Navigating the Industry: Advice for Closeted LGBTQ+ Professionals Starting Their Careers
October 13, 2023Gabriel Fallas is a part of Rainbow Alliance for LatAm and a Co-Lead at MSD. He spoke to myGwork about his coming out story, and why he would be unable to develop in a professional environment that did not allow for diversity and inclusion. He also shared advice for allies who want to do more to support their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
Can you share your experience coming out?
The first time I experienced a coming out was a good experience as I talked with my best friend, and he showed me his support and company in everything. My experience at work was not that good. After I shared a coming out, I experienced a lot of rejection and humiliation by my coworkers and leaders. The company was not prepared for this environment or how to handle it.
How does your organization support and empower its LGBTQ+ employees?
MSD supports the EBRGs and maintains a hard structure of DE&i in order to ensure the creation of a safe and diverse environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity, allowing every colleague to develop themselves as professionals.
Do you feel that by coming out, you can encourage others to come out?
One important aspect of society is representation. When you are able to recognize individuals that think, look or act like you, you can feel related to them and somehow get inspiration about their steps. The coming out creates representation and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
It has been proven that being out at work increases productivity. What other advantages do you see in coming out in the workplace?
When we allow spaces where diversity and inclusion are promoted, we are open to different perspectives and mentalities, which challenge both the business and the human being behind it. By being able to appreciate the differences, we are also able to highlight the virtues and qualities that allow us to divide tasks and work methods, which amplify effectiveness and continuous improvement.
In your opinion, how can an organization and its clients benefit from a diverse workforce?
The human interrelation that openness to diversity promotes allows connections, work and communication to be a clear and concise line. Human interrelationships are what determine spaces of success.
What advice would you give the younger generations of LGBTQ+ people looking to get started in the industry?