Voices of Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Unity at Trellix

By Aaron Juarez · June 28, 2024

Trellix celebrates pride month by highlighting the voices and stories of our employee resource group in this special pride blog. We delve into the heart of our organization through interviews with members of our Pride Voice Group. We believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from celebrating our differences. The Pride Voice Group exemplifies our commitment to fostering an environment where LGBTQ+ employees and allies can thrive, contribute, and lead. Join us as we showcase the voices of the LGBTQ+ community within Trellix's Pride Voice Group, illuminating their role in shaping our inclusive culture and driving positive change for Trellix. Through these conversations, we invite you to connect, learn, and celebrate the diverse voices that make our company a vibrant and inclusive community where every voice is valued and heard.

Celebrating its 40th year, New York City’s Heritage of Pride announced its official theme for 2024 as “Reflect. Empower. Unite.” This theme was selected to emphasize the significance of the NYC Pride March as a pivotal moment for Queer liberation and joyous celebration. We asked our employees to share their voice and tell us what those three words mean to them and their influence on Trellix. Here are their responses.

Reflect

Mary Wheelwright, Senior Director of Business Operations: Reflect means what actions have I taken to educate myself about LGBTQ+ issues, examine my own biases and assumptions, and ensure that LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives are represented at Trellix.

Liberty Williams, Staff Solution Consultant: One of the most difficult things to do in our modern world is to keep perspective. Every day, we hear, “This is the most important XYZ of our lifetimes!” and I can’t help but remember how the last XYZ was the most important of our lifetimes, and so was the one before that. Can it really be true that they’re all so desperately important? Unfortunately, yes. Our rainbow communities are facing a highly-precedented backlash against the hard-won rights our elder rainbows fought and sometimes died for, backlash against our right to equal access to public spaces such as grocery stores, libraries, sidewalks, and the workplace, and sadly backlash against our right to have families, our right to receive healthcare, and our right to exist. When we reflect, it is difficult not to linger on how tenuous our existence has been all these years. It is difficult not to linger on how many of us were taught to hate ourselves before we even knew ourselves.

Jelitza Varon, Customer Success Engineer: Pride Month invites us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way for our rights today. It's a time to recognize the sacrifices and perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. Reflection allows us to appreciate the progress we have made and understand the ongoing challenges we face. By reflecting on our past, we honor those who have fought for equality and justice and ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Karol Campo, Senior Customer Success Manager: Celebrating how far we've come and acknowledging how far we still have to go should inspire us to keep fighting for equality. Our community has faced so many challenges over the years, and we've achieved significant milestones despite those. The decriminalization of homosexuality, legalization of same-sex marriage, and recognition of transgender rights are just a few examples of how. However, despite these achievements, there are still many challenges. Discrimination, violence, and social stigma are still prevalent issues. Recognizing our victories while understanding the work that still needs to be done drives my commitment to advocating for a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live freely and authentically.

Victoria Redmond, Professional Services Delivery Manager (Fed Accounts): Pride month is a celebration of visibility and principles. As I reflect during this month, I recall the essence of the word "pride." According to Merriam-Webster, pride means "confidence and satisfaction in oneself." I appreciate this definition because it serves as a powerful reminder to embrace every aspect of myself with pride, despite the challenges and triumphs life brings. I take pride in who I am, my values, and the individual I've become.

Empower

Mary Wheelwright: How do I empower and amplify LGBTQ+ voices both in and outside of work - am I using correct pronouns, am I creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone?

Liberty Williams: It is difficult not to linger on how hard-won each small victory was and how insecure those victories all seem now. Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom, and there’s another angle to reflect from. Something drove all our elder rainbows to live their truths when it was deadly to do so. Something drove all our elder rainbows to pick fights they weren’t sure they could win.

Jelitza Varon: Pride Month empowers us to unite and amplify our voices for change. By coming together as a community, we strengthen our ability to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Empowerment is about embracing our identities proudly and fearlessly, knowing that our collective strength can drive meaningful progress. It's about fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment in individuals to live authentically.

Karol Campo: Moments like the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and increased LGBTQ+ visibility in media and politics highlight our progress. Embracing our true selves and standing proud enriches our world and opens it to all backgrounds. Our strength lies in diversity and resilience, empowering us to break barriers and create a world where everyone can thrive authentically, freely.

Victoria Redmond: I interpret this to mean empowering ourselves as well as the people around us. Remind others as well as yourself that YOU MATTER. You and only you bring something unique to the world and the people you interact with. Never undervalue your worth!

Unite

Mary Wheelwright: Am I engaging in efforts to raise awareness and promote understanding of LGBTQ issues among coworkers and leadership to foster connections and unite colleagues and allies? Can I do more? I am grateful to have the opportunity through the Pride Voice ERG to contribute to a workplace environment that fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect for all and pave the way for future generations.

Liberty Williams: Whether that something was a sense of justice, an undying ember of hope, or determined pride, they did fight those battles, and they won. It’s our turn now to secure their victory, to protect and empower our baby rainbows, and make sure the ones who want to shove us back in the closet or the grave face a united front.

Jelitza Varon: Unity strengthens our determination to create a world where everyone can live openly and authentically, free from prejudice and discrimination.

Karol Campo: Through our Pride Voice ERG at Trellix, we create a welcoming, safe space where everyone feels they belong. Together, we make a difference every day. united, we’re stronger, building connections not just within our community but also with our families, friends, and allies beyond it.

Victoria Redmond: The word unite always evokes thoughts of strength, such as two people uniting in marriage or groups uniting for a cause. During Pride month, strong individuals from ALL backgrounds and walks of life come together to celebrate diversity and equality with a common goal of acceptance and visibility. As a part of the Trellix Pride Voice Leadership Team, we strive every day to find new, fun ways that we as a team can unite and learn from each other. Thank YOU for being the best part of Trellix!

At Trellix, Pride Month is not just a celebration; it's a testament to our ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment for all. As we continue to honor and uplift LGBTQ+ voices within our organization, we encourage you to further engage with and support these communities beyond our walls. Organizations like The Trevor Project and Gay For Good offer invaluable resources and opportunities to contribute to LGBTQ+ advocacy, mental health support, and community building nationally and globally. By engaging with such resources, we can collectively contribute to fostering acceptance, promoting equality, and advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. Together, let's celebrate Pride Month not only with festivities but with meaningful action that promotes equality and acceptance. At Trellix and within our Pride Voice Group, we strive to amplify our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, not just during Pride Month but every day of the year.