Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is pleased to announce an update to its Positive Space policy and symbol to be more inclusive and ensure our commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of background, ethnicity, language, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or economic status.
This update, which coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the beginning of the Pride movement, builds upon the Positive Space policy first adopted in 2017 that recognized LPH as an agency that is open and welcoming, as well as equitable and accessible to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Positive Space also refers to an agency in which all staff have been trained to understand the issues around sexual and gender diversity and are familiar with human rights, diversity, and resources.
“It’s important to our staff that we do something meaningful to recognize Pride Month,” said Kevin Churchill, Manager of Clinical and Family Services. “Re-committing to and updating our Positive Space policy is our promise to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that LPH staff will treat everyone with respect and dignity.”
The updated policy makes it explicit that all Public Health facilities, programs, and services are to be inclusive and use gender-neutral language and that all staff will be trained to support the Positive Space policy.
LPH has also updated its Positive Space symbol to reflect the “Progress Pride Flag”. The Progress Pride Flag was designed in 2018 and added a five-coloured chevron to the existing Rainbow Flag. The pink, light blue, and white stripes represent the transgender community; the black and brown stripes represent racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ people, as well as those living with HIV/AIDS, and people who have died from HIV/AIDS.
These Positive Space policy updates reinforce LPH’s commitment to health equity and reducing barriers so all people can achieve their full health potential.
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