BreastScreen Victoria took to Fitzroy Street, St Kilda last weekend to celebrate LGBTI+ community diversity and inclusion as part of the MidSumma Pride March.
The sun joined the party with a warm 20-degree day as we walked alongside 240 other groups made up of diverse communities, pride organisations and allies as part of the 26th annual pride march. We felt proud to be a part of the celebration and to show our support for our diverse LGBTI+ staff and clients.
Taking part in the day was an important step in our commitment to making BreastScreen Victoria's services more inclusive, welcoming and safe for LGBTI+ people.
BreastScreen Victoria CEO Terri Smith led the marching group and said, "At BreastScreen Victoria, we're committed to diversity and inclusion and take pride in providing a safe and inclusive service for the LGBTI+ community."
"It was fantastic to see Midsumma Pride colour the streets with community, diversity and solidarity," Terri said. "I was really pleased BreastScreen Victoria could be there with our banner to share the message that we are an inclusive service for clients and staff alike."
Research shows that LGBTI+ people aged 50-74 are more than twice as likely never to have had a breast screen than non-LGBTI+ people in the same age group.
All of our services aim to be inclusive, but for anyone who needs more dedicated support, we hold regular LGBTI+ community screening sessions called Rainbow Sessions. BreastScreen Victoria's next session is Rainbow Rose on Thursday, 27 May, at the Rose Clinic at David Jones in Melbourne's CBD.
To check your eligibility and to register, visit www.breastscreen.org.au/rainbow-rose or call 13 20 50 and request 'Rainbow Rose', or book at any clinic that is convenient for you.