By: Lauren McRae

NorthShore celebrates Pride Month and embraces our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) team members and communities by flying the Progress Pride Flag.

The flag joins the U.S. Flag at multiple NorthShore locations for one week beginning Monday, June 21.

“We proudly raise the Progress Pride Flag as a symbol of our commitment to our employees and our communities that we as an organization stand for inclusivity, where everyone is seen, heard, and valued,” said NorthShore Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations Tyler Bauer. “Together, we can help build a world where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity—feels safe and welcome.”

Liz Burnstine, Assistant Director, Patient Access Services at Swedish Hospital, explained that NorthShore opted for the Progress Pride Flag instead of the traditional, six-color rainbow flag because of its enhanced focus on inclusivity. It includes additional black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ communities of color, as well as pink, light blue and white to represent transgender pride.

“This move signifies our commitment to all members of our communities,” Burnstine noted. “Together, we’re creating a welcoming environment for all our team members, patients and communities.”