Being My True Authentic Self

When I moved to the States in 2019, I knew I would find a more LGBT+ inclusive environment, considering the fact that I came from Brazil, a country that unfortunately, can be very homophobic.

Finding a job was exciting, but also scary, because I did not know if I would find a company where I could bring my whole authentic self to work. Luckily, I found Zoom!

Since day one I felt welcomed and valued for who I am. I remember talking to my manager and colleagues about my personal life and feeling comfortable to say, “my wife”, something so simple in the life of a straight person, but always an anxious moment for anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Most people do not think about it, but we have to come out in every interaction. Knowing that I felt comfortable enough to come out to my team and that I was able to share more about my personal life with them, means the world to me.

After all these months working for Zoom, I have witnessed all the incredible growth in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our ERG is also part of this growth, we have a strong community where we feel supported, we can share our experiences from our everyday life, and organise some fun events through Zoom!

I feel so grateful to be a Zoomie. Our culture makes me work better because I can bring my whole self to work every day. The impact that it has in my job is immense!

My dream is that every LGBTQ+ person has the opportunity that I have. That is why I volunteer myself in any initiative that can bring job opportunities for my community and that can create a safe and welcoming space for all of us. We all deserve to be happy!

Written by Jaqueline Rosa Elgin, Customer Success Manager at Zoom