Standing Alongside the Bisexual Community

Alina Spiridonova, a Commercial Product Management team member at Moody’s, spoke to myGwork about her journey identifying as bisexual, and how she expresses herself in the workplace. Prior to coming out as bi, she considered herself a firm ally to the community, and to this day works alongside the team at Moody’s to ensure an open and inclusive environment for all.

Image Credit: Canva

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role in your organization.

Hi, I am Alina Spiridonova, I’ve been working in a Commercial Product Management team for almost three years now. I’ve joined Moody’s through the pandemic and been here since.  

Have you always been comfortable being out in the workplace?

I only discovered I was Bi around four years ago. Before that I identified myself as an ally and always tried to ascertain the attitudes and culture towards the LGBTQ+ community at the places where I’ve worked to determine if it was a safe space. It took me sometime to be comfortable enough to talk about myself even though our office always had pride flags everywhere and people seemed supportive. I still feel a bit nervous every time I decide to open up about myself to a new co-worker, but it helps tremendously to know that my co-workers are supportive and that the company’s values support me as an individual.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to come out as bisexual in the workplace?

We always scan our surroundings for safe spaces or for safe people. I suggest doing that well before you decide to come out at work. Test out your environment; perhaps come out to your closest co-worker first if you feel you can trust them. Then, try to come out to a few more people at work. It’s always nerve-wracking at first, but the more you do it, the more comfortable it becomes each time. 

What do you think workplaces can do to make this easier?

I think workplaces should educate their employees about LGBTQ+ topics including LGBTQ+ rights and what comes under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Additionally, workplaces should create safe spaces for non-LGBTQ+ people to ask questions. Awareness about the LGBTQ+ rights should come from the bottom up and from the top down in the company for a well-rounded approach that ensures people from different backgrounds feel safe and comfortable working together. 

What can the rest of the LGBTQ+ community do to ensure they stand by all bisexual people?

It’s quite common within the LGBTQ+ community to undermine Bisexual people, as if we don’t exist. Usually – if I’m in a relationship with a man – I’m straight, if I am in a relationship with a woman – I’m a lesbian. I want everyone to understand that only you can define your sexual orientation The LGBTQ+ community should be the place where you feel safe no matter what, you shouldn’t have to prove anything. The same way we ask our allies to speak out for us, LGBTQ+ community members should do the same.