National LGBTQ Awareness Month

By Guest Author, Emily Baute (University of Cincinnati, IT Public Information Officer)

June is “National LGBTQ ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender) Awareness Month.” A year ago, I don’t think that would have registered on my radar. This June, I have reason to celebrate, and many people to thank for sharing that gift with me. My journey to this celebration began nearly two years ago when the climate started changing at the office. “Transformation” was in the air, and some of my co-workers launched a new committee—the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. I wondered how this would work—how do you have conversations about diversity without offending someone? In December, the Committee launched a series of “Diversity & Inclusion Trainings,” facilitated by Meghan and I realized two things.

• I’m a white, heterosexual wife and mother of two who attended private school
• and grew up in a wonderfully supportive home.
• I am privileged…and it’s OK!

Some of my co-workers grew up in different circumstances—some of them quite “oppressive.” They didn’t hate me for growing up the way I did; and I didn’t pity them for growing up the way they did. We’re people first. We have feelings and dreams and fears and families.

Last month, I got the opportunity to attend a “Safe Zone Training,” and I committed to being an ally to my LGBTQ colleagues and friends. That means that I get to celebrate alongside them this June and honor their feelings, dreams, fears and families.

My colleagues on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee are emerging as leaders in the areas of diversity and inclusion at UC. Their hard work was recognized when UCIT was the recipient of the very prestigious Dr. Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award at the university’s 6thAnnual Diversity Conference.

I want to thank the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at UC Information Technologies (UCIT), my co-workers for supporting them and M E Clarke Consulting for helping us all learn the value of our team. That makes for a happier, healthier workplace for all of us.

Thank you to Emily for being a guest author and we look forward to having more guest authors in the future!