The workplace is a collection of stories, lived experiences, identities, interactions, and beliefs that all influence how we show up for ourselves and for each other.
There’s power in hearing and learning about these intersections directly from colleagues and in their own words. As we continue to honor the stories of joy and acknowledge experiences of pain shared during Pride Month, we’re also exploring what support, visibility, and allyship mean year-round.
Our colleague Sarah Wagner, a Sales Enablement Specialist, described it this way, “My personal take on allyship is that the most helpful thing someone can do is to learn our history and listen to queer voices (in addition to ensuring safe spaces stay safe). A lot of folks want to help but don’t know how.”
Ensuring that spaces remain safe is work for everyone to do, whether that space was specifically designed for you or not.
We’re grateful for colleagues within our Pride @ Granicus community for sharing what allyship means to them, how identity has shaped the perspectives they bring to work, and more.
What inspired you to work in your field?
I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I always enjoyed being creative and solving problems. I found that design allowed me to do both of those things and make a career out of it.
How has identity shaped the creative and nuanced perspectives that you bring to the work that you do?
I don’t really feel my identity shows up much in the work I do here, but it shows up more in my own personal creative hobbies. I guess, in general, I’ve learned to use more inclusive language where applicable.
What would you like your colleagues to know in terms of what allyship means to you?
Being genuinely willing to listen and learn — everyone’s identity is different. I like being able to show up as my authentic self at work, and it’s because I feel safe and supported in doing so.
What conversations or experiences have most shaped how you show up for yourself and others?
I grew up in a town that was not exactly a friendly place for queer people, and I knew that fully exploring and embracing my identity probably wouldn’t be safe for me. I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to be who they are, and so I try to be the person I needed when I was younger — for myself and for others.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I am a helper. Have been since I was little. I love to help people in any way possible. Migrating content for our clients is one of the many ways I can help them. I get to help them grow and evolve, and I get to help reassure them that they made the right decision by trusting us with their sensitive and resident-facing data.
How has identity shaped the creative and nuanced perspectives that you bring to the work that you do?
The most significant way that my identity has shaped what I bring to my work is empathy. When migrating content, it’s important to have empathy because some clients might feel the need to hold onto every little detail, or a colleague may unintentionally overlook what might hold significance to the client. Having empathy informs how I approach the client, as well as my colleagues, and influences how we rationalize data.
What would you like your colleagues to know in terms of what allyship means to you?
Take the brave step forward and use your voice and/or your platform. You never know who might be watching and who will be inspired by your efforts.
What conversations or experiences have most shaped how you show up for yourself and others?
I love the environment. Sometimes being able to feel that others will be receptive and that you can be your full self is far more powerful than words!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most are the moments I’m able to see the real-world impact of my team’s work. It’s very meaningful to know that the seemingly small details may ultimately lead people to life-changing information or services.
How has identity shaped the creative and nuanced perspectives that you bring to the work that you do?
I use language in my work in very intentional ways. Many times, the words I use can shape how someone feels about, or engages with, a message. As a transgender man, I’ve found strength in my identity through language. I know the difference intentional language can make and how it can help reach people who may have felt ignored. My goal is to create that feeling in all my work.
What would you like your colleagues to know in terms of what allyship means to you?
To me, allyship means making the workplace (physical and virtual!) a safer place for all identities and experiences. It’s not about big gestures or declarations; it’s about showing support and speaking up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
What conversations or experiences have most shaped how you show up for yourself and others?
In a very modern take on the word “conversation,” I’ve always been drawn to this quote floating around social media: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” It’s hard to navigate a world that feels like it doesn’t have space for you. When I think about what it means to show up for myself, I often think about younger me and how I tried to navigate this world. I also think about LGBTQ+ kids today who are trying to find where they belong but can’t be their true selves. Living proudly as my most authentic self is how I show up for myself and show up for those looking for a place to feel whole.
What inspired you to work in your field?
I like building things. I started my career in the performing arts and really enjoy creative problem solving. My work as a tech entrepreneur and leader has given me the opportunity to work with really intelligent, creative people. When I landed at Code for America in 2015, I found the perfect marriage of my goals (making the world a better/happier place, building trust in government by amplifying and improving the work of those in government), my skills, and experience. My work at Granicus expands that work to an even larger community.
How has identity shaped the creative and nuanced perspectives that you bring to the work that you do?
There is room for everyone, and significant value in different perspectives. Knowing how limiting and often incorrect biases based on labels or appearance can be, I believe I make fewer assumptions about who people are and what they are capable of. Having seen how much has changed in the business world over the course of my working life, I am optimistic despite the setbacks and challenges.
What would you like your colleagues to know in terms of what allyship means to you?
For me, allyship means people just treating each other well. Not special or different, just another person living their life and doing their best. No one wants praise or pity for simply showing up as their authentic self.
What conversations or experiences have most shaped how you show up for yourself and others?
Representation matters. So simply being open about my experiences in business, as a parent and partner, and as an advocate for the changes I want to see in the world is an important stand for me. Leading by example creates room for others to do the same. When we all feel safe to be who we are, we can focus our energy on the important work in front of us without diverting energy into protecting our true selves.
With each story we hear, we have an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The stories our colleagues shared are in many ways an invitation to expand our capacity to understand, to relate to those around us, and to support each other.
