Date: 01/26/2017

In the wake of the massacre at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando last June, Johns Hopkins Medicine leaders took a variety of steps to show Johns Hopkins’ support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community.

Rainbow flags were raised and flew throughout the month of June at all of Johns Hopkins’ member hospitals: 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 rainbow colors were also added to the Johns Hopkins Medicine logo on social media.

“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,” wrote Paul B. Rothman, Ronald R. Peterson and James E. Page Jr., in an institutionwide statement.

Leaders also issued a statement that reaffirmed Johns Hopkins’ “commitment to assuring respect and support for our LGBT patients, guests and employees.” As part of this commitment, the statement noted, “Johns Hopkins has undertaken numerous steps in this and prior years to address the care, respect and dignity of LGBT individuals and allies.” Among the efforts impacting Johns Hopkins Medicine employees:

• All Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins University nondiscrimination policies now include gender identity and gender expression. 
• Johns Hopkins has expanded its health care benefits to cover transgender health services, including surgical procedures.
• The Johns Hopkins Hospital will join a growing number of leading academic medical centers in 2017 in offering gender-affirming therapies for transgender patients, including sex reassignment surgery and hormonal treatment, as part of a range of support options available.