Pride 2022

At Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, our organization is rooted in a constant desire to both understand and share the richest, deepest, and broadest insights into the burn survivor journey. In that sharing, it is our purpose to understand and support survivors from all backgrounds, and all walks of life, ensuring that every survivor feels represented in their healing journey. As the ultimate resource and connector in the burn community, it is our promise to unite and support all those that surround us.  

Phoenix Society’s core value, Equality + Inclusion reflects our community. We are here to empower and support every member of our community. We recognize and respect the diverse experiences, including (but not limited to): LGBTQIA, BIPOC, gender diversity, disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Our organization seeks and values diverse perspectives informed by life experiences and individual identity. It is our goal to help identify and eliminate barriers to participation and gaps in representation—and not tolerate discrimination or harassment.  

This month, we celebrate Pride. Pride isn’t just an exclusive celebration for those in the LGBTQ+ community; it is also our time to recognize that it includes the burn survivor community and those within it identifying as LGBTQ+. As survivors, community members, and supporters, we have the opportunity to lay down our differences and unite, together, to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all. 

For me, Pride is never having to be ashamed of who you are or who you love. Pride is about living your authentic life with integrity, happiness, dignity, and courage.  

It is also a time of gratitude to those generations before us, who fought for many of the rights we enjoy today. It is also a time to never forget there is still much prejudice and discrimination all over the world, and even in our own backyards, that we must continue to work to overcome. 

Pride is about inclusivity for all. We celebrate and recognize the richness and fullness of life that diversity and difference in each other brings. Being in a leadership role, I am uniquely placed in a position where I can have an influence on the community, and it is important that I continue to be a role model for others that can see themselves represented."

We invite you to join us this month in our ongoing initiative to recognize the diversity of our community and celebrate what PRIDE means to you. We invite those both in the LGBTQ+ community and those of us identifying as allies to help amplify our commitment and use your voice to lift up this community creating a united sense of belonging and compassion.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Unapologetically Your Most Authentic Self.

- Michael Gnatt, COO