OUTmed, a forum for LGBTQIA+ identified faculty, trainees, staff, and allies at Washington University School of Medicine, returned as a sponsor of PrideFest 2022, held June 25 and 26th in downtown St. Louis. The event theme, “Together Again” reflects PrideSTL’s excitement to hold the community celebration again after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. OUTmed was last a sponsor for PrideFest in 2019.
OUTmed coordinated opportunities for WashU Med faculty, trainees, residents, students, staff, and allies to participate throughout the weekend. On Saturday, volunteers helped to staff a booth offering resources available at Washington University School of Medicine for PrideFest attendees. Representatives from the Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit, the Washington University Transgender Center, Siteman Cancer Center’s Program for the Elimination of Cancer (PECaD) and OUTmed were available to answer questions and share materials specific to their services. And, on Sunday, over 200 WashU Med attendees, their families, and friends marched in the Grand Parade, wearing coordinating t-shirts provided by OUTmed and designed by a School of Medicine student.
“It was amazing to be back at PrideFest again,” commented Will Johansen, MD, chair for community engagement with OUTmed. “It provided an opportunity for our LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together and support each other. The School of Medicine offers numerous LGBTQIA+ resources and PrideFest is an ideal event for outreach to this community.” Additionally, OUTmed Director, Anthony Dao, MD, commented that it was great to see so many people from across the Washington University community participate, including from both the School of Medicine and Danforth campuses.
OUTmed is a Department of Medicine sponsored organization that advocates for the LBGTQIA+ community. Membership is comprised of faculty, trainees, residents, students, staff and allies. Members from across the School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are welcome to participate.