Emory Celebrates Atlanta Pride
Writing and Design by Greta High
Photography by Greta High and Tho Nguyen
This year, employees and students from Emory Healthcare and Emory University came together once again to participate in the Atlanta Pride Festival parade. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated health care workers who volunteered their time to represent Emory Healthcare with smiles and joy. Your presence showcased not only our commitment to exceptional care but also the compassion and heart behind everything we do.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the values and unique identities that make our community strong! 🌈
We Take PRIDE In the Care We Provide: byron hunter
vp of health Impact, Emory Healthcare
Emory Healthcare's presence at Atlanta Pride underscores our commitment to diversity and inclusion and reflects our dedication to creating a welcoming and affirming environment for all. We strive to address and eliminate disparities in health care access and outcomes within the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Being part of such a vibrant and celebratory event allows us to engage with the community, build meaningful connections and demonstrate our support for LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being."
Why We Walk: Matthew Jackson
Supervisor of Clinic Operations, Hematology & Oncology | Infusion, EMORY Winship Cancer Institute, Emory Johns Creek Hospital
Atlanta Pride is meaningful to me because it gives the LGBTQIA+ Community and our allies an opportunity to display the joy that comes from just being ourselves! It encourages unity and just an overall welcoming atmosphere.
One of my proudest moments was becoming co-chair of the Emory Healthcare Rainbow Network, an employee resource group for LGBTQIA+ members and allies. Alongside an amazing team, we’re working to bring people together, brainstorm ways to strengthen our local community, share innovative ideas for supporting our members at Emory Healthcare and create a strong support system and network for those who need it.
"In a world where division often takes center stage, events like Pride remind us of the power of togetherness and joy, something we could all use more of today. Pride is the perfect dose of love and harmony."
Why We Walk: Rakiya Johnson
MSN RN, EMory University Hospital
Participating in activities that support my community as well as raise awareness for relevant causes is what Atlanta Pride means to me.
My proudest moment working in health care was caring for a young, newly diagnosed cancer patient — supporting them throughout their care and being with them when they rang the bell on their last day of treatment.
"It’s such a humbling experience to be with people not only on their worst day but also on their best day."
Why We Walk: Paul Mock
RN CEN, Emory Saint Joseph's
To me, Pride means being able to see a patient in the LGBTQIA+ community and let them know either through my actions or words that they are cared for. Just recently I made sure a patient was addressed by their preferred name and pronouns, and made sure those changes were made in their chart and updated on their wristband.
"Atlanta Pride was one of the first times in my life since I moved up here nearly 15 years ago that made me feel like I can be myself."
Why We Walk: Tai Portis
Administrative Coordinator, Emory Saint Joseph's
The most meaningful and memorable part of Atlanta Pride was the togetherness of everyone. Rejoicing with happiness. No anger, no sorrow. Just pure joy.
Working in health care makes me feel proud when I see the LGBTQIA+ community come in and feel comfortable with their being, helped from front desk all the way to their provider appointments. They can come in and be at ease with getting whatever treatment they are here for.
"It didn’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, background, status... We were all there to celebrate people living in their truth and celebrating love for one another."
Why We Walk: Brooke Santos
LCSW, Emory University Hospital Midtown
After celebrating with my friends, allies, and fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community for over 10 years, the last 2 years being able to walk in the parade have been magical. People line the blocks of the parade route and are so happy to see and interact with everyone in the parade. It is very meaningful and it truly makes a difference with the patients we have coming through our doors at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
"Cultural competency and respect for any and every patient and family member who walk through our doors is part of my job every day. As a front line worker, I am always PROUD to help make our patients' experiences when they are here meaningful — whether it's the impact I have on their aftercare, or just a friendly hello."
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