Finding Pride, freedom and "the place where you belong"

Lance Husak, Administration Implementation Manager at WTW, spoke to myGwork about finding Pride in day-to-day life, including the workplace.

I’m Lance Husak and have been with WTW for nearly 8 years working in our Pension Outsourcing line of business as an Administration Implementation Manager. That’s my day job, but my LGBT+ specific job is being the North America LGBT+ ERG (Employee Resource Group) Leader Coordinator and pushing out our ERG initiatives to offices across North America.

What does celebrating Pride mean to you?

Celebrating Pride isn’t just about attending events and gatherings throughout the month of June. Pride gives our community an opportunity to have a voice and become visible at a greater level and shows the world we are here. I think it is impactful for individuals who aren’t as accepting to see their friends and family interact with the LGBTQ+ community in hope some of that acceptance will wear off on them.

In your opinion, why is Pride significant and what impact does it have?

Pride is significant in many ways. It’s a celebration of one’s identity and showcasing that freely so others can see, especially those who are questioning their identity/sexuality and might not have many LGBTQ+ role models in their life. This also ties into visibility by giving our community a platform to help breakdown many stereotypes and prejudices associated within our community.

Can you tell us about your first Pride attendance and the progress that has been made with the LGBTQ+ community since then?

I was a late bloomer, but my first pride was in 2016, when I was 27, and just moved to Denver, Colorado. I just moved to the area in May and was quickly accepted by the LGBTQ+ community just in time for Pride which is during June in Denver. It was truly a celebration of our existence; the pride parade with ally parents giving free hugs and seeing the sheer number of individuals in the hundreds of thousands was remarkable and moving. This might have been one of the first times in which I felt that true feeling of belonging.

For those attending Pride for the first time, what advice would you offer to enhance their experience?

Pride is a time to let loose, embrace yourself fully, and participate in all the festivities your city's Pride and wider events has to offer. Explore the inclusiveness of the festival village, dance at all the parties, cheer on the parade, and find a quiet spot to soak it all in. This is a celebration about you and your identity, but remember, it also honors those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights before us. Take a moment to appreciate the progress that has been made and the sacrifices that paved the way for the Prides we know today.

Do you believe it is important for organizations to celebrate Pride, and if so, why?

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, collaborating and learning from our colleagues. This ends up creating a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn about the LGBTQ+ community in a safe and inclusive environment. With strong non-discrimination policies, workplaces can be springboards for understanding and acceptance. The positive experiences and knowledge gained by employees can then ripple outward into the communities colleagues live within, fostering a more inclusive world beyond the office. That's the driving force behind WTW's Pride theme this year: "The place where you belong." At work, feeling safe, valued, and like you truly belong is essential and should never be in question.