Chanelle Gibson

As a society, we have made great strides in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ persons. With increased representation in TV and film, more states with workplace discrimination policies, and the prominence of pride as a national celebration, we are steadily making progress. As an organization, we have done our best to honor pride month with the Pride Guide, CF&F, Pride in a Box kits, and other projects. As we reflect on how we celebrate in June, find joy in the wins, but also remember there is much more to be done. Let us use pride month not only as an opportunity to specifically cater to a vulnerable part of our community, but also to spread our mission. It is our duty to save lives that are an increased risk of cancer, bring new volunteers and event participants, and push momentum for advocacy. In these efforts, we can help increase visibility and relevance within communities so that more may understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. In just the past 50 years, we have achieved so much policy change, turned so many hearts, and made great strides. There is still, however, much to be achieved to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community, who bear a disproportionate burden of cancer, have equal access to care. Barriers like higher uninsured rates and discrimination still separate our loved ones from the treatment and respect that they deserve. Our core value of diversity isn’t just a policy, it is fundamental in our mission to save lives. We must celebrate our differences, encouraging what gives us unique lives all equally worth saving. All those effected by cancer deserve equal comfort and care in their battle, and our mission is not complete until we close the disparities in diagnoses and treatment across all populations. Thank you to our staff across the country who have been working to ensure that our fight is a fight for all.