It's National Coming Out Day 2022

Every year on National Coming Out Day (October 11), many individuals across the globe celebrate coming out as LGBTQ+. Thirty-three years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. Although it started off as an American awareness day, the meaning of National Coming Out Day is still highly relevant to LGBTQ+ communities across the world today.

Coming out is a unique experience for each LGBTQ+ person. It's not a one-time event; many LGBTQ+ individuals who come out to their closest friends and family may later come out at work or school, to their extended family or to casual acquaintances.

Coming out as LGBTQ+ STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ+, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, MMGY Global celebrates all who have come out as LGBTQ+ – that takes bravery, and we commend you. Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality.

Scroll on to see what being out in the workplace means to a few of our own MMGY Global employees.

"Today, I'm proudly out in the workplace and am proud of who I am while being an ally to other LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have the privilege of being out in the workplace."

Juliana Olarte (She/Her/Hers)

Senior Account Executive

"Being out in the workplace means that I am seen, recognized and accepted. Being proudly out in my day to day, including in the workplace, means that I'm visible to those who may be searching for folks like themselves. And believe me when I say that representation matters. Representation will always matter."

Josh Lambert (He/Him/His)

Account Executive

"Since my first day as a reporter at Advertising Age in 1990, being out has led to happiness, freedom, less stress and stronger working relationships. I can truly be me and share my family and our life journeys."

Doug McClain, CDME (He/Him/His)

SVP, Destination Strategy

"Being out in the workplace to me means being able to always be myself in every situation without having to hide it. It also means showing those who do not feel comfortable being out that there is someone else willing to live their truth so that maybe one day they can as well."

Ted Steyer (He/Him/His)

Brand Strategist

"I'm my authentic self at work, with no self-editing or omissions when talking about my wife. As a result, I can bring a more authentic, unique perspective to my work."

Julie Major (She/Her/Hers)

VP, Group Creative Director

Molly Whiting (They/Them/Theirs) - Social Content Creator, Video

"Being out in the workplace means that I can focus on creating genuine relationships. Gender affirmation in the workplace has let me feel accepted and valued for who I am. The time and energy I usually spend worrying about and masking my identities can instead be put toward making cool things with many, many cool people."

"Being out in the workplace is a liberating feeling. The environment at MMGY is welcoming and warm with no judgments based on who I am or who I'm with. When people are allowed to be their authentic selves, it makes the work/life balance so much more enjoyable and rewarding."

Dawson Lemmons (He/Him/His)

Associate Media Manager

"Being out in the workplace means bringing my full self to work every day. As the barriers between our work and personal lives become thinner, we're reevaluating how we present ourselves from one minute to the next. For LGBTQ+ people who may have grown up compartmentalizing ourselves, being out everywhere can feel like a dream realized."

Trey Williams (He/Him/His)

VP, Strategic Planning

PRIDE ERG is a safe space within the MMGY Global company for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together and create an environment where all are welcome. Please reach out to Ted Steyer or Daniel Wallace about joining if you are interested. #ProudToBeHere

Sources

Human Rights Campaign

Stonewall UK