A day to remember: iMProud members share their stories on National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is celebrated every year on October 11th and is a time to empower, create visibility, and celebrate belonging for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Read stories from three of our LGBTQ+ iManage colleagues on how their journey of “coming out” in their personal lives impacts how they show up to work and find success in their professional lives, and learn how employees and allies can continue to create a more inclusive workplace that values Respect for People, Courage and Commitment, and a Hunger for Learning.

Rob Waters — Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Rob’s coming out journey began in a small town of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance were scarce. Although he realized his identity long before he felt ready to share it openly, it was during college, at the age of 21, that Rob felt comfortable enough to fully embrace his identity. Like many other LGBTQ+ individuals, gaining exposure to diverse cultures and being in a supportive and new environment can often be the push to make that final step out of the closet. 

The challenge of coming out in our youth can stem from fears and anxieties around the close family and friend relationships forming at these times. The stereotypes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community have a weight that is difficult to carry in adolescence. Acknowledging that this process would take time, self-reflection, and education — both for Rob himself and for those around him — was essential. While LGBTQ+ lives and success have not always been positively portrayed in media, Rob was drawn to reality television like The Real World, with glimpses of queer individuals navigating life, normalizing their experiences, and illustrating the struggles that LGBTQ+ people face. This type of visibility in the media helps to build up LGBTQ+ people in their journey to living authentically. 

In Rob’s role at iManage as a technical recruiter, he emphasized the significance of diverse perspectives within organizations, especially in our hiring processes. “When I feel welcomed by my colleagues, I’m more comfortable sharing my true self,” Rob explains. “That openness builds trust and creates stronger connections, allowing me to feel more motivated and supported.”

Rob’s advice to LGBTQ+ allies in the workplace is to remind ourselves how genuine relationships in the workplace are essential to belonging and development. It’s about more than just understanding someone’s role and tasks, but also taking the time to know their interests, their partner, and their experiences unique to the LGBTQ+ community, which will cultivate an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect. Rob highlights that coming into a new workplace as an LGBTQ+ person usually brings an instinct to protect oneself or remain guarded. Making an effort to welcome new team members in ways previously described, regardless of their background, can significantly impact their immediate comfort and success on the team. 

Rob’s story reminds us of how building trust across teams and understanding backgrounds different than yours can help alleviate unconscious biases. “Coming out” is usually not just a one-time thing for the LGBTQ+ community, and especially in new workplaces, there can be anxiety about being open. Practicing inclusive behaviors throughout interviewing and onboarding can really make or break it for new LGBTQ+ employees. 

Gia Tammone-Park — Content Marketing Team Lead

Growing up in a world where bisexuality was often dismissed as mere attention-seeking, Gia’s coming out journey was not as straightforward … pun intended?

Reflecting on her high school experience, Gia noted the stigma around identifying as bisexual: “If someone came out as bi, it was often seen as just a phase or a bid for attention,” she recalls. This created a reluctance to explore her identity openly, fearing judgment or misrepresentation. Gia’s decision to embrace her sexuality came in 2020 when a global pandemic and national social justice movements were on all of our minds. In her downtime, she was able to reflect more deeply on her thoughts and feelings towards her sexual identity, sharing that “I realized that my attraction to both my husband and other women previous to him were equally valid.”

Coming out to her friends and family was pivotal, and like other LGBTQ+ people, it was met with initial confusion and eventual support from family. With her close friends also responding positively, these affirming reactions provided a sense of relief and reinforced the importance of surrounding herself with understanding friends and family. In a moment of jest, Gia recalled how her teenage love for The Rocky Horror Picture Show was one of her big first clues to her identity. She would rent it on DVD and watch it after school, feeling an unbeknownst connection to the characters and story.

Regarding the impact of coming out within new environments or workplaces, Gia remarked “As a queer person in a heteronormative relationship, I am still figuring this out.” . The complexity around coming out can still linger long after the first declaration. Gia’s leadership role in iMProud provided her with a platform to further engage with the LGBTQ+ community, allowing her to express herself more freely. This leadership in iMProud was foreshadowed by her leadership experience as Co-President of the Gay-Straight alliance in high school and as a leader of the women's group at her previous employer. Gia's passion for promoting inclusivity is one of the reasons iMProud is so impactful at iManage today!

To further foster inclusivity for both out and closeted LGBTQ+ people, Gia recommended several actionable steps: Avoid assumptions! Don’t just assume everyone is straight, even if they appear to be in a heterosexual relationship. Introduce pronoun sharing in the hiring and onboarding processes to normalize discussions around identity. Approach questions around someone’s identity with curiosity rather than hostility and encourage respectful dialogue. Lastly, using neutral terms like “partner” can add inclusivity to more personal conversations.

Gia highlighted iMProud’s accomplishments during her time in the leadership group, including an event we hosted with Gillian Power. Gillian spoke on Trans issues, both in society and in the workplace, and why it’s important for allies to step up. Gia said the iMProud Global Virtual Trivia has also been instrumental in educating colleagues on LGBTQ+ culture and history, enhancing visibility and our colleagues’ understanding in a very fun way! Gia’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding, respect, and the need for continual dialogue around LGBTQ+ identities in both personal and professional settings.

Brett Young – Account Executive (Closing Folders)

Anyone who grew up before 'Y2K' or the year 2000 likely recalls the stigmas around LGBTQ+ identities. Brett had this perception throughout his teenage years, “if I ever came out, I wouldn’t be able to get married, have kids, or lead a successful life.” Not only was this caused by pervasive stereotypes throughout his youth, but also by living through the end of the AIDS epidemic. This gradually began to shift as Brett left his northeastern hometown for college in sunny Miami. FL, where he encountered more diverse expressions of identity and began to understand that love, in its many forms, could indeed thrive.

Brett’s transformative moment came later in his adulthood while working abroad (in the Middle East) for an American translation company serving law firms - primarily those with global IP practices. Three years into his international stint and approaching the 3rd decade of life, Brett experienced a profound reflection on his journey. Leaving the fictitious narrative of the “straight” Brett who was in America, from Pittsburgh to Miami, he decided to make a profound revelation to his closest family and friends. He gradually started coming out to friends around him and told his family during his Thanksgiving trip home that year. Brett’s fear of being perceived as disingenuous or untrustworthy was quite the contrary. Friends and family were largely understanding and supportive and have remained ever since. Finding a therapist specialized in sexual identity was integral to Brett’s coming out journey, and he strongly encourages anyone going through something similar to seek out mental health care.

When it was time to move back stateside, Brett chose San Francisco, a place where he felt he could be himself and not have to worry about negative perceptions from the simple things in his personal life—being on a date, holding hands, etc. However, this transition did not come without challenges. One of his roles at the time was part of a team lacking diversity, and instances of homophobic remarks were sadly not uncommon.

This toxic professional environment made it difficult for Brett to fully embrace his identity. Even at company gatherings, the fear of judgment loomed large when Brett introduced his then-boyfriend to work colleagues. This type of fear and anxiety for LGBTQ+ people can still linger long after they come out. The people and environments around us, particularly when trying to balance our professional and personal lives, can really make a difference by supporting us in bringing our authentic selves to each situation. Without that positive environment, we may feel ourselves reverting back into the closet out of fear for our psychological and physical safety.

Brett’s workplace challenges took a dramatic turn when he joined another legal tech company in early 2020. This company is where he first saw diversity, equity, and inclusion being prioritized. The contrast was vivid, and this company’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment sparked a desire with Brett to get involved. “From coming out of the closet, to working on teams that were not very welcoming to my community, to going to a company that clearly cared — I was really inspired to get involved. I wanted to raise awareness about those with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and sexualities, and create a greater understanding and sensitivity within the company to find common ground amongst others.” 

As a member of the newly formed DE&I task force, Brett and his previous colleagues worked diligently to create virtual events and foster dialogue around inclusivity and cultural sensitivities amidst the challenges of COVID-era lockdowns and social restrictions.  Drawing from his experiences in past workplaces, including homophobia and a gamut of other uncomfortable situations, Brett felt motivated to ensure that all employees felt safe and valued going forward. Once the shroud of COVID-19 had been lifted, and restaurants and bars began to buzz with patrons again, Brett found his now-partner by happenstance sipping on a sparkling drink at a neighborhood bar. Some stories do indeed lead to “happily ever after.” 

Brett’s journey has led him here, to iManage, joining the company earlier this year and quickly becoming involved as a leader in iMProud. Joining the iMpact community was just another step toward making a difference, by educating colleagues and contributing to an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Brett aims to mitigate the discomfort and anxiety that often accompany being part of a marginalized community, by playing a leading role in bringing iMProud’s values and mission to fruition.

Together, we can #MakeItMeanSomething

These journeys of coming out are not just personal narratives, but a call to action for organizations everywhere. These stories highlight the vital role that supportive environments play in allowing individuals to thrive both personally and professionally. As iManage continues to strive for inclusive workplaces across all our global offices and virtual meeting rooms, stories like these remind us that authenticity is a powerful catalyst for change. By embracing diversity in all its forms, each of us can create spaces where employees feel empowered to bring their most true selves to work. As we look ahead to 2025, let us commit to fostering understanding, empathy, and respect in our corporate cultures. Together, we can #MakeItMeanSomething by building a more inclusive future for all.