Happy National Coming Out Day!

When I started my journey with Hitachi Vantara in September 2012, how I presented myself professionally was very different than now. I was told by my manager at the time not to share too much about my personal life as it would give a negative impression of myself as being professional and reliable. I thought if he was concerned about my hobbies and social interactions, he definitely would think my being part of the LGBT community wouldn't look good. So I made the decision to hide that part of myself professionally. Now don't misunderstand! I did a good job and was skilled at what I do. I just never felt like I could be completely open about my life with my co-workers. It always felt like some part of myself contained a dirty little secret that I couldn't share with anyone.

Time moved on and as all things must do, both Hitachi and I changed and grew. In 2019, after the death of my father, I began to explore being truly queer and non-binary. Looking into what it means to be masculine, feminine, both or neither.

I began to more fully own my own path on my LGBT journey. I had been out to friends and family over the years as queer and bi, but I'd never had the courage to come out at work. That's when things began to change. I made the decision to come out to some of my co-workers. I was terrified of what they would think of me! I got a lot of questions about it, but no one batted an eye. I was still the same competent person to them. Two years ago, Hitachi sent out a survey about employee resource groups, and asked about leadership roles in them. I thought "why not" and said yes. That was the best decision I ever made.

In that moment, I made the decision to come out to my company and to live my life authentically. I no longer live in fear of someone finding out about my life. I just live it like everyone else does. It has opened doors for me I never thought I'd have and has shown me my true passion lies in Diversity Equity & Inclusion.

For those of you who might be considering coming out on this National Coming Out Day, congratulations! If for whatever reason you don't feel safe, comfortable or ready to come out, that's absolutely okay too. No one should be forced to come out for any reason. It is a personal choice that only YOU can make. I am so proud of you regardless of your decision for choosing to take care of yourself. If you would like to come out to someone but don't feel you're ready to come out to everyone, I am happy to be that support for you. I will gladly keep that trust. For our allies, thank you for standing with us and supporting us on this day. A gentle reminder for you that it's important to tell us "I stand with you as an ally", but you do not need to "come out" as an ally. You already are one by supporting our community.

So, for those who maybe don't know me. Hi! My name is Teri. I am a queer, non-binary, homoflexible, polyamorous person. My pronouns are whatever you feel comfortable using because I accept that I am a balance between masculine and feminine. I am a proud member of the LGBT+ community, and leader of the Rainbow Connection Employee Resource Group. I am proud and passionate to serve my LGBT+ community in Hitachi and to be an ambassador to everyone in Hitachi from our community.

 #IAmHitachi #StrongerTogether #NationalComingOutDay

#LGBT #StrongerWithPride