Although pride is a sentiment that can be carried at any time, Pride Month intentionally
elevates and uplifts the voices of our LGBTQIA+ community. As PCOM continues to promote strategic initiatives, it's important to have leadership at the forefront.
Adrianne Jones, MLS, chief admissions officer, identifies as Black, female, and lesbian. For her, you get “Adrianne” at the intersection of all three. Wanting a positive PCOM experience for all, Jones believes representation matters.
“As in any situation where subordinate or minoritized identities exist, your experience is described by a process called ‘othering’,” said Jones. “This means that my experience is measured by the majority identity. I am advocating for the agency to define and describe my own narrative.”
Her advocacy extends off campus, where she works to offer experiences that students might not get in a classroom setting. In June, Jones attended the LGBTQ+ Unity Summit in Philadelphia and gave Sarah Fox (she/her, PsyD '26) an extra ticket to attend.
“It was incredible to be in the same space as individuals who work within the Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia,” said Fox. “I left the event feeling inspired to further push for our curriculums across programs to educate on gender-inclusive, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed care models.”
Opportunities like the summit aren't the only way Jones is helping others feel supported. Working to make admissions processes more inclusive, Jones notes that candidates are offered the opportunity to self-identify as part of the application process.
The Office of Admissions also hosts affinity groups as part of the Racial Justice Initiative. These groups
offer the opportunity for current and incoming students to meet up before classes
begin. One of the affinity groups is specifically designed for those who identify
as LGBTQIA+, but is left open to all students interested in allyship. All of these
efforts are made to ensure a diverse faculty, staff and student body exist at PCOM.
Ultimately, Jones acknowledges the importance of June as a month to specifically honor Pride, but believes her identity isn't something that can be isolated to just 30 days. For Jones, activism happens from January to December.
“Honestly, you come out of the womb advocating,” she said. “The perspectives from the margins can be a powerful place, and the only solution is to keep pushing for your own agency.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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