Yesterday, October 11, was National Coming Out Day. While we have made enormous strides for equality since the first NCOD (34 years ago), we're not there yet. Even today, "coming out" and sharing one's sexuality or gender identity can present significant challenges for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In some parts of the world, "coming out" is a source of rebellion, supporting the LGBTQ+ community is considered an act of activism, and celebrating moments like NCOD is seen as an act of defiance.
At Iterable, our people are our priority. We consider our workplace a community. And it's critical that Iterators feel fully supported in the Iterable community — free to bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. ?We're proud of our team, and we work to create a culture of inclusion that demonstrates our pride, and empowers our workforce with the support and resources they need to thrive.
A key part of creating a culture at work that celebrates diversity is building spaces where Iterators can share their stories, discuss with their peers, and connect on core issues and topics. Our Affinity Groups provide a platform for these transparent and truthful discussions to take place.
In honor of National Coming Out Day, we asked members of Iterable's PRIDE Affinity Group to help us finish a sentence, and tell us what NCOD meant to them:
- "...it commemorates the time a queer or GNC (gender non confirming) individual is able to open up, and be their most authentic selves to the people closest to them. What I love about National Coming out Day is we not only celebrate the courageous step of coming out (which happens more than once and is sometimes scary) but we also present visibility as a community. We indirectly share the message that for those in the closet still you are not alone and that it’s totally okay to be who you are, which can be uplifting, motivating, and inspirational for others. Also, as a side message for those who haven’t come out – it’s totally okay if you still decide now is not the time! The best thing about coming out is you decide if or when the moment feels right but as long as it’s on your terms. Coming out is TERRIFYING but liberating and the act of doing so is one of the most courageous things any person can do." Mark Valdez (He/Him), Software Engineer and Pride AG Co-Leader?
- “...love is love is love!" Patricia Beasock (She/Her), Senior Recruiter
- "...we get a chance to celebrate who people are and recognize the work left to be done for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights." Jasmine Jackson (They/She), DEI Specialist?
- "...people hate what they fear and they fear what they don’t know. Coming out is important because it lets people know that they already know gay people." Emily Nahmanson (She/They), Help Desk Analyst?
- "...coming out and being out lets younger and more vulnerable queer people know that the world is safe(r) for them." Emily Nahmanson (She/They), Help Desk Analyst?
- "...people need connection and it is hard to feel connected when you feel alone. It s important to come out to let others know they are not alone." Emily Nahmanson (She/They), Help Desk Analyst?
- "National Coming Out Day matters!? When I think of Coming Out Day, I think of Harvey Milk who encouraged anyone and everyone to come out - even when it was terribly unsafe to do so.? We in the LGBTQIA+ community owe an immeasurable debt to those courageous activists.? The world (and even the US) remains dangerous for many people in our community, and it's not safe for all people to be out.? LGBTQIA+ folx still face threats to their rights, their occupations, and their very lives.? But we have seen, particularly in the United States, that increased visibility has lead to increased equality.? And all people have the right and deserve to be their full selves, seen and known, respected and free." Kory O'Rourke (She/They), Executive Assistant
