Happy Pride! Evergreen is proud to support LGBTQ+ communities

Happy Pride Month! Evergreen Health is, and always has been, a place where LGBTQ+ people can come for unconditionally affirming and accessible health care. Since 1983, when a group of volunteers came together to support community members who were facing the emerging HIV and AIDS crisis, we’ve focused on the unique health care needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, Evergreen is a place where LGBTQ+ folks can access affordable primary, medical and behavioral health care and supportive services in an understanding environment, including:

• gender affirming primary and specialty care
• hormone replacement therapy, tailored to your needs
• testing, prevention and treatment for STIs, HIV and hepatitis C
• linkage to gender-affirming surgery providers
• gender affirming pelvic health care
• gender affirming mental health counseling
• legal help with name and gender marker changes
• community, social and support groups at the Pride Center of Western New York

We’re proud to say that once again we’ve been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Leader by the 2024 Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index. This designation highlights our policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of our LBGTQ+ patients, visitors and staff. We’re honored by the distinction as we continue our work to be an unconditionally safe and affirming place for our LGBTQ+ community.

On top of the affirming care LGBTQ+ folks can get at Evergreen, our affiliate, the Pride Center, offers a variety of services and programs for the LGBTQ+ community to build connection and share resources with peers. Here are some of the Pride Center’s current groups – follow @thepridecenter on social media or visit their calendar to learn more about upcoming events.

• Out & About: a group for bisexual, pansexual and queer people
• Beyond the Binary: a group for non-binary and gender expansive people
• Sapphic Space: a group for queer women and women of trans experience
• Silver Pride: a group for LGBTQ+ people ages 55 and better
• Transgender Youth Program: groups and resources for transgender youth and their caregivers

The Pride Center also provides Cultural Competency training to organizations across Western New York. These trainings help make everyday spaces safer and more affirming for LGBTQ+ people by teaching communication skills, developing tolerance, and enhancing learning and work environments. Learn more or request a training from the Pride Center at pridecenterwny.org/WhatWereHereFor/Training.

Western New York’s support for the LGBTQ+ community grows each year, evidenced by the many organizations who have participated in the Pride Center’s Cultural Competency trainings, and by the ever-growing turnout at the Buffalo Pride Parade and Festival. Each year, more and more people march down Elwood Avenue and come out to Canalside to celebrate love and resilience while supporting the Pride Center: after covering costs associated with producing the Pride Parade and Festival, all proceeds from Parade and Festival donations, ticket sales and registration fees support programs and services at the Pride Center.

Evergreen Health is proud to be a presenting sponsor and host of Buffalo Pride. In collaboration with our affiliates and a team of community consultants, we organize the Parade and Festival as a way to give back to the LGBTQ+ community which has entrusted us with their care for more than 40 years.

Join us at this year’s Buffalo Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 2! Check out buffalopride.org for Parade and Festival information, tickets and FAQ’s.