Johns Hopkins Medicine Honors Those Murdered and Wounded in Orlando

Dear Colleagues,

We are saddened by the recent massacre at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and join the world in grieving for the victims and their families. Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including many Latinos, were enjoying an evening of Latin music and culture in a place considered safe and supportive. In the early morning of Sunday, July 12, they appear to have been targeted because of their identities. Johns Hopkins Medicine stands firmly against the hatred and discrimination displayed this past weekend and in solidarity with the victims and all people who feel unsafe because of who they are.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Johns Hopkins Medicine. We are a world-class institution because of the dedication and invaluable contributions of our faculty, staff and students who represent all races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you have been on Johns Hopkins Medicine's social media channels this week, you have seen the image displayed in this email. We added the rainbow colors to our Johns Hopkins Medicine logo to show our support of the LGBT community.

The rainbow flag, created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, is recognized around the world as a symbol of LGBT pride. Its power and beauty come from its diversity of colors. The rainbow reminds us that the human spirit triumphs after even the darkest storm.

Next week, rainbow flags will be raised at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Howard County General Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital and Suburban Hospital. The flags will fly through the end of June in support of LGBT Pride Month and to honor those murdered and wounded in Orlando.

We recognize that many of us would like additional opportunities to show our current and ongoing support of the LGBT community. Colleagues from across Johns Hopkins will be participating in the Baltimore Pride Parade on Sunday, July 23. If you would like to join or want more information about the parade, contact the Johns Hopkins University Office of LGBTQ Life or sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/WzCk5behfT.

We know how disturbing these events can be for our employees and want to assure you that support is available. The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers free and confidential counseling to our faculty and staff members. Additional support can be found through the Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 844-JHDVRSTY and the National LGBT Health Education Center at 888-340-4528.

Johns Hopkins Medicine is more determined than ever to oppose discrimination, violence or bigotry toward any group because of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. No matter whom you love or how you identify, every single person deserves to be happy and healthy and feel safe.

Sincerely,

Paul B. Rothman, M.D.
Dean of the Medical Faculty
CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ronald R. Peterson
President
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
EVP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

James E. Page Jr., M.B.A.
Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer, Johns Hopkins Medicine