We are Women’s offers the WCH community a chance to get to know each other and share our stories. For Pride Month, we are featuring our Pride Committee to find out how acceptance for 2SLGBTQ+ people informs their work.
Name: Kabir Singh Shergill
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Title & Department: Communications Advisor, Strategic Communications
On the WCH team for: 5 Months!
1. Why did you decide to join the Pride Committee in such a meaningful capacity this year?
Pride is such an important time for me. It’s a time to celebrate my queerness and show my support for others who might be struggling with being out and Proud. While Pride feels celebratory to a lot of people, it’s important to remember that Pride is born out of protest and rebellion. Now more than ever, Pride exists to encourage acceptance and tolerance.
2. What work makes WCH an inclusive place for 2SLGBTQ+ Communities?
I love working for WCH because our hospital is a prime example of equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a queer person of colour, it brings me so much joy to see WCH break down the barriers to healthcare for marginalized folks who might not otherwise have had access to care. Being able to promote and communicate these important initiatives is imperative to their success and impact within our communities. The specific needs that WCH works to fill in the Canadian medical space impassions me to take on this work to support communities that I know so desperately need care. Simply providing access, knowledge and tools to these communities is how communicators provide a positive patient experience.
3. What is your greatest wish for 2023 as it relates to Pride Month and healthcare?
My greatest wish is to witness progress in healthcare that prioritizes inclusivity and equality for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This includes accessible and affirming care, improved mental health support, and advancements in transgender healthcare. I’m also hoping to see increased research and education to address the unique health needs of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and foster understanding within the medical community.
4. Who is your 2SLGBTQ+ Pride role model? Why?
Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent transgender activist and key figure in the 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement, holds immense importance in our history. As a black trans woman, Johnson fought tirelessly for the rights and visibility of marginalized communities, particularly transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Her pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, an event that sparked the modern 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement, cannot be overstated. Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equality and serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations in the fight against discrimination and injustice. She exemplifies what it means to fight for Queer liberation.