A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - October 2018

October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Italians to our country. Between 1820 and 1992, more than 5.5 million people emigrated from Italy, making Italians one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. They have overcome widespread adversity and discrimination to become strong contributors to the U.S. in many ways such as in the arts, sciences, politics and industry.

This month, a variety of communities and cities with large Italian-American populations will host Italian cultural celebrations. It is a great time to learn more about their culture, history and language.

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, an annual celebration that gives people the opportunity to honor friends and loved ones who publically identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer (LGBTQ).

In 1988, National Coming Out Day began as a day when people privately or publically disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity to raise awareness. Since then it has evolved to become more of a holiday where members and supporters of the LGBTQ community wear pride symbols such as pink triangles and rainbow flags. Observed in several countries such as Australia, Canada, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, the holiday honors the advancements that have been made in civil rights; however, there is still a lot more to be done.

On October 18, everyone is encouraged to wear purple in observance of SPIRIT Day. By wearing purple, people can visibly show their support for LGBTQ youth and against LGBTQ bullying. Promoted by GLADD, SPIRIT Day was started in 2010 by a Canadian teenager in response to the bullying-related suicides of gay school students.

October 24 is United Nations Day. In 1948, the United National General Assembly established the day to recognize the anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations. United Nations Day commemorates the work the U.N. has done to further the causes of justice and equality among the people of the world. These works include enhancing human rights, providing support in areas of famine, eradicating diseases and promoting the health and settlement of refugees. Celebrations in U.N. member states include cross-cultural foods and performances to reflect the U.N.'s mission of spreading cultural awareness and understanding.

At LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.