For Emile Gouws, South African activist, autistic self-advocate, academic researcher, and educator, 2022 was a banner year. His name appeared in numerous podcasts and publications, including Forbes Magazine (Japan). In May, he spearheaded the first international Diversity is Phenomenal concert, a two-hour, live-streamed talent show with attendees and performers from all over the world. In October, he married his fiancée, Sammy, a fellow autistic self-advocate. In November, he defended his dissertation and received his PhD.