It can be difficult to tell if a workplace is inclusive of LGBTQ people.
Four panelists shared their advice with LGBTQ students on finding work and advancing their careers on Sept. 28 at the University of Maryland Career Center.
Jenna Marcus, a mechanical engineering project manager at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, said if students want to gauge a workplace’s values without directly asking if it is queer-friendly, they can ask what mentoring is like.
“In my experience, mentoring and how robust of a mentoring program is or how important that is to a workplace’s culture, tends to kind of go hand in hand with the values that would make it friendly for queer people,” Marcus said.
Ron Padrón, the director of opportunity, access, community engagement and support at the University of Maryland College of Information, suggested students ask interviewers more direct questions if they value a welcoming and affirming workplace. For example, they can ask if there are employee resource groups for queer and trans folks or all-gender restrooms at the workplace, if they feel comfortable doing so.
“Ask questions that are important to you to feel like you would be safe and supported and secure in that work environment,” Padrón said.
Padrón and Tara Youngborg, manager of the Stamp Gallery and Studio A, emphasized the importance of considering the kind of culture students want in a workplace.
“I really encourage you to take kind of this broad assessment of what resources you have and what your priorities are,” Youngborg said.
The panelists also discussed how important it is to show up authentically.
Marlon Cruz, a fire engineer, said being the only LGBTQ person in some environments and trying to carry that burden gets tiring but feels necessary.
“It hurts to break barriers,” Cruz said. “It’s not easy. I’m willing to do it for the younger generations after me.”
Cruz said he hopes LGBTQ people in the workforce will continue to be loud and proud.
“We need to keep being joyous and loud in our joy, and proud of who we are, proud of where we come from,” he said.
Gracie Wilson, a junior business major who attended the panel event, said she hopes for positive impacts on LGBTQ people in the workforce.
“I hope that they’re able to find the happiness in their career,” Wilson said.