My journey as an LGBT ally and advocate began some years ago, after conversations with a gay co-worker, with whom I traveled extensively for work. We had been traveling together for years, and I was oblivious to his sexual identity until he came out to me, about six years into our trips. I realized that he was the first gay person I had met (or rather the first to come out to me) and how unaware I was concerning the struggles and inequality faced by the LGBT community and their loved ones.
Shortly afterwards, I discovered the local Orlando/Central Florida PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter. PFLAG was founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son. It is now the nation’s largest family and ally organization. PFLAG opened my eyes. It was through PFLAG that I learned, from a grassroots level, what families with LGBT children go through when their child comes out. It was heartbreaking to witness parents’ feelings, from bewilderment and confusion to fear and anger, while at the same time worrying for their children’s safety and well-being. Members of the LGBT community come to PFLAG looking for the “home” they do not have after they have been shunned by their families and friends. It was very difficult to hear their stories, but under the wings of their PFLAG “family” amazing things happened – providing support and resources has led to so many sincere friendships and such satisfaction as I see parents evolve and their children absolutely excel many, many times. I’ve been a member of PFLAG for 16 years and served as president of PFLAG Orlando/Central Florida chapter for 11 years.
I am passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of LGBT individuals, especially youth and transgender individuals. PFLAG’s stance on transgender inclusion educated me on the importance of this community. I work extensively in the transgender community and, over time, I have learned an immense amount about individuals, organizations, and resources for LGBT persons needing assistance. I now advocate based on what I know – volunteering for organizations like the Orlando Youth Alliance and Zebra Coalition (for homeless youth) and serving as a member the Equality Florida Board of Directors.
At Symantec, I’ve found a community of LGBT allies and advocates in SymPride. Working with my fellow SymPride members, I helped identify the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index as a priority, and initiated a change in the Symantec diversity policy to include “gender identity and expression,” which led to Symantec’s 100% with HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, a measure of how inclusive corporations are of LGBT employees. Now that these and other inclusive policies are in place, our company has scored 100% on the Corporate Equality Index for 7 years in a row.
I’m writing this post today to demonstrate that all of us, no matter how “oblivious” we might feel, have the capacity and power to understand those who might be different, and help them feel safe, welcome and at home. This is how I define being an ally and I believe that Symantec, as a company, espouses the very same values in the products we make and the difference we hope to make in the world.
In 2014, Pat was selected among 50 distinguished Central Florida LGBT leaders to be honored with Congressional recognition for their accomplishments. Pat was the only ally in the group. Her children and grandchildren attended with her, and were as excited at the honor as she was.
Pat Padilla is Symantec's Associate Sales Operations Specialist