Definitely Heroes: Photos from 2016 Capital Pride DC Gala

2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37376
2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37376 (View on Flickr.com)
2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37433
2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37433 (View on Flickr.com)

LGBTQ Pride has begun in the nation’s (United States) capital, and it kicked off with a wonderful evening for me, a person who has watched so many, as newly minted Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning (@SecArmy) said, “paved the way.”

I know of some of the stories of some of the heroes, and if the others are half as inspiring, then there’s a lot of pride for humanity in one room. You can see it in the photographs.

This is our group, from Kaiser Permanente (Platinum sponsor of this year’s @CapitalPrideDC): doctors, nurses, labor union members, health system leaders, and the intersection of these together, who are on a mission to create humane spaces for everyone to achieve their life goals, in the health care system and beyond.

2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37386
2016.06.02 Heroes Gala Capital Pride DC Washington DC USA 37386 (View on Flickr.com)

For me it’s pretty easy to be committed to this mission, because once you see what’s possible, there is no turning back.

I have to recognize the two engendered spirit award winners, Jeri Hughes, and Julius Agers, who I have seen act, and in action. A lot of my professional colleagues may never understand what I do, which is that these are the places where innovation is. Actually, they’ll understand it, and they’ll be so happy the way was paved for them across the identity and orientation spectrum.

Have I mentioned that I can’t believe I get to live here? <3 DC, it is the capital of a world learning to love better.

Ted Eytan, MD