‘I’m accepting myself and helping others feel like they can be themselves.’

Growing up, Christian felt mostly accepted for who he was. But he knows that’s not the experience for every child or teen, including those he sees in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, some of whom have harmed themselves or overdosed on drugs because they don’t feel accepted as they are.

“There are a lot of kids who don’t have the opportunity to live the way they want,” says Christian, a nurse for the past four years. “That’s why I feel in health care we can make such a difference. I hope they come here and feel like they aren’t alone in this situation and someone understands. We should be a safe haven.”

Christian was the first person in his family to identify as LGBTQIA+. While their reaction was mostly supportive, it didn’t stop him from wondering if his late father would have accepted him or if the reception would be as warm in different avenues of his life. Even today, as a nurse dedicated to helping families overcome difficult situations, he still questions if his sexual orientation will overshadow his passion and skill.

“You wonder ‘is my care ever going to be enough because of who I am?” Christian says. “I want to be liked because I’m a good ICU nurse, not because of who I am.”

One way Christian tries to make the hospital a safe place for his patients is by asking and using their preferred pronouns to make them feel seen and respected. As a member of Advocate Aurora Health’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Council, he also explores new ways to help LGBTQ+ patients receive exceptional care.

Another simple yet powerful method for helping patients who don’t feel supported for their LGBTQ+ status is simply being himself.

“Sometimes I think ‘maybe you are the way you are for a reason to help people,” Christian says. “I’m accepting myself and helping others feel like they can be themselves and be accepted.”

Looking for an LGBTQ+ friendly health care provider? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.