How LGBTQ+ Employees at Kyndryl Are Creating a More Inclusive Workplace

Article 09-Jun-2023 Read time: 1 min

Five Kyndryls reflect on the importance of being their authentic selves

June is Pride Month, a time to honor and commemorate the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, celebrate the progress made, and recognize the diversity and strength of the community. In a world that still struggles with discrimination, it is important for organizations to take an active role in promoting equality and fostering workplace environments that empower employees to be their true selves.

Below, five Kyndryls talk about authenticity at work and why advocating for LGBTQ+ equality helps pave the way for a more inclusive future for all.

Leah Brome (She/Her/Hers)

Identifies as a cisgender lesbian
Director of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, Kyndryl U.S.

What Pride means to me
It is important to recognize that Pride began as a response to the over-policing and discrimination that Black and Latinx transgender women faced in the U.S. At a time when the norm was to hide your gender identity or homosexuality, these women unapologetically proclaimed who they were and refused to go unseen and unheard. Their courage and authenticity fueled the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. To me, Pride is a continuation of that legacy of courage and authenticity that has been passed down to all of us, not just the LGBTQ+ community.

How to be a better LGBTQ+ ally
Be an upstander, not a bystander. Speak up against hate and other exclusionary behavior. Understand that every group that was ever marginalized or persecuted was because others did not come to their aid.

Resilience in the face of adversity
This is a difficult time for our community. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is on the rise, and it is easy to feel defeated. I am proud to work for an employer like Kyndryl that supports my human rights.

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Jose David Gonzalez (He/Him/Él)

Identifies as a cisgender gay man
Senior Lead, Cybersecurity, Kyndryl Costa Rica

Celebrating Pride at work
I’m proud to have contributed to the very beginnings of developing and creating our LGBTQ+ and Allies Kyndryl Inclusion Network (KIN), where I kept the entire Costa Rica site informed and educated about our ID&E initiatives.

Visibility and representation are key
Both visibility and representation in the workplace are important for the LGBTQ+ community because it embraces differences and fosters a safe, respectful space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Advice for the next generation
Always believe in yourself and express who you really are — don’t be repressed by other people’s religious or political beliefs. Follow your dreams and forge a path toward a society where love knows no bounds.

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Swayambhu Soham (Xie/Xier/Xem)

Identifies as transgender
Security Delivery Specialist, Kyndryl India

Finding my own gender identity
I was born and raised in Mangalore as an identical twin, which made my realization of a different gender identity even more difficult. If I had one message to the world, it’d be that identical twins can have different gender identities and sexual orientations. You should treat identical twins individually rather than putting both on one scale.

Out, loud & proud
I wish there was no need for visibility, and all were accepted — however, many people in the LGBTQ+ community have felt like they need to hide themselves. That’s why it’s so important to reverse that way of thinking. I am extremely proud of my family, especially my 81-year-old mother, who embraced me with open arms and accepted me the way I am when I came out. I feel so much more confident being my authentic self and I hope my own visibility will motivate others to be their true selves, too.

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Meshack Maloisane (He/Him/They)

Identifies as a non-binary gay man
IT Consultant, Kyndryl South Africa

United in commitment to love, acceptance and authenticity
To me, Pride means being able to embrace who I really am and celebrate the fact that we don’t have to hide who we are anymore. I feel very proud to represent the Black LGBTQ+ community. The impact is significant and it’s inspiring to be a part of positive change in the corporate world.

The power of pronouns
Knowing and using people’s gender pronouns matters in the workplace. Companies should encourage employees to use their preferred personal pronouns and use gender-neutral language to support transgender and nonbinary colleagues.

Your best self is your true self
For a long time, people in the LGBTQ+ community couldn’t share their identities in the corporate world, often causing mental health issues where they’d feel they didn’t belong or couldn’t effectively do their job. When employees from various backgrounds feel comfortable being themselves, they are more likely to contribute their unique viewpoints and insights, leading to more innovative solutions and better decision making. By promoting visibility and representation, organizations can cultivate a more diverse, resilient and successful workforce.

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Violeta Fabé Martín (She/Her/Hers)

Identifies as a lesbian
Managing Director for Telefónica, Kyndryl Spain

Real representation, real change
I’m proud to be out and visible at work. It lets closeted people know that it’s OK to be yourself. It is important to have LGBTQ+ role models that serve as advocates for others and champion equality. Real change, like new policies and laws, only happens with real representation.

The impact of leading by example
Companies and senior leaders must set an example by leading inclusively, being effective and consistent allies, and by hiring diverse teams. Creating training/learning courses and enabling employee-led inclusion groups is imperative to help others better understand different minorities and their struggles — as well as to overcome unconscious bias and understand how to be a sincere, action-led ally. All positive impact that’s driven at the corporate level will have a ripple effect and advance our global society.

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