win a six-month free parking pass (two passes are being raffled off).   

Those staff that obtain both the flu AND COVID-19 vaccine, have a chance to win a one-year free parking pass.