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LGBTQ Professionals Should Know Their Great Significance, Says AT&T Exec

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Anyone working in technology-related arenas who identifies themselves as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) should learn to acknowledge their own great significance at work.

That’s according to Ginger Chien, who is a Lead Member of Technical Staff at the telecoms firm  AT&T and someone whose own journey in recent years has been nothing if not life-changing.

For around five years, Chien presented as a woman in all aspects of her life with the exception of her workplace. She’s now made the transition from male to female with the full support of her employers.

AT&T is in fact something of a pioneer in the US in terms of its perspective and its policies on issues relevant to LGBTQ employees and Chien is now helping to provide encouragement to other tech industry professionals who might be struggling with issues around identity and possible workplace discrimination.

“I’m proud to be part of AT&T’s diverse and inclusive family,” Chien tells me. “AT&T not only supports my journey, but embraces me for who I am. Our tradition of inclusiveness is one that every employee is honoured to carry forth.”

Highlighting some of the challenges that LBGTQ people often face, Chien reflects on the role of fear and the different forms that it can take. “I had learned of a new way to relate to fear. Fear has become my companion and no longer a constant obstacle,” she says.

I see the fears that serve me and those that don’t. This informs me where to push for change in the world. And it allows me to reclaim my energy from the fruitless battles and empowers me.”

Chien also explained to me her view that technology itself can help LGBTQ people to find a greater degree of acceptance in the workplace.

“Technology has made it possible to judge work based on merit,” Chien tells me. “This ultimately lets LGBTQ people pursue our potential with greater confidence in the outcomes.”

“Success in the tech world will come from fully embracing the reality that we as LGBTQ people are resilient and creative, and that we can use those attributes in the workplace just as we have used them elsewhere in our lives to survive and thrive,” Chien says.

Chien emphasizes the pride she feels in working for a global organisation that became one of the first Fortune 500 companies to adopt non-discrimination policies back in 1975. Since that time, AT&T has been recognized for taking steps towards fostering more inclusive workplace environments.

Outlining some of the key principles she now lives by, Chien offers this advice to anyone fearful of their prospects as an LGBTQ tech professional.

“Acknowledge your significance. Know that you are bigger than a pile of feelings. You are dreams and principles. Feelings, such as fear, as big and messy as they may be, are just the measure of a fully lived life that meets real world issues.”

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