A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to share my story at the HRC Look Forward Series with fortune 500 companies, where I discussed why I made the difficult decision to leave my corporate job. As an LGBTQ+ employee, I faced unique challenges that ultimately pushed me to depart from a company I once dedicated myself to. Today, I want to share that story and show the critical importance of creating a supportive workplace environment. Additionally, I am proud to share that my company now creates training and mental wellness programs designed to foster inclusive spaces year round.
As the marketing manager of a reputable company, I found myself trapped in a cycle of secrecy. The heteronormative assumptions during business dinners and networking events forced me to hide my true identity, sacrificing my authenticity to preserve my professional standing. The fear of exposing my true self and potential repercussions from prejudiced colleagues weighed heavily on me.
Everyday I would go into the office concealing my emotions and relationship. It became an overwhelming burden. While my colleagues freely shared stories of their partners and looked for advice from one another, I remained isolated and unable to confide in anyone. The loneliness I experienced was suffocating, hindering my personal growth and diminishing my ability to contribute fully to the company's success.
The toll on my mental and emotional well-being was immense. Suppressing my true self not only stifled my personal growth but also hindered my ability to reach my full potential in the workplace.
Ultimately, the challenging environment I faced as an LGBTQ+ employee became unbearable, leading me to make the difficult decision to leave the company I had invested so much in. It was a heartbreaking choice, as I had dedicated time, effort, and passion to my role as a marketing manager.
My departure serves as a wake-up call for employers. According to NBC News, “7.2% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+”. We have to create safe spaces now. Losing a talented employee due to an unsupportive and discriminatory environment is a nightmare scenario for any company. The financial costs associated with employee turnover, recruitment, and training are substantial. However, the intangible losses, such as expertise, institutional knowledge, and team morale, are equally significant.
Organizations must understand that the cost of not prioritizing LGBTQ+ inclusion extends far beyond financial implications. Failing to provide an inclusive and accepting workplace environment risks alienating LGBTQ+ individuals, their allies, and a substantial consumer base. The potential loss of trust and business opportunities can have a lasting negative impact on the company's reputation and growth.
Recognizing the need for change, my company Coming Out Happy has taken a proactive approach to address these issues. After working with hundreds of LGBTQ+ adults around the world we have heard over and over again how they can't be authentic in the workplace. So we created a comprehensive training program designed to foster inclusive spaces year round.
Let my story and the work of my company be a lesson to all companies: the cost of failing to prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion is far too high. It’s time to empower your mission-driven company with our comprehensive LGBTQ+ training program.
Book a complimentary call today with our team to learn more about how we can support you: https://form.jotform.com/danimaxcoaching/coming-out-inclusive-inquiry
With warmth and inclusivity,
Keely
Founder of Coming Out Happy