Free HealthyNS programs designed to help Nova Scotians become stronger allies

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When Wendy Walters was beginning her career, she wasn't sure what working as an openly 2SLGBTQIA+ person would be like.

Then she came across a Nova Scotia Health (then Capital Health) and IWK video featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ employees sharing their own stories. Through the "It Gets Better" campaign, they spoke openly about their journeys and the fulfilling lives and careers they had built despite the challenges many faced growing up or coming out.

"The video was like a beacon to me when I wasn't sure what working in healthcare would be like. It was such a signal of safety and welcoming when I was starting my career here," said Wendy, a director with Medical Affairs at Nova Scotia Health.

More than a decade later, Wendy says those early experiences continue to shape how she thinks about allyship.

"It's important to see successful people who share your identity in roles where they can make change. It made me believe I could be myself and also make a difference in spaces I didn't initially know if I had a place.”

She hopes others will help create that same sense of belonging by learning how to be allies and making inclusion visible in their everyday actions.

That is at the heart of two new HealthyNS online programs designed to help Nova Scotians better support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in their families, workplaces and communities.

Actionable Allyship: Getting Started and Actionable Allyship: Courageous Action are workshops facilitated by prideHealth team members Jared and Jacob. Together, the sessions help participants better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people while building practical skills they can use in everyday life.

The first session introduces foundational concepts, including key terms, gender-inclusive language, pronouns, safer spaces and the health and healthcare experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

The second session builds on that foundation by helping participants put allyship into practice through realistic scenarios and discussion. "It's a focused program that offers people tools to work with when they're out in the real world," said Jacob.

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Participants are often surprised to learn there are so many ways to be an ally. For example, There’s a lesson on the five different approaches to bystander intervention, which encourages a range of safe, supportive responses to harm.

"We had someone tell us they felt like they had built a tool belt," said Jared. "They felt more confident that they had different ways to show up for someone who needed support.”

Jacob hopes that confidence extends well beyond the workshop.

"Every person who takes part has the potential to create a bigger impact in their community," he said. "We can help educate a few people, and they can help share what they've learned with many more."
Wendy has seen the impact those acts of allyship can have, both personally and professionally.

"I don't take it for granted that I have found a place to work with excellent colleagues who care about my contribution, not who I live with," she said. "It's almost funny to think back that the fear was ever there because it's just not a concern in my current reality. And I'm so thankful for that.

"I know what it means to have that sense of safety, and I want every patient to feel it too. Our patients have no choice where else to seek care. They deserve to know they will be treated with care, respect and dignity wherever they go. It's my biggest fear that someone would avoid seeking care because they worry they'll be treated differently.

"Sometimes there is a terrified kid who needs that sign of safety. You never know who is looking for it," Wendy said.

These free HealthyNS virtual programs are open to all Nova Scotians aged 18 and older with a valid Nova Scotia health card. No referral is required.

• Actionable Allyship: Getting Started
       Aug. 13 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Actionable Allyship: Courageous Action
       Aug. 20 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Developed and facilitated by healthcare professionals from Nova Scotia Health, the programs help participants build the knowledge, skills and confidence to better support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in their families, workplaces and communities. Visit HealthyNS.ca to learn more or register.