June is all about Pride in Philadelphia. So as thousands of LGBTQ+ people and their allies converge on Center City this weekend for the 2023 Philly Pride March and Festival, the Health Department is proud to join in the festivities.
It all begins at Independence Hall on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when people gather for Philly Pride’s Love, Light and Liberation March at Sixth and Walnut Streets. At about 11 a.m., participants will leave Sixth Street, between Walnut and Spruce Streets, and march toward Tenth and Walnut Streets, over to Locust Street and into the Gayborhood.
At noon, the Philly Pride Festival gets underway with food and drinks, along with live music and performances, between Walnut, Cypress, Quince and Juniper Streets.
There’s much to celebrate. But there’s still work to be done.
The City proudly recognizes the many accomplishments of our LGBTQ+ community, while also understanding the many obstacles the community faces. LGBTQ+ people continue to fight discrimination in far too many segments of society. In employment. In education. And, yes, even in healthcare.
Disparities in healthcare
When it comes to health and wellness, LGBTQ+ people experience an array of disparities. They are often at higher risk for specific medical conditions as well as injuries due to violence. They also have less access to appropriate care and, consequently, worse health outcomes.
The Health Department recognizes these disparities and is working to eliminate them. So, on Sunday, and throughout the month of June, we will be participating in a variety of Pride Month events to provide support, information, education and resources to Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Look for us
Look for members of our Division of Disease Control and our Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction. Look for folks from our Division of HIV Health, from Take Control Philly, and Philly, Keep on Loving. We’re here for you as we work to promote inclusivity and equality in healthcare for all.
We’re here to celebrate as well. Happy Pride, Philadelphia!
