At Northwell Health, we can be Truly Ourselves. Happy National Coming Out Day!

“Our employees should never have to make a choice between a career they love and living with their truthfulness and integrity. I am so proud to be part of an organization that lets me be who I am every day at work. Every morning I wake up looking forward to my workday and what exciting things are in store for me. As an openly gay male executive working at Northwell Health I am surrounded by support from senior leadership and my colleagues; I am able to come to work and be my true self. Through our Business Employee Resource Group EXPRESSIONS, I have been able to align with my fellow LGBTQ co-workers and our allies to make this organization such a great place to work.” – Edward C. Fraser, Vice President of Corporate Community Relations, System Administration

On October 11^th, Northwell Health employees are celebrating National Coming Out Day with our LGBT community members, allies, patients and the members of our Expressions BERG. At Northwell Health, we’re always striving to create an accepting culture where we can all be Truly Ourselves.

This National Coming Out Day, Northwell is taking the pledge to #WearTheRibbon. This one-day campaign encourages employees to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBT people by showing support for safe spaces where they LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY. Expressions BERG members and allies are signing this pledge and wearing a rainbow ribbon at work to visually “come out” in support of safe spaces for LGBT individuals. This pledge is just one way that Northwell encourages employees to achieve their full potential and supports a safe and inclusive working environment and.

The Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) program at Northwell Health helps our patients by elevating diverse voices so we can better serve our diverse population. It also helps our staff, so they can find and engage with the specific communities that understand their experiences and ensure representation of their perspective and experience. This culture of acceptance creates a safe space for BERG’s like Expressions to thrive.

The Expressions BERG consists of Northwell Health employees who identify as LGBT, are allies of the LGBT community, are passionate about or are interested in promoting health equity and awareness of the LGBT community. Wayne Kawadler, Dir, Community Relations, Administration explains, “through our Expressions BERG I have been able to connect with fellow LGBTQ workers and allies, all who are able to be truthful and open about their sexual and cultural identity. From celebrating Pride Month to acknowledging Coming Out Day, Northwell Health is a truly accepting place to work for.”

Learn more about other BERG’s at Northwell Health here. Join us and find the support you’re Made for.