June is Pride Month, an incredible opportunity for us to celebrate the rich diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community at Women’s and beyond.
Name: Giovanni Temansja
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Title & Department: Physician Financial Administrator, Family Practice
On the WCH team for: 2 years
1. What excites you most about Pride month?
Pride season means different things to different people. For me, it’s about depth over drama, connection over chaos, and legacy over like. It’s an exciting moment to lean into celebration, expression, and self-love – to connect with and uplift others and to reflect on how far I’ve come in my journey towards freedom and acceptance as a queer immigrant.
2. What work makes WCH an inclusive place for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities?
I think there are a lot more than just one to name here. What stands out the most is the cultural inclusion, by creating a positive safe and welcoming environment for staff and patients. It leads to a culture of respect and support for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression while reinforcing internal and external messaging that reflects diversity and intersectionality within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
3. What is your greatest wish for 2025 as it relates to Pride Month and healthcare?
Without sounding too cliché, it’s the eradication of healthcare discrimination. No one should face denial of care, misgendering, or bias due to their sexual orientation or gender identity—from gender-affirming care to mental health support and beyond!
4. Who is your 2SLGBTQ+ Pride role model? Why?
Alan Turing. He proves that 2SLGBTQI+ people have always contributed to shaping the world, even when society tried to silence them. His life is a testament that your identity and your genius can coexist, even if the world doesn’t always make room for both. It’s a call to live openly, fight for justice, and honor the potential in yourself and others!