One of the most important lessons I've learned in life is that the process of coming out never truly ends. The same barriers I faced when I initially confided in those closest to me will always exist. However, as I developed a stronger sense of self and built a supportive network, coming out gradually became easier. Now, informing coworkers that my significant other is a man feels as natural as saying "I like anchovies on pizza." There's still a slight hesitation, primarily because people often have strong opinions about pizza toppings, but I no longer feel the need to cover this aspect of my life.
During my last year at the University of Cincinnati, I knew I was ready to tell someone I was gay. The university’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Center created a safe space for me; a counselor coached me through the coming out process and what to expect as I opened up to others. Ultimately, this safe space and gentle coaching helped me find the courage to come out. Finding community and safety in the resource center changed the course of my life for the better. Since then, I've made it my personal mission to build networks and foster safe spaces anywhere I go, including at school and work.
I moved to upstate New York in 2015 to attend the University of Rochester's physics Ph.D. program. Within a few months I met my current partner and found some of the best friends and allies I could imagine. As I continued my studies, I felt the increased scrutiny of being queer in a highly scientific space that can often reward like-mindedness. Together with a group of colleagues from across the country, I helped form the American Physical Society's first Pride organization in 2019. Over time, we have worked hard to build a supportive network of queer physicists who celebrate our LGBTQ+ members and allies and challenge the long-standing narrative of conformity.
In the summer of 2022, I successfully defended my Ph.D. dissertation and subsequently began working in the Optical Design and Analysis group in L3Harris’s Space and Airborne Systems segment. I am blessed to be collaborating with an extremely talented group of scientists and engineers and to have managers who support and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. This year I had the opportunity to lead a PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) chapter at our Rochester site. In just the past few months, our ERG chapter has given back to the Rochester community through charity events, volunteer opportunities and corporate sponsorships. I am extremely proud of our PRIDE chapter for making Rochester and L3Harris a more inclusive and diverse environment.
This Pride month I want to celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues, regardless of being out and proud or struggling to tell that first person. At L3Harris our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a shared belief that only comes alive through intentional, sometimes uncomfortable, actions and authentic leadership.
