Stand Tall and Be Proud: A Conversation for Pride Month

Amy Reed, Sodexo Live! General Manager at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, shares her personal experience with coming out as a gay woman, the significance of Pride Month, and how important it is for the younger generation to find supportive environments where they can be themselves without reservation.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your experience with coming out?

Reed: It's been an evolving process for me. I never hid who I was, but at the same time, I didn't throw it out there. When I first came out in my 20s, it was a mix of positive and not-so-positive experiences. But the reactions have vastly changed over the years, and now it's a very different world. I'll never forget the day my mom came home and told me that she had come out at work, meaning that she shared with her colleagues that I was gay!

Coming out is a continuous process, and I acknowledge that it may take work. However, I have dedicated myself to advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in my professional life. I continue to engage in this work every day and strive to create an inclusive environment for all individuals. It's a journey, and I recognize the importance of persistence and ongoing effort in creating meaningful change.

Every day, I strive to create a safe and accepting environment by being accountable for my actions, taking risks, and approaching interactions with kindness and empathy. I've learned to embrace the fact that not everyone will share the same point of view. Sodexo Live! has given me the chance to be my most authentic self as far as being out with my company, my clients, and my staff. There is no more trying to stay ambiguous, which is very freeing.

Interviewer: How have you seen the experiences of young LGBTQ individuals today compared to when you were growing up?

Reed: I reflect on my own experience of coming out in a time that was much more challenging than today. However, I always emphasize that the fear and impact of coming out should not be diminished. Today, I see young people being much more able to express themselves openly than when I was in high school or middle school. This progress is truly inspiring to witness.

Interviewer: Have you experienced any challenges related to your own identity?

Reed: My family's initial reaction was not smooth. Over time, most of my family members have become more accepting and supportive. I feel fortunate for the support I have received.

I have faced discrimination in the workplace, which led me to decline a significant promotion offer in the past. It's vital to be conscious of discrimination and find a supportive environment where one can be authentic without fear of judgment or backlash.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to the younger generation facing similar challenges in the workplace?

Reed: I encourage the younger generation to stand tall and be proud if they are comfortable doing so. Finding a supportive community is crucial, and individuals should seek environments where they can be themselves without reservation. It does take a toll on your mental being and your whole life trying to hide so much of yourself, and you'll never be as good as you can be on the job because of that.

The younger generation's willingness to fight for themselves and others is inspiring. They are more accepting and inclusive, and I hope they will continue to make positive changes and progress in society.

Interviewer: What changes would you like to see regarding societal attitudes?

Reed: I am concerned about the increasing use of differences as a tool for hatred. It's essential to promote understanding and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment is crucial for everyone to thrive.

Interviewer: At Sodexo Live!, you mentioned feeling the chance to be more yourself than anywhere else. How are you personally making your current environment more welcoming? 

Reed: Well, just being me is the starting point. When people see that the general manager is a lesbian, it automatically opens some doors of comfort for them to talk about things they wouldn't otherwise. I also try to keep an open mind and educate myself and others on diversity and inclusion. For example, we discuss different gender identities in our meetings and make efforts to use the correct pronouns and respect people's preferences, even on name tags. It's an ongoing process of evolving and being educated, but I do my best to create an environment where everyone can feel like their true selves.

In recent years, Phipps has seen an increasing number of same-sex and non-binary weddings. Phipps is also actively promoting these types of weddings on their wedding page and at local events, which is great to see.

Interviewer: What should people learn from Pride Month, and what does it mean to you?

Reed: Pride Month is about celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, and advocating for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. It's a time to learn about the struggles and triumphs of the community and to show support for equality and inclusion.

Exposure is important. Every year, you see a bigger response. The more people who want to be part of that feeling, the better the tide goes in the long run.