Pride in Motion: Authenticity Is Resistance
As I was approaching college graduation, I was more focused on merely landing a stable, well-paying job than indulging in all of the ways a job could pour back into me- I didn’t think you got have both. As I applied for and attended Out 4 Undergrad’s 2022 Virtual Business Conference as a newly graduated student, I had no idea what to expect, only that I knew I wouldn’t have to mask any part of myself and that hopefully I would make a virtual friend or two who was also navigating the COVID job market as a new grad. As I waited in the Zoom lobby to meet a Capco employee, I never could have expected it to be someone who would make me feel so welcomed and eventually go on to be the person who would mentor me to take over their position years later.
After 3 years with Capco, and now the US Pride@Capco Recruitment Lead, I can say that I have yet to meet another company that truly puts their time and money back into their employees like we do. At so many events I talk to other LGBTQ+consultants and finance sector employees about their work culture experiences and so many of them are astounded by what a boutique consulting firm like Capco gets to do with both our affinity group budgeting and programming ideas, especially our support from senior leadership. As the Recruitment Lead, I get to organize and lead the very same Out 4 Undergrad career fair table that I once stumbled upon as a student. I get to share with undergraduates my experiences and all the support my company gives me to recruit a new generation of qualified and queer colleagues, but most importantly to remind them that I was once in their shoes and that you can have both- acceptance and career advancement.
This Pride more than ever I am going to continue spread my same messaging through the recruitment programming, internal events, and social media interactions such as this one. It is a form of resistance to be your authentic self at work. It forces others to recognize what the queer community has been wanting all along-. We are here. We are just as good. And we’re not going anywhere! I hope everyone has a safe, meaningful, and joyous pride this year- I for one will be dancing, singing, celebrating, and marching in NYC’s Dyke March with my girlfriend this year (and also celebrating my birthday which happens to fall on the same weekend as Pride every year- the universe sure has a sense of humor!) How will you be giving back and celebrating?
