Students, faculty, staff, and family members marching together represented UVM’s Larner College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Prism at UVM, Women and Gender Equity (WAGE) Center, Cancer Center, and UVM Health partners including UVM Medical Center, Porter Medical Center, Central Vermont Medical Center, and Home Health and Hospice.
The group gathered early in the Davis Center Grand Maple Ballroom to enjoy snacks, make signs, and adorn themselves with rainbow glasses, stickers, and flags. It was an opportunity for medical students and undergraduate students to meet and learn about solidarity and support available from Prism, WAGE, the Interfaith Center, the Office of Intercultural Excellence, and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance student interest group at the Larner College of Medicine.
First-year medical student Tania Wilson gave a keynote address that set the themes of resilience, persistence, and optimism.
“I want to remind you all of how far we have come over the long term, because as difficult as today’s obstacles are, we have so much to be grateful for, and even more to be optimistic about,” Wilson told the assembled crowd. “Your presence here today is a testament to the perseverance of our community, to the momentum of acceptance that no person, no movement, no political party, no policy can stop … Know that the tides of acceptance and hate will come and go during our lifetimes, but our community will persist.”
Holding banners and waving colorful flags, the group walked from the Davis Center down Main Street, chanting and waving to people driving by. They joined other festival-goers at the parade start on King Street, then marched in solidarity along Church Street and Pearl Street to Battery Park. Festivities at the park included entertainers, vendors, food trucks, music, dance performances, and resources.
“Know that the tides of acceptance and hate will come and go during our lifetimes, but our community will persist.” — Tania Wilson, Larner Medical Class of 2030
The Larner College of Medicine, UVM Cancer Center, and Prism at UVM hosted tables at the festival, with attendees lining up to gather complimentary sunscreen, rainbow hats, and information about staying healthy. Infectious disease social worker Zpora Perry and nurse practitioner Laura McNamara, both representing the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Clinics at UVM Health, provided education and awareness around sexual health and offered rapid HIV testing in the Cancer Center’s Outreach and Education Van.
“We support everybody, and we want to make sure that we show that support,” Cancer Center Director Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., associate dean for cancer programs, told a reporter from NBC5.
The event provided an opportunity to model the values of kindness and dignity in health care, said Christa Zehle, M.D.’99, Larner senior associate dean for medical education, professor of pediatrics, and director of UVM Health Network Education. Dr. Zehle and her daughter marched in the parade with Larner students, faculty, and staff.
“Providing compassionate, respectful, and evidence-informed care for all patients is a fundamental responsibility of the medical profession,” Zehle said. “Pride reminds us that every patient deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. As a medical school, our responsibility is to prepare future physicians with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism needed to care for people with a wide range of health care needs while creating learning and care environments where all members of our community feel welcomed and respected.”
“Pride reminds us that every patient deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.” — Christa Zehle, M.D.’99
For many students, this was their first experience participating in a Pride festival, and it was an opportunity to be part of the larger effort to fight stigma and celebrate expressions of identity.
“It’s easier to be your authentic self when your community shows up for you,” said Jorge A. Castillo, Ph.D., associate director of Prism at UVM. “It was impressive to see many areas of UVM represented in our group walking together in solidarity for Pride and joy.”
Learn more about the Office of Intercultural Excellence at Larner College of Medicine
Learn more about Prism at UVM
Learn more about the Women and Gender Equity Center
Learn more about the UVM Interfaith Center