Hines VA Hospital to hold Pride flag raising ceremony on June 3

Community members are welcome to attend the free ceremony. James Doelling, director of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, will deliver remarks during the event.

“If you served our nation with honor, you have a home at Hines VA Hospital, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Hines VA serves all who served,” said Doelling.

The flag will be displayed throughout June alongside military service flags near the hospital’s main entrance. 

Following the ceremony, Hines staff will host an information booth regarding LGBTQ+ support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The booth will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in main entrance lobby, near the flag rising. 

Hines VA first flew a Pride flag in 2023 and was one of the few VA facilities nationwide to display the symbol. More than 100 community members and staff attended last year's ceremony.

The hospital has a history of LGBTQ+-support. It began one of VA’s first LGBTQ+ support groups in 2014. Hines VA also offers hormone therapy, gender-affirming communication treatment, gender-affirming prosthetics and other LGBTQ+-focused Veteran health care. 

“Flying the flag during the month of June is one way Hines can show our support for the LGBTQ+ Veterans we serve, employees who work here, and volunteers and visitors who may also identify as gender or sexual minority individuals,” said Lorry Luscri, Hines VA LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinator. “Our hospital and outpatient clinics are a proud to continue to provide a welcoming and safe environment to all, and to celebrate Pride month.”

Hines VA will display an intersex progress Pride flag, which includes the traditional rainbow design, along with white, pink, blue, black, and brown triangular stripes to promote transgender and racial equity. A circle will be displayed for intersex persons.

U.S. Army Veteran Gilbert Baker created the original rainbow Pride flag in 1978. Navy Veteran Monica Helms designed the transgender Pride flag in 1999. 

Hines VA will host Pride activities throughout June and will participate in upcoming Pride parades in Aurora (June 9) and Chicago (June 30). 

Although the ceremony will take place on Monday, June 3, Hines will begin displaying the Pride flag on Saturday, June 1. 

About Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, located 12 miles west of downtown Chicago on a 147-acre campus, offers primary, extended and specialty care to veteran patients in the Chicago area. Hines VA is the largest VA in the state of Illinois, where more than a million Veterans reside. The hospital treats Veterans from World War II through the conflicts of today.

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Public Affairs Office

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