 Pride means living your truth and being your authentic self. I met my wife, Jamie, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Got engaged and married in Asbury Park a few years later, and now we live in Fairhaven. I think the main challenges that LGBTQIA plus people face in the workplace are a result of assumptions. Whether it's filling out benefit forms with the words husband and wife, or when meeting a new co-worker, or even a patient in their family. The assumptions that are made do not include LGBTQIA plus experience. I'd like to think that my being my authentic self gives others the permission to do the same. I feel so appreciative to work for an organization that celebrates and embraces diversity. This year we had over 300 team members participate in an event to tie-dye shirts that can be worn throughout the month of June at various Pride events, both at Bayshore and beyond, including New Jersey Pride Parade and Festival held in Asbury Park. We had more than 40 Bayshore team members and their families in attendance to march in the parade and volunteer at the festival. When the Bayshore and Hackensack Meridian Health community shows up for these events, it feels like a warm embrace to me. These outward signs of acceptance send such an incredibly strong message that you are safe here, you're welcome here, you're seen and valued for exactly who you are. When people show up as their authentic selves, they can provide better patient care, which is the end game.