We continue our conversation on Pride Month. Today, we hear from Samantha Carrell, Patient Excellence Representative at QMG, on what this month means to her and the importance of sharing her story to reach others.
“Pride Month is a time for the LGBTQ+ community to be able to stand up for the right to love and support everyone who has been judged. It’s a time to remember the ones who lost their lives because of their lifestyle. It’s a time to celebrate how far the LGBTQ+ community has come even though there is still a lot more that can be done,” she shared.
This month is important to Carrell, but her hope is that the celebration and awareness that comes with it, goes beyond the month of June.
“When saying ‘Pride Month,’ it feels like the LGBTQ+ community can only celebrate one month a year. I would like my peers to know that it should not just be in one month in the year,” Carrell said. “The LGBTQ+ community should be celebrated every day. The community is worthy of respect and acceptance for who we/they are no matter what month of the year it is.”
Mental health among the LGBTQ+ is a topic that Carrell feels most passionate about and shares that she believes the LGBTQ+ community has a high rate of mental health concerns.
“We need to give support to each other. Listening, without judgment, is a good way to start,” she said. “If someone is having a hard time with their mental health, please lend a helping hand. Whether it’s being a shoulder to lean on or reaching out to a mental health professional, please do what you can to help. You never know what that person is going through.”
Carrell feels working in healthcare has given her a unique opportunity to show acceptance and understanding. She aims to provide that for everyone she sees.
“It takes a special person to work in the healthcare field. You should have an open mind. There are many different walks of life walking in the doors. Everyone needs to be treated with respect and they need to feel safe, no matter what their background is, no matter their lifestyle. Everyone needs to feel welcomed.”