Rolling with pride: a story of belonging and care

three people at a pride parade with one in a wheelchair

For Rick Lipus, a resident at Oak Care Centre, taking part in the Vancouver Pride Parade was more than a celebration, it was a personal milestone. Determined to join in the festivities, Rick proudly wheeled along the parade route, embodying resilience, joy and a deep sense of belonging.

Rick’s participation was made possible through months of thoughtful planning and collaboration. When he first shared his wish to participate, his care team, including his occupational therapist, recreation therapist, wound care nurse and nursing staff, came together to create a plan to gradually increase his comfort and stamina for longer outings.

Early in 2025, Rick was able to sit in his wheelchair for only three hours once a week. With steady encouragement and coordinated person-centred support, he gradually increased to three hours three times a week. By the week of the parade, Rick was able to spend four continuous hours in his chair, enough time to fully enjoy the Pride experience he had set his heart on.

“It’s this type of teamwork that makes working here so special. We take time to understand what matters most to each resident and support them in achieving their personal goals,” says Sharon Lum, Senior Recreation Therapist.

Pride celebrations go beyond the parade route. Residents from six additional long-term care homes joined the festivities virtually, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to participate in ways that felt accessible and meaningful to them.

Across VCH, staff, medical staff, residents, families and community partners celebrated Pride by taking part in events including the Vancouver Pride Parade, qathet Pride Parade, Richmond Pride Week and the Squamish Nation Nch’ú7mut Pride Celebration.

Our presence at these events reflects our ongoing commitment to providing safe, inclusive and equitable care for all. As a health organization serving diverse communities, we are proud to offer dedicated programs and services that support the health and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, not only during Pride season, but every day. This includes inclusive sexual health resources, trans-affirming and respectful care, and access to gender-affirming health services.