Commemorating 50 years of Pride with our LGBTQ Inclusion Community co-leads

The Supreme Court’s decision Monday to extend workplace protections to gay and transgender employees was an unexpected rainbow amid the stormy gray that has hovered over so much of 2020. One of the most meaningful parts of my job as the manager of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Delta Dental is the opportunity to partner with some extraordinary and passionate colleagues as we continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture. It is my life’s work to cultivate holistic leadership and safe spaces and I feel fortunate that I get to do that every single day with people and in the communities I love. In honor of Pride Month, I recently spoke with Tyler Alexander (left), legislative and policy analyst, and Tyree Cooper, contact center supervisor, about their roles as the co-leads of our company’s LGBTQ Inclusion Community and the significance Pride has in their lives.

As we commemorate 50 years of Pride, what does Pride mean to you? 

Tyler: Pride is about being authentic. It’s about not hiding or being ashamed for who you are. A strong sense of pride has helped me overcome the prejudice I encountered growing up. It’s not something that I take for granted. 

Tyree: To me, Pride is owning who you are and not diminishing that light for anyone, in any room, with any audience. As a black man who identifies as gay, one of the first things you see about me is my blackness. Owning both of those experiences has helped me carve a path of my own and I think that’s where I feel the most pride. Doing it my way and being myself. All of whom that is. Instead of changing for the world, change the world with your presence. To quote Maya Angelou: “Don’t let anybody raise you. You’ve been raised.”

How do you know you “belong” at Delta Dental and what made you want to lead the LGBTQ Inclusion Community?

Tyler: I know I belong at Delta Dental because the company “walks the walk.” Diversity and Inclusion isn’t just a talking point here. It’s being put into action at all levels of the company. Specifically, in my own department there’s an overwhelming level of engagement in the diversity and inclusion space from the top down. I felt compelled to do my part by getting engaged.     

Tyree: I knew I belonged at Delta Dental when I walked in and felt the diversity. I met people who were a part of the Trans community, I saw people of color in leadership positions; it was easy to actually “see” myself here because I was able to see myself in those who welcomed and led me. This is what inspired me to want to lead the LGBTQ Inclusion Community at Delta Dental. I want to give someone else what was given to me upon my arrival here. For a country boy from Columbus, Ga., being all of me hasn’t always been welcome, so I know the difference. I want others to also understand that their ‘otherness’ is welcome here and has a place at the table.

If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Tyler: I would ask that people everywhere be nicer to each other. Always.

Tyree: I believe the change we need to see in the world is reflected in what’s currently happening around us. My wand would make it so that people are able to have tough and honest conversations about sexuality, gender orientation and race. I would wave my wand to break down some of these constructs we’ve built as a country that have disproportionately negative effects on communities of color. In the words of Harry Potter, “Wingardium Leviosa!”