June is Pride Month, signalling the kick-off of Pride Season, which features Pride celebrations and events across the country from June to September. CASN proudly celebrates Pride alongside all people who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, or intersex and/or belong to additional marginalized sexual or gender identities (2S LGBTQAI+). We unite to celebrate resilience, advocate for social justice, and acknowledge the contributions of 2S LGBTQAI+ communities to nursing education, scholarship, and practice.
Pride has always been a powerful space for contestation and advocacy within Canadian society, particularly in post-secondary environments, where 2S LGBTQAI+ individuals continue to face prejudice and discrimination. This vibrant movement arose from the struggles for visibility, equity, and acceptance, reflecting the ongoing fight for rights that transcend mere equality. Today, our focus has expanded beyond equal rights to encompass intersectional equity, recognizing the need for genuine inclusivity and the unique challenges faced by each member of 2S LGBTQAI+ communities. As we celebrate Pride, we honour the history of resistance and the ongoing pursuit of social justice and belonging for all. CASN supports the movement for more equitable, affirming, and inclusive environments for nurses, nursing educators, and students. We highlight the importance of centring our relationality as humans by recognizing our interconnectedness, seeing each other as whole individuals, and acting with empathy.
“This summer, CASN proudly celebrates Pride Season and invites representative of Canadian schools of nursing to deepen their understanding of diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics; implement inclusive and affirming practices; and strengthen their advocacy alongside 2S LGBTQAI+ communities. Let’s celebrate the diversity that enriches our communities. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion offers us a valuable opportunity to honour the contributions and identities of our 2S LGBTQAI+ nursing education colleagues and community members,” said Jean Daniel Jacob, CASN Executive Director.
Related Resources (CASN)
- Promoting Equitable, Affirming, and Inclusive Environments for 2S LGBTQAI+ Nursing Students: Guidelines for Canadian Schools of Nursing (document)
- The Nurse’s Professional Responsibility in Providing Gender-Inclusive and Affirming Abortion Care (webinar 2 from the webinar series The Nurse’s Role in Sexual Health, Reproductive Care and Abortion Care)
