June is Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of individuality, acceptance, and love. 180 Medical is proud to be a part of celebrating our employees in the LGBTQIA+ community and lifting their voices.
Our commitment to fostering a compassionate, diverse, inclusive workplace extends beyond just one month out of the year. It’s embedded in our everyday practices, in the way we treat each other, and in the care we provide our customers.
Honoring Pride Month: 180 Medical Employee Q&A
Here’s what some of our employees had to say about Pride Month, being an ally or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and what it means to work for a company that fully supports them.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
“Inclusion, equality, love. It’s important to me because it helps people realize it’s okay to be themselves, no matter what they look like or who they love. It’s okay to be you.” – Alyssa, Online Lead Product Specialist
“Pride Month is important for so many reasons, such as celebrating the history of the Queer movement and liberation, recognizing that while we have come a long way there is still much work to do, and spreading knowledge and awareness of our community. I like to take time to reflect and remember that, while many of us are able to live out loud, there are even more individuals who are not able to come out due to the fear of being disowned by friends and family. There are even places around the world where it is still illegal to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.” – Kiren, Team Manager
“It’s an opportunity to find people you have identities and experiences in common with. It’s a yearly reminder that there are people just like you who are thriving in life, which can provide hope that you can too.” – Olivia, Referral Specialist
“Pride Month is a movement not just celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community but coming to love and celebrate yourself. Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community have felt neglected and broken down by society, people in authority, or even family, leading people to hate parts of themselves. Pride is truly embracing your whole self and loving who are no matter what people say or how different you may feel. I am continuing to grow and accept myself, and Pride is a reminder that I have a community of support and love and that is okay to be me and love myself.” – Ryan, Team Supervisor
“Pride is about being free to live as my authentic self every day. Our country was founded on the beliefs of equality and freedom for all people. Pride is about recognizing that even in 2023, after 247 years as a country, some people are still fighting for those rights.” – Chris, Sr. Project Manager
“To me, pride is a celebration of who someone is. This month is a great time to bring awareness and open up conversations for allies.” – Mark, Chief Commercial Officer
“Pride Month means accepting and celebrating everyone for who they are, ourselves included. I grew up in rural Oklahoma in an environment where it was not okay to be different. I am so grateful to all the loving and wonderful people I met later in life who helped me understand it’s okay to be your true self. Pride Month is important to me because it gives me a chance to reflect on the sacrifices others have made and celebrate the progress we’ve made as a society.” – Jessy, Billing Specialist
What makes you proud to work at 180 Medical?
“It says a lot about the leadership of the company to see 180 Medical honoring Pride Month. A lot of companies use words like diversity and inclusion in their policies but don’t really follow through with action. It is amazing to see 180 Medical offer resources, support awareness, and foster a culture of respect.” – Chris
“Knowing that inclusivity and diversity are important enough to be celebrated in such a public way makes me so proud to be a part of 180 Medical.” – Jessy
“The love and support from co-workers at 180 Medical. I have worked at a lot of different companies, and I can honestly say that 180 Medical is the first place in my entire career where I feel comfortable letting people know that I am married to a woman. I have never once felt judged or a need to hide my true self. It makes coming to work easier because I don’t have to hide who I am. I’ve never worked for a company where I can tell that the company truly cares about its employees.” – Alyssa
“I am proud to work for 180 Medical for many reasons, but the biggest is always how they respect and treat employees. I have never been with an employer who is so caring, compassionate, and accepting as 180 Medical. 180 Medical believes in recognizing all types of people and providing a diverse, inclusive, and equal environment. When 180 Medical honors Pride Month, they honor me and the hundreds of queer voices who work for 180 Medical. When a company like 180 Medical supports a community, it lifts them up with love and support, which then spreads throughout the company and even our customers who can feel the compassion from our employees.” – Ryan
“I’m proud to be part of an organization that invests in its employees and has their best interest in mind, both personal and professional. Being a larger company, it would be easy to get lost in the shuffle, but Convatec and 180 Medical really step up to make sure that everyone has a voice. It means the world to me to see 180 Medical celebrating Pride Month. This is the first company for whom I have worked that not only accepted members of the Queer community but celebrated us and participated in different pride events. Being visible in the community makes a huge impact on current and future employees, customers, and caregivers.” – Kiren
“I’m proud to work at a company that functions as a family and as a diverse community that puts effort into everyone feeling like they have a place being who they are. 180 doesn’t try to hide our existence or tone down our identities. I’m proud to talk about my life and hear others’ experiences different from mine and that doesn’t lead to demotions, pay differences, or social exclusion.” – Olivia
How does being part of an inclusive workplace affect your quality of life?
“It makes coming to work so much easier, and I don’t feel like I have to hide who I am. I’m my authentic self at work and at home, and it’s amazing working for a company and people who respect that and accept that.” – Alyssa
“Being in an inclusive environment means I don’t have to think about potential repercussions that could come from people finding out that I’m bisexual, that I’ve dated women in the past, and that I’m currently in a committed relationship with a man. It can be quite distracting to keep secrets and stressful to think that your job would be at risk if those secrets got out. So I can focus on my work more not having to be worried about what people at work do and don’t know.” – Olivia
“Being part of an environment that is inclusive, accepting, and compassionate shows that all people matter. Many people live their lives in the closet, hiding who they truly are. Having a place where you can be yourself without feeling like there will be consequences turns the focus to our mission versus having to deal with being judged or mistreated. The community is not going anywhere and being acknowledged is a huge part of the healing process many people are facing including myself.” – Ryan
“In my experience, folks work best and have the highest quality of life when they can be themselves and be comfortable. I love working around happy and engaged people!” – Mark
“Knowing that I’m part of such an inclusive organization really allows me to show up day in and day out to provide the best care for our customers without having to hide who I am. Being able to live my authentic life at work has greatly increased my quality of life, and it has also allowed me to meet and interact with many others who have shared experiences.” – Kiren
“Working in such a welcoming environment makes me want to come back to work each day. Working in a positive environment means that at the end of my day, I still have energy left to invest in my family and friends.” – Chris
What’s something people can do this month to learn about issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community or support Pride Month?
“Educate yourself. Push outside of your comfort zone. Ask questions. People in the LGBTQIA+ community are uncomfortable all the time. If you don’t ask questions, you won’t learn. We are all humans in this community trying to love and live life like everyone else. We are tired of fighting, but I can tell you, you will never be part of a group that is more loyal, brave, and fearless because we will never stop fighting until we are treated equally like everyone else.” – Alyssa
“I would say it’s important to be educated on the issues of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are many voices out there in the media painting the narrative but the only way to start a true understanding would be to listen to the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community. You may always be able to walk in someone else’s shoes but taking the time to listen, learn and respect each other is a great way to start a journey of understanding, growth, and support.” – Ryan
“I would encourage everyone to talk to the people in the community and ask them about challenging experiences they have had. In my experience, most people are shocked to hear how openly hostile day-to-day discrimination can be for some.” – Chris
“There are several resources such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign that I would recommend. It’s also really important to have our allies support us year-round. Pride Month is such a wonderful celebration, but the best way that you can show support is to just show up and hold space for those who are struggling.” – Kiren
Anything else you would like to share about your experiences of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally?
“For a very long time, I struggled with my gender identity. I felt lost and alone, and at times hopeless. I truly do not think that I would have found the courage to finally say “I’m Transgender,” and start my physical transition had it not been for the overwhelmingly inclusive culture that I found from Day 1 working for 180 Medical; it truly changed my life for the better.” – Kiren
“I just would like to encourage everyone to remember bisexual (or pansexual, etc) people’s identities don’t change to gay or straight if you’re in a relationship with someone of a specific gender. Your attraction to other genders is valid regardless of the gender identity of your partner(s). Lastly, thank you to 180 Medical for working hard to help people of all kinds feel equally part of the family.” – Olivia
“I didn’t come out until I was 23. I always knew I was different and didn’t think or feel things like the other girls around me. I was scared to come out, as I think all of us are. We have a fear of not being accepted and loved or liked. However, I can say coming out saved me. I have never been happier. It’s not easy by any means. However, I would not change who I am for anything in this world. Coming out was hard, and I lost some relationships along the way. However, if they don’t love me for me, then I don’t need them in my life. Don’t be afraid to be you! I am always here for questions. Just stay curious and always remember to love.” – Alyssa
“Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has opened my eyes to being accepting of people from all walks of life. I have grown in my understanding of others leading to respecting, accepting, and improving care for others and myself. I learned loving myself is essential before loving others, and everyone has a different, unique story. I have learned there is a community of love and support out there. I am thankful 180 Medical is part of this journey.” – Ryan
At 180 Medical, Our Diversity is Our Strength
Pride Month is a great time to remember our commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and celebration of individuality.
If you’re passionate about making a positive difference and working in an environment that values you for who you are, we encourage you to check out open career opportunities at 180 Medical.
For more information about how to join our growing family, check out our Careers page.
