OutInform: Houston Pride Guide 2017 Issue | Page 29

What was your first Houston Pride
experience like?
Our family volunteered to work at the United Church
of Christ booth at the festival. It was a typically hot
day, and we were giving away snow cones, so we
had the opportunity to briefly visit with so many
people. It was so enjoyable to do that as a family
and demonstrate what it means to be an ally to my
daughters. And it was awesome to tell people about
a place like Plymouth United Church. Currently, in 28 states you can be fired for being
LGB and you can be fired in 31 states for being
transgender. As a human being, I could not sit around
and allow something so unfair to continue to happen.
I wanted to do what I could to make sure that others
understand how difficult it is for LGBT people to bring
their whole selves to work. I was already involved in
the LGBT employee network, as were a lot of allies.
We wanted to create a way for allies to stand up
and be visible in their support and to continue to get
educated and move forward in their journey.
How many siblings do you have? How did
the experience of growing up with gay
siblings affect your understanding of the
LGBT community? We received a lot of support from our executive
leadership and we took time to develop a
comprehensive program that allows for allies to
come out but also for LGBT teammates to
declare being out at work.
I have two biological sisters, one stepsister, and two
stepbrothers. I didn’t know my sisters were gay until
after I graduated from college. As the oldest, I was
always supportive and protective of my sisters. If anyone is interested in starting an Ally Program
please reach out. My co-lead and I have conducted
workshops at Out & Equal for the last four years and
are always happy to share. We can change the world
one person, one ally at a time. The more allies we have
in this world……….the faster we make equality for all
a reality.
They were both athletes, and I was their biggest
fan and supporter. When my sisters came out to
me I just did what I had done our whole lives and
went into protection mode. I also realized that I
could advocate for them publicly, and in doing so
advocate for their community.
How do you think an Ally can best support their
LGBT loved ones?
The best way to support any loved one is to simply
love them unconditionally, accept them for who
they are, and fight for their rights. As an ally, I can
impact change by engaging people in conversation
who those in the LGBT community cannot.
We should recognize our straight privilege, and
when we see something, we should say something.
My mom taught my and my siblings that it is
important to take a stand for what is right, and to
speak up for the marginalized and the voiceless.
I try to do this every time an opportunity
presents itself.
Faith and sexuality can be a tricky subject for
many folks and a difficult challenge for many
LGBT to unite. How do you think people of faith,
and especially faith leaders can improve this
situation? Are there opportunities for dialogue
in Houston? How has your house of worship
worked to make LGBT folks welcome?
It’s all about love. As a UCC church, we at Plymouth
United Church, believe that “No matter who you are or
where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here”.
As members of a UCC church, we believe that “God
is still speaking”. Discussion is natural for anyone who
feels this way.
Could you tell us more about your company’s
Ally Program? Why motivated you start it?
Were there difficulties in the beginning getting
it started? What types of programming,
information, resources, etc. does it offer? Do
you have suggestions for people who are
looking to start something similar in their
places of employment?
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