Nurses join WorldPride Parade to celebrate human rights and diversity

TORONTO, June 24, 2014 /CNW/ - As part of their ongoing effort to promote diversity, inclusivity and human rights, Ontario's registered nurses (RN) are honoured to participate in WorldPride 2014 in Toronto.

More than 120 RNs, NPs, nursing students, and supporters will march under the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) banner in the June 29 WorldPride Parade to show their support for LGBTTIQQ2SA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, queer/questioning, 2 spirited, allies) communities around the globe. This year's theme will be Nurses Celebrate Diversity.

"Nursing has always been a voice for equity and inclusion," says RNAO Chief Executive Officer Doris Grinspun, who will once again join her fellow nurses in the parade. "Nurses know the healthiest communities are those that respect and nurture each other, and celebrate the richness in both differences and similiarities."

This year, Toronto was selected as host of the fourth-ever WorldPride – an international event promoting LGBTTIQQ2SA issues and celebrating culture. Pride Toronto is hosting 10 days of festivities from June 20–29 combining activism, arts, and education. Scheduled events include musical performances, a gala and awards ceremony, and the WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2014.

"RNAO has a long-standing tradition of championing human rights through our advocacy and our participation in Pride Week events, and our involvement this year will be more substantial than ever," Grinspun adds.

Together with the Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG), RNAO will bring it's first-ever float to the parade. The float will be decked out in Pride decorations, while participants will be sporting custom Pride t-shirts.

"We feel it is very important to communicate to LGBTTIQQ2SA communities that nurses are working to build cultural competence, and to improve access and equity within the health-care system," says Jean Clipsham, RNIG co-chair.

RNs, NPs and nursing students will also be partcipating in numerous local Pride events events across the province. Learn more about these individual celebrations at RNAO's website. For full details on all WorldPride 2014 events, visit WorldPrideToronto.com

WHO:

• More than 120 RNs, nursing students and supporters, including RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun, RNAO Special Projects Manager Tim Lenartowych, and members of the association's Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG), including its co-chair Jean Clipsham.

WHAT:

• WorldPride 2014 Parade, featuring more than 250 organizations, including a float from RNAO and RNIG.

WHEN:

• Sunday, June 29 beginning at 1 p.m.

WHERE

• The parade begins and the corner of Bloor and Church Streets heading west, turns south onto Yonge St. and continues to Yonge and Dundas Square.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

For more information about RNAO, visit www.RNAO.ca

You can also check out our Facebook page at www.RNAO.org/facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/RNAO.

SOURCE: Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

To arrange an interview with a nurse, or for more information, please contact: Daniel Punch, Editorial Assistant, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Direct line: 416-408-5610, [e-mail]