Emma Johnson, a dedicated community advocate based in Portland, Oregon, is committed to ensuring that Black and Brown LGBTQ+ parents have access to essential resources and support to flourish.
Creating a Nurturing Environment
Emma is a proud mother, loving wife, and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ families. Her family’s journey has included various paths, such as adoption, foster care, and natural childbirth. Yet, Emma emphasizes one constant truth: “My love for my family is beyond words.”
“Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have, and everyone deserves that chance. Children in foster care need loving homes, and who better to provide that than LGBTQ+ individuals? That’s just my perspective.”
However, welcoming children into a loving home is just the beginning of the parental journey—something Emma knows firsthand. Relocating to Portland with a three-year-old in tow presented its own challenges.
Transitioning to Portland, Oregon
“I grew up in the South, surrounded by barbecue joints and familiar faces in my neighborhood. Oregon is a different world. It boasts stunning trees and wonderful people, yet it’s predominantly white… and that was tough for me,” Emma reflects.
As a young parent in the 90s who couldn’t afford preschool, Emma faced institutional racism and the daily microaggressions that come with being a Black LGBTQ+ parent in a mostly white community. These experiences fueled her desire to create change in Portland.
Driving Policy Change
A transformative encounter with a bus driver early in her time in Portland inspired Emma to make a lasting impact for families and youth like hers. She began her career as an early childhood educator and Community Education Worker, where she developed affordable preschool programs for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other marginalized families in Multnomah County. Collaborating with various partners, Emma was instrumental in implementing policy changes. Starting in the fall of 2022, the initial 500 children will be enrolled in “Preschool for All,” which provides accredited preschool access to low-income families at no cost.
Currently, Emma serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at a local housing nonprofit, Impact NW, where she focuses on addressing Portland’s housing affordability crisis.
Recognition for Her Advocacy
Emma’s dedication as a parent and community advocate embodies the core values of inclusivity and equity. On May 16, 2022, she was honored with the Hostetter-Habib Family Award at Night at the Pier in New York City. Emma and her family received a standing ovation from over 600 supporters as they took the stage.
We are thrilled to celebrate Emma’s vibrant spirit, resolve, and passion for her work, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with her and other advocates to support all parents, youth, and families, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Our families are remarkable storytellers! Your experiences have the power to inspire change, foster connections, and raise awareness for other families like yours. If you have a story to share, we encourage you to let us know!
For further resources on home insemination, check out Make A Mom for an innovative at-home insemination option, and learn more about the process here. If you’re in Las Vegas, a free sperm donor matching service is available at Vegas Pregnancy. For additional information on pregnancy, visit Healthline. Lastly, if you’re curious about prenatal vitamins, our post about taking them without being pregnant offers valuable insights. For more discussions on family, visit Modern Family Blog.
In summary, Emma’s journey highlights the importance of advocacy and community support for LGBTQ+ families, illustrating the profound love and dedication that drives them to create nurturing environments for their children.