LGBT History Month Month Employee Spotlight: Chris Festerman

In celebration of LGBT History Month and as part of our ongoing commitment to embrace diversity through our C.O.R.D. (Celebrating Our Remarkable Differences) initiative, we are thrilled to present a special Q&A with Chris Festerman, a distinguished Travel Professional and a consistent top honoree in the Navigator’s Club.

Chris brings a unique perspective to this conversation, shedding light on his personal thoughts and feelings regarding LGBT History Month, a significant event that celebrates the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history and the achievements of its community. Join us as we delve into Chris's experiences and insights, exploring the profound impact of this month-long observance.?

Why is it important that we celebrate?LGBT History Month? What does it mean to you?

LGBTQIA+ History Month holds a special significance for me as an openly out and proud gay man. It serves as a gentle reminder of our community's journey in our recent history, our current standing in today's society, and the aspirations we hold for our future selves. The history of LGBTQIA+ individuals extend far beyond the civil and gay rights movements of the 1970s. In 1924, Henry Gerber, an immigrant from Germany, laid the foundation for the Human Rights Movement in Chicago, Illinois, marking the inception of the first gay rights campaign in the USA. In under a century, our community has made remarkable progress. I take moments to explore new facets of our history, deepen my understanding, or simply reflect on our past, present, and potential future. It's a reminder of how far we've come and how much further we can go if everyone takes a moment to acquaint themselves with LGBTQIA+ history.

What got you interested in travel industry?

I enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school, underwent boot camp where they issued me a gun (and taught me how to use it rather well), and then they gave me a pencil (yes, a pencil - in the 90s, it was a wooden implement with charcoal or graphite at its core, primarily employed for writing). The USAF provided training in Air Transportation Operations, and thus my career in travel was started. I couldn't imagine pursuing any other profession; it perfectly fits with my personality. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that being a travel agent altered my perception of the world and provided me with a sense of belonging, a place I could call home. As a young, gay man from the Midwest, finding my place was a challenge at best. The USAF equipped me with skills and confidence, allowing me to discover my authentic self through travel. Fast forward 27 years, and I'm currently savoring the time of my life, marking 16 years here at WTH in December.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

One thing that stands out to me when someone poses this question. I once received the advice that "someone else's opinion of you is none of your business." This statement holds significant power and truth when applied to the context of LGBTQIA+ History Month and the workplace.

Reflecting on this quote, "someone else's opinion of you is none of your business," I can't help but acknowledge the following: if I were to construct my opinion of myself solely based on others' perceptions of me, my perceived reality would be very different. In simpler terms, what others think of us, generally speaking, is entirely outside our realm of control. I am the only one allowed to decide who I am and what I stand for, and I have the privilege of making those choices based on my personal experiences with myself.

How important is representation to you in the workforce and community?

If communities, as diverse as we all are, cannot attain recognition in the workplace or within our homes, we lose value. Our personal and professional equity decreases. Diversity will gradually, and then abruptly, disengage and physically exit the scene. Being represented holds immeasurable value, fostering both pride (not limited to LGBTQIA+ but encompassing all diverse groups) and education. Representation sparks questions that lead to meaningful conversations, ultimately paving the way for acceptance, and most importantly, appreciation. Without those who came before me, I wouldn't have been invited to contribute to this topic today. Embracing representation and diversity within the workforce is a smart business strategy for growth, offering a significant return on investment as teams unite and collaborate in ways that only representation can offer. I believe we can all benefit from a little more tolerance and acceptance in our lives.

Tell us about a moment in LGBT history that influenced or shaped your career/life.

I would love to share a moment from my history that profoundly shaped who I am today. The first person I ever confided in about being gay was a former manager of mine. It came up during a casual conversation, and the context was far from flattering; in fact, I felt offended. So, as I often do in such situations, I summoned the courage to speak my truth. After I shared my feelings, my manager abruptly rose from their chair and walked over to the office door, closing it behind them. They leaned against the door, and y’all I swear I thought my goose was cooked and I was going to be fired on the spot.

After what seemed like an endless pause, my manager finally approached me and took a seat beside me. They placed their hand on my shoulder and simply said, "Yeah, I understand now. I mean, you are you." What they hadn't comprehended until that moment was how hurtful comments can be when rooted in ignorance. They added, "You are welcome here, and I'm truly sorry for upsetting you. Thank you."

This was my first lesson that it was not only acceptable to be my authentic self but also entirely within my rights to discover my truth and claim my place within my community on my own terms. At the age of 18, nearly 19, this lesson proved monumental. I will forever be grateful for that moment; it granted me the permission I needed to flourish and proudly display my true colors, every shade of them.