Matthew Mayer: Inclusion Every Day, Belonging for All

Matthew Mayer embodies an intersection of identities – he is a longtime healthcare worker, a dedicated Unit Clerk in the Emergency Department, a graduate from George Brown College, a valued member of a loving and supportive family, a partner of 24 years, and a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Having come out 27 years ago, Matt has witnessed significant social change throughout his life and career.

“Being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has deepened my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Matt. “It has reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, so that they’re able to bring their authentic self to work and to their community.”

Belonging in the Workplace and Beyond

For Matt, belonging is not just about being present in a space, it’s about feeling that you are genuinely part of it.

“Belonging means being accepted, respected, and valued for who you are, without feeling the need to hide parts of yourself or change who you are to fit in.”

In the workplace this means creating an environment where individuals from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel welcomed, empowered to contribute their perspectives, and supported in achieving success. It also means taking responsibility and actively contributing to a culture where everyone feels respected and included.

“I believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, perform at their best, and foster positive experiences for those around them,” reflects Matt.

Advocating for Equity

Over the past 20 years of working in healthcare, Matt has learned that small actions can have a meaningful impact on a person’s sense of safety and belonging, and he strives to bring that awareness into his work every day.

“One small action that each of us can take is to be intentional about making people feel seen, heard, and understood,” he says.

When asked what motivates him to advocate for equity, Matt shared that throughout his life and career he’s seen how a person’s background, identity, or circumstance can influence their experiences and opportunities.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and those experiences have shown me that empathy, respect, and compassion are essential to providing quality care and building strong teams,” he says.

His experiences as a gay person navigating both personal and professional environments have shaped his outlook on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B). He believes organizations such as hospitals play a key role in advancing DEI-B in the broader community because they are among the most trusted and visible institutions people engage with.

“Our impact extends beyond the care we provide – we help set the tone for how people are treated and valued,” says Matt. “By demonstrating inclusive practices, promoting equity, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard, we can help foster a culture of belonging both within our organization and throughout the community we serve.”

For Matt, it’s an opportunity to lead by example. He notes that inclusion is often shaped through everyday interactions rather than grand gestures, such as listening with an open mind, using inclusive language, and speaking up when others are excluded.

“Small, consistent actions can meaningfully shape workplace culture and help everyone feel they belong,” he shares. “When we embrace diversity and treat people with dignity and respect, we show that inclusion is not just an organizational value – it’s a community one.”