At RUSH, we have built a culture of inclusion and respect and celebrate the accomplishments of all transgender people who work and study here. On International Transgender Day of Visibility, and every day, we encourage you to show your support for our transgender and gender non-conforming community by learning more about being their ally.
Below, four members of the transgender community share their personal stories of what it is like to work at RUSH and provide suggestions on how you can support them and other transgender people.
R.C. Riley
Associate project manager, Information Systems, RUSH Health
Pronouns: R.C./They/She
Years at RUSH: 5½+
How do you feel RUSH provides an inclusive and affirming environment?
RUSH provides an inclusive and affirming environment with the recognition of Pride month. RUSH's commitment to bringing speakers who represent the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to our campuses in celebration of the array of diversity within the trans and queer communities makes me feel seen, respected and accepted within the larger RUSH community. In addition, the more recent addition of preferred names within Epic and within employee profiles, the use of pronouns in employee signatures and the ability to self-identify via various RUSH pins are just a few additional ways in which RUSH provides an affirming and inclusive environment.
What are the best ways RUSH staff can be allies to our LGBTQ+ coworkers/friends?
As with any marginalized and underrepresented group, when RUSH staff see an injustice based on sexual orientation or gender identity they should speak up. In addition, learning about sexual orientation and gender identity is critical, as it will help RUSH staff understand specific queer and trans community concerns, such as the importance of appropriately addressing individuals by their preferred name so as not to misname them by using their dead name. Staff taking the time to self-educate will also lessen the feelings of uncertainty or discomfort around addressing people who do not identify as they would expect. Lastly, RUSH staff can be allies by taking the time to communicate with someone who self-identifies as LGBTQ+ and is not someone who the staff member would typically communicate with. For instance, if you have never had a conversation with someone who identifies as transgender and you feel uncomfortable working with the person, a simple conversation can go a long way. After a conversation, you may find common interests or simply learn something new and interesting about another human being. That alone will help you feel more comfortable collaborating with transgender co-workers in the future
What do you love about working at RUSH?
The people! I have worked at RUSH Health for more than 5.5 years, and I absolutely LOVE those I work with every day. They are smart, thoughtful, caring people who love helping providers and patients!
Anything else you think is important to add?
I think it's important to understand that just like not every chocolate lover is the same, not every person who identifies as LGBTQI+ is the same. I identify as non-binary because of my utter disdain for bias built on a person's sex — not because of my body parts. Yet, I have good friends who identify as nonbinary for different reasons. I believe that codification based on "gender" makes room for assumptions and prejudices that often lead to a painful end. My nonbinary name represents who I am. I am a constant protest against any form of marginalization based on sexual or perceived "gender" differences between human beings. I don't need to hold a name that others deem “male" or “female" to exist. I protest against the need for others to name me, put me in a box, and judge me before they even get to know me. I am a proud Black, Queer, Christian, Human Being named R.C., and that is more than enough to warrant respect, equity and inclusion.
Zeta Grace Buhler
Cybersecurity engineer, RUSH University Medical Center
Pronouns: It/Its/She/Her/Hers
Years at RUSH: 5, including 4 years at RUSH Copley Medical Center
How do you feel RUSH provides an inclusive and affirming environment?
There are a few things that I find provide an inclusive and affirming environment within RUSH.
First, the leadership are quick to address issues happening locally and in the U.S. with the obvious attack on diversity and they reemphasize their stance on inclusiveness and work towards that goal within RUSH.
Secondly, the establishment of Affirm, the RUSH Center for Gender, Sexuality and Reproductive Health. I worked with them after starting gender-affirming hormone therapy with Planned Parenthood. Affirm staff helped me transition over to a physician who could work closer with me as a patient, which made me feel like the health care was better planned towards me, instead of a coverall style that I had originally received.
Finally, many of my coworkers fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. That makes RUSH feels like a safe place to be me. The management I have worked with across multiple departments have been great at using proper pronouns and treating me as an equal no matter what.
What are the best ways RUSH staff can be allies to our LGBTQ+ coworkers/friends?
Many of my RUSH coworkers are already great LGBTQ+ allies. I have found that the very few times where it's been shaky often come down to a lack of exposure and education to the topic of LGBTQ+.
I'd suggest to anyone who doesn't know a lot about the LGBTQ+ community to watch LGBTQ+ directed movies, spend some time at the events that are hosted in the city and surrounding area or check out an LGBTQ+ owned business, restaurant, bar, shop. You'll meet a lot of really cool people and gain a lot of insight with more exposure.
I can also say that not everyone uses 'normal' pronouns like he/him she/her. Whatever their pronouns are, zie/zir, they/them, it/its, and others, respect them and use them. When you use our preferred pronouns, it shows a respect for who we are as a people, and it's greatly appreciated from our end. If you feel pronouns are strange, don't argue them and tell the person they're wrong, most likely they have already thought about their preferred pronouns for a long time and have thought through everything you are processing in that moment.
Remember to check for implicit bias. I've had a few run-ins where the comments have run along the lines of “well because you helped with this I'll respect this piece of you (pronouns, identity, change of outward appearance from masculine to feminine) because you're good, or you did this for me." That's not a healthy way to look at things, and it does show bias and is not a compliment to us, but actually an insult to our community as a whole as only “some can be good."
Finally, if you have beliefs that are exclusionary to other humans because you don't understand something about them, please keep them to yourself. It's a hotbed in the world and in the U.S. right now. No one is asking for anyone else to walk their journey. We simply ask to be allowed to make our journey and not to be blocked or attacked along the way.
What do you love about working at RUSH?
One of the greatest things about RUSH, is the people I work with. I enjoy the community that is built here, the professionalism that we keep and the aim to better ourselves, RUSH and our community. I love that I see growth in the education of diversity throughout the RUSH system. I also love that I can be me — without apology — at RUSH. I work closely with my coworkers and my management and am able to ensure I exist as much as my work does.
Anything else you think is important to add?
Remember the chances that someone in your life that you love and care for is most likely within the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Being open is easier than being closed, and accepting others is easier than fighting them. The LGBTQ+ community are not here to push an agenda, to force others to be the same as us, but instead we are here to live our lives genuinely, to support others who live their lives genuinely in whatever way that may be — without judgment. Remember that dismissing the reality of situations around us, or diluting it to make it more palatable can harm those who are currently affected by it. We're here to support you as you are, please, return the kindness for us.
Raye Heiberger
Student nurse assistant, RUSH Oak Park Hospital
Pronouns: They/Them/She/Her
Years at RUSH: 7 months
How do you feel RUSH provides an inclusive and affirming environment?
One key way RUSH makes an affirming environment is by using preferred names and pronouns. I have heard from a trans patient that the ED at RUSH Oak Park did an amazing job with pronouns and preferred names throughout their whole visit.
What are the best ways RUSH staff can be allies to our LGBTQ+ coworkers/friends?
Don't ask people what their "real name" is or what their family called(s) them. Our real names are whatever we ask you to call us. If you need a legal name for a legal reason, be respectful when asking for it. Ask fellow coworkers and every patient for their pronouns/preferred name, regardless if you think your patient is gender nonconforming or not. Educate yourselves on the ways the LGBTQ+ community is struggling throughout the country. Recognize our queer joy. Ask questions if you aren't sure about something – we don't bite. At the end of the day it all comes down to respect and willingness to be open to a different culture.
What do you love about working at RUSH?
I love my co-workers. As someone who floats between many of the floors at RUSH Oak Park, I always feel welcomed and part of the team in providing excellent care to our patients.
Anything else you think is important to add?
I have not made a big deal about my pronouns at work and often just let patients and fellow coworkers continue to assume that I am a cis-gender woman, even though I identify as a nonbinary person who has a preference for they/them pronouns. I know for straight people it is hard to wrap your head around the idea of trans and nonbinary people that don't look androgynous or have cis-passing privilege. I "look" like a woman even though that is not how I feel on the inside. I usually don't say anything because when I am at work, it isn't about my identity — it is about making sure my patients are taken care of. It would be unrealistic and more exhausting to explain to every patient how to use my pronouns. This is another reason why it is important for co-workers to do their best to use correct pronouns. It provides important recognition to your trans coworker who often are not perceived for who they are.
Samson Frendo
Fourth-year medical student (rising Cook County EM PGY-1)
Pronouns: He/Him
How do you feel RUSH provides an inclusive and affirming environment?
Representation is definitely one way that I feel affirmed in the RUSH environment. Seeing pride pins on lanyards and inclusive imagery in clinic spaces signals to me that I'm welcome, and it makes me feel comfortable to share my story. And these displays aren't just performative! RUSH works to foster a culture of inclusivity through community engagement and educational efforts as well. When I started medical school in 2019, Affirm was just taking off. It's been a privilege to watch Affirm expand over the years, and even more heartwarming to witness the growth of the staff and faculty because of it. Just about a year ago, Affirm implemented its Training Corps, a group of individuals (myself included) who provide standardized training about the gender affirmation process. This effort has reached hundreds of RUSH employees. Inclusivity requires a culture of respect and understanding, and providing education on the basics of the gender affirmation process, emphasizing its variable nature has truly made a huge impact on campus.
What are the best ways RUSH staff can be allies to our LGBTQ+ students/coworkers/friends?
- Educate yourself: For anyone who doesn't feel confident in their understanding of gender affirmation, I think educating yourself is the first and best place to start. Affirm offers training to individuals on this topic, but there is also a host of online resources and social media pages that are full of informative content. I think the challenge to navigating these sources is in identifying misinformation. As a general rule of thumb, I'd recommend sticking to content created by trans people themselves. I am always on the lookout for trans educators and activists who I can follow to expand my understanding and stay up to date on language and current events.
- Support local LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations: I encourage everyone to support local queer-owned businesses and LGBTQ+ organizations, particularly those that are run by and fighting for our Black and Brown community members. Black and Brown trans people experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, homelessness and HIV positivity — just to touch the surface. Supporting trans people who are struggling or under additional minority stress (including those who are disabled, elderly, veterans, etc.) is essential to helping our marginalized community thrive!
- Vote: When it comes to current events, it's undeniable that the trans community is facing a lot of strain in the political realm. Across the country, gender-affirming care is being heavily restricted and prohibited, even for adults. Voting to protect our right to simply exist is a huge way to provide support for your LGBTQ+ colleagues and friends. That being said, I want to be clear that this isn't just about allyship, because even though these recent bills are focused on the trans community, the bigger picture, including the right to self-expression and the right to bodily autonomy, affects everyone.
What do you love about working at RUSH?
What I love most about RUSH is the people! I can't be more impressed by the sheer number of individuals so committed to compassionate patient care and community engagement. RUSH's commitment to health equity was the initial factor that drew me to this institution, and seeing such great work being done in fields such as food insecurity, addiction medicine, street medicine, primary care access, equity research, health education, and so much more has been truly inspiring!
Anything else you think is important to add?
After you've gotten a handle on the basics of gender and affirming care, I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences with gender and any internal biases you may hold. From my experience, I've found that the people who are most resistant to and disquieted by my existence are frequently people who have experienced a great deal of pain from rigid gender norms that have been imposed upon them in their own lives. Many people have never knowingly met or talked with a trans individual, and it's often easier to live with an assumption about what a person may be like, rather than address that illusion by talking with them. The reality is that all people — trans people included — are just people. I encourage everyone to make efforts to interact with individuals from all walks of life, recognize that social media is often an echo chamber that perpetuates confirmation bias, and know that it takes both external and internal work for us to grow and expand our mindset. I have faith that as individuals begin this journey of reflection and reckoning, we will begin to create a world where all people can live in authenticity.
More information
- Learn more about RUSH's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
