Chorus is celebrating Pride this year by featuring the voices of our LGBTQ+ employees. Every week in the month of June, we’re publishing a blog post around what it’s like to be queer in tech, whether “out” or not. This questionnaire was anonymous, though some employees chose to use their identities. We applaud the employees who participated for sharing their experiences and we’re proud to have a diversity of voices included in this blog series.
Week Four: How does being LGBTQ+ make you an awesome part of the Chorus team?
Anonymous (she/her): Being a queer woman means I've faced many obstacles in the professional world. I feel so loved and at home at Chorus, so my full self can shine. I'm an awesome part of the Chorus team because I have a unique perspective on the world. I'm able to be my authentic self here which makes me a better employee and a stronger ally to other underrepresented employees in the tech sphere.
I'm able to be my authentic self here which makes me a better employee and a stronger ally to other underrepresented employees in the tech sphere.
(she/her)
Michael Strickland, Office Manager: Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community gives me a unique set of experiences (both positive and negative in nature) that allows me to find a common connection with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As someone who's main job is to help create an inclusive and welcoming culture at Chorus, this has helped me when planning internal culture events and making connections with employees.
Anonymous: It allows me to have empathy for every person at Chorus and the organizations we serve. You don't know what the person next to you (in a Zoom) is going through, and you should always take that into consideration.
You don't know what the person next to you (in a Zoom) is going through, and you should always take that into consideration.
Anon
Matt Scheitle, Revenue Enablement Manager (he/him): Being LGBTQ+ at Chorus has brought a different lens to some that I work with. It allows me to be part of a diverse team that can shed some light on the struggles of growing my family, the inequality that we have overcame through that process. I have had my struggles in my professional career with my sexuality but I will say being part of the Chorus team is something amazing, it's like having another family there for me no matter what.