As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, how has RCI demonstrated inclusion or made you feel welcome?
I knew I was going to love working for RCI starting my first week of training. My wife was deployed and our communication was very limited at first. Every call was so special and I didn’t want to miss a single one, even though most of them were very brief. I very reluctantly explained my situation but everyone was so kind and we worked out a plan for what to do if my wife was able to call during training.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be?
- It’s okay if some people don’t accept you at first, their opinion won’t always matter
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Keep trying, even if it’s really hard
How do you support or connect with other LGBTQ+ people in your community?
My daughter is 9 and recently came out to us although we’d known for quite some time. She has also found other students at her school that are out and these kids tend to flock to our house for hangouts, etc. I grew up in a very conservative household and always hated bringing friends over so it’s great to be this safe space where these kids don’t have to hide and can be themselves.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love being on the beach, hiking, taking my dogs to parks, breweries (especially when those last 2 are combined = Metazoa), force cuddling my cats, going out to eat, binging Netflix, and of course hanging out with family and friends.
