The Mount Sinai contingent walking down 5th Avenue, participating in the NYC Pride March, June 29, 2025.
Every June, rainbow flags appear across New York City in celebration of Pride Month. Mount Sinai Health System, too, shows up in support for the LGBTQ+ community by participating in the NYC Pride March and events.
“However, Mount Sinai’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families in a safe and welcoming environment extends beyond Pride Month,” said Barbara E. Warren, PsyD, Senior Director for LGBT Programs and Policies.
Mount Sinai emphasizes health equity all year round because LGBTQ+ patients who feel safe, understood, and welcomed are more likely to share critical information with providers, follow treatment plans, and participate fully in their own care, said Dr. Warren.
Beyond Pride events, Mount Sinai has been a champion for the community in other major ways—it was among the first in the United States to establish a Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, offering gender-affirming care that is integrated, accessible, and respectful.
And as much as Mount Sinai has implemented best practices in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care, so too, does that consideration extend to its employees, providers, students, and trainees.
Creating a Culture Where Everyone Can Thrive
Just like patients, employees want to feel that their identities and lived experiences matter and contribute meaningfully to the work they do.
“What we offer patients, we also need to offer our employees, our providers , our students, and trainees,” said Dr. Warren. “If you come to work or school afraid of being outed or judged, you’re not going to be able to function fully. You won’t feel like your presence is valued.”
LGBTQ+ employees and trainees who feel safe don’t just bring technical skill and clinical wisdom—they bring unique insight, compassion, and value, said Dr. Warren. “That makes our entire system stronger.”
Participating in Pride events is a way of demonstrating that ongoing commitment. This year, the Health System participated in:
- June 1: Mount Sinai Queens took part in Queens Pride
- June 3: Mount Sinai employees attended the NYC Mayor’s Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Reception at Gracie Mansion
- June 18: Mount Sinai’s Annual Pride Gathering for employees
- June 21: Mount Sinai South Nassau took part in Freeport’s Pride on the Mile
- June 29: Mount Sinai participated in the NYC Pride March
While celebrating Pride matters, real progress for LGBTQ+ health equity requires action that endures long after the parades end, emphasized Dr. Warren. Toward that goal, the Health System has implemented a model outlining year-round, patient-centered equitable care. “Mount Sinai understands that LGBTQ+ people need more than visibility—they need access, affirmation, and safety every day of the year,” she said.