The value of Voice – it inspires and moves us to be the best Bae we can be. Our desire to amplify the amazing voices in TechBae is what drives Pass the Mic: blogs from Baes sharing what is important, meaningful, and requires action from us all.
To recognize Pride Month, we Pass the Mic to Elana Caplan to share her reflections. After a year when pride celebrations had to go virtual, it’s time for the LGTBQ community to shine bright in 2021. We hope you recognize how this individual can mobilize and change us collectively.
As Baes, there are things that we can do to help support the passage of the Equity Act: call and email your Congresspeople and share your story of discrimination. Visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website here, sign petitions through GLAAD or Change.Org to pass the Equality Act.
Meaningful Ways To Become Part of PRIDE This Year – by Elana Caplan
Happy pride month Baes!
As we settle into the summer months that are undoubtedly a little more (safely) social than last year, Pride month has again rolled around. While big parades and parties might have to wait an additional year, there are a few reflections that I am eager to share.
My own journey: My wife and I are surrounded by families that love us and accept us. We are also welcoming our second child in October thanks to the modern miracle of fertility medicine.
My company: In my seven years at Comcast, not once have I been afraid to be my authentic self at work & to share the latest about my growing family. I have also appreciated the willingness of senior executives to be out at work as visibility is critical to team members that are potentially hesitant to share that they themselves are part of the LGTBQ community. Lastly, Comcast, like many other companies, has also provided key financial support for the fertility treatments that we utilized – a benefit that has literally changed our lives.
My clients: I have always felt comfortable appropriately sharing about my family – and have been lucky enough to have clients that have not blinked an eye when we have had these discussions.
But I consider myself very lucky – there are still 29 states where I could be legally fired, denied housing, or be afforded any other protections that non-LGBTQ Americans are granted. I should not be protected in ways others like me, aren’t – just based on where I live.
That’s why the Equality Act is so critical. With passage in the Senate, it would extend protections to cover federally funded programs, employment, housing, loan applications, education, and public accommodations.
Don’t just take it from me though – 450+ companies, including Comcast, support the passage of the Equality Act.
Regardless of what the politicians do, I encourage all Baes to be visible community members or allies as we all can impact our microenvironments. Taking part in a company pride event or simply asking your out colleague how they enjoyed their weekend with their partner can have a meaningful impact.
Happy Pride Baes!
Elana Caplan
The views expressed are my own and not the Company’s