June is Pride Month and GE Research is celebrating by talking about those who foster an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work every day. Leading that charge is our Pride Alliance employee resource group (ERG) members. These employees raise awareness around lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) issues and provide support and advocacy for creating inclusive work environments.
Here's what some of our Capital Region (New York) GE Pride Alliance members had to say about Pride Month and the power of respect and support.
Cammie (Jason) Trotter
Lead Specialist, GE Research
Years with GE: 10.5
Cammie believes ERGs, like GE’s Pride Alliance, play an incredibly important role in influencing change in support of underrepresented minorities. Cammie herself struggled to come out, first as gay, then as transgender; it was representation that really helped her work towards who she truly is. Seeing people of every race, gender, creed, and ethnicity, all supporting each other, let Cammie know that it was (and continues to be) okay to be herself.
What’s one thing about the LGBTQIA+ community that you would like readers to know?
“The LGBTQIA+ community is incredibly diverse and there is no one type of person that personifies the broad spectrum of people in the community. There are literally LGBTQIA+ people in all walks of life, in every profession, in every community, and likely in every family.”
Why is visibility/representation in the workplace important?
“Being able to be your true self at work is an important facet to flourish in any career. Having to hide a portion of your life from people takes a tremendous amount of mental energy, which detracts you from giving your all. Seeing others who align with you, who understand your struggle, and understand the difficulties that you have been through builds confidence in others to be their true selves at work. Being visible is a signal to others that this workplace is safe, that there are others to support you, and most importantly, that it is ok to be the whole you.”
Why is allyship from others important?
“There is a saying in the LGBTQIA+ community, ‘You never stop coming out.’ Being LGBTQIA+ means that with every new person you interact with, at some point you may have to ‘come out’ all over again. With that comes the anxiety with the unknown about how that person may react. It’s a never-ending process but knowing that there are people who are your allies, and knowing those people have your back no matter what, gives you strength to get past that anxiety and be yourself to whomever you may meet.”
Tim Fredericksen
Executive - Services, Onshore Wind
Years with GE: 14+
A visible ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, Tim believes that it’s a basic human right that people be able to live their authentic lives without being discriminated against. Tim says visibility will ensure the hard-fought protections that have been gained in the past 40 years will not be undone. It also shows those you care about that they are safe to offload their concerns or challenges without fear of being judged.
Why did you get involved in GE’s Pride Alliance? What keeps you involved?
“With what is occurring across the United States and around the world in regard to challenging basic human rights to just be who you are – it is more imperative than ever to be visible and to vocalize the defense of everyone’s right to exist as their genuine self. Personally, I have many members of my family who identify as LGBTQIA+, and most recently my transgender son, Ted, came out to us in 2020. Ted has never been more comfortable in his skin since he’s been living life as his authentic self; he is thriving and has a loving, supportive family. Many people, however, don’t have supportive families. They may misunderstand or not know anybody personally who is transgender. So, anytime I can change that, offer an ear, or offer my perspective of our experience to reduce bias and misgivings or to just simply raise awareness – well, it’s my duty to do so.”
Why is celebrating Pride Month so important?
“I attended the Albany Pride Parade this year with most of our family. It’s difficult to put into words the feelings of positive energy that come from these celebrations and events. It’s an acknowledgment of past wrongs, a recognition of the progress we as a society are making, and a reminder of the positive things that are to come. I can’t think of a more pure thing to celebrate than a group of people who are being their authentic selves. Pride Month also serves to raise awareness, offers an opportunity for visible and vocal ally support, and is also one heck of a celebration!”
Michelle Perez
Government Operations/Proposal Coordinator, GE Research
Years with GE: 10.5
Michelle is an outspoken ally and proud parent of two children who fall within the LGBTQIA+ community. Michelle is eager to learn about LGBTQIA+ topics and is a visible supporter both in the community and the workplace. She’s an active member of GE’s Pride Alliance ERG and attends chapter events and education initiatives whenever possible. She says Pride Month is important because it allows the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate being their true selves.
What’s one thing about the LGBTQIA+ community that you would like readers to know?
“I want people to know that this community is no different than any other community. They just want to live their lives peacefully. It’s disheartening to see so many states that are inflicting laws to erase the gay and transgender communities by either banning books regarding gender roles or same sex families and removing gender affirming care for children and adults. I don’t understand the need for others to push their beliefs on someone else.”
Why is visibility/representation in the workplace important?
“It matters immensely when your employer shows support and provides the ability for inclusion in the workplace. It increases morale and makes people feel more accepted and comfortable coming to work.”
Why is allyship from others important?
“Allyship is important because there may be some who feel uncomfortable coming out to fellow employees and need to talk to someone. I always wear my Pride Alliance GE lanyard and have a magnet on my office door. I want those who may feel uncomfortable to know that I provide a safe space and that I’m an approachable ally for them to talk to.”
Todd Lozo, Jr.
Lead Engineer - Systems, Onshore Wind
Years with GE: 1.5
Growing up, Todd knew he was different but could never articulate why. It wasn’t until his later teenage years that he came to the realization: he’s gay. As a small-town kid with no gay role models or even points of reference, Todd felt ashamed. He buried his true feelings and kept them out of view. Since coming out in 2017 though, Todd ‘s life has opened up; he’s forever grateful for the supportive inner-circle that surrounds him.
What’s one thing about the LGBTQIA+ community that you would like readers to know?
“The LGBTQIA+ community is made up of people who come from all walks of life. We are your brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandparents, parents, and children. We are your family, friends, and coworkers. We share much more in common than you think. We struggle, we have dreams, and we are imperfect. We are proud to share our full selves with the world and hope to inspire those who feel that they need to hide to realize the full potential that exists in being authentic about yourself, to yourself.”
Why is visibility/representation in the workplace important?
“GE is comprised of brilliant people who are ambitious and live colorful lives. Feeling free to express your passions, goals, and details on your personal life (that you’re comfortable sharing) is paramount to having a vibrant and collaborative workplace. In addition, having role models that share fundamental lifestyle similarities can greatly inspire you, and serve to show what’s possible for your own career.”
Why is allyship from others important?
“Being an ally means that you recognize the struggles that LGBTQIA+ people go through when trying to live authentically, both on a societal and personal level. It also means you support the idea that people deserve to be honest with themselves about who they are, and be free to express themselves to their friends, family, and the world. Some of the greatest friendships in my life have been with allies. Feeling supported by them (and likewise, supporting them) is what being a friend is all about.”
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