Happy Pride!
At KSM, we want you to Bring Your Story. That means bringing your whole, authentic self to work. We’re marking this year’s Pride celebration by sharing the voices of some of our LGBTQIA+ KSMers. Read on to find out their thoughts on Pride, some folks who inspire them, and their advice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community entering our industry.
Paul H. Eiselstein
Director, Integrated Planning
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is being true to yourself and having the confidence to do so unapologetically. For so many of us, we don’t get to really discover who we are during the typical timeframe of our adolescence due to various reasons—so take your time in discovering who you are without outside influence and be that person on purpose.
What piece of advice would you give to a young LGBTQIA+ person entering our industry?
It’s not as big of a deal to your colleagues as you may think it is. Engage with others, interact, you might be surprised who your allies are and who you end up forging strong lasting friendships with. You’re entering the workforce because we saw something in you that your orientation or how you self identify will not impugn. Comfortability breeds confidence, and THAT (confidence) is what is going to separate you from the herd.
Kaleigh Gutierrez
Associate Director, Programmatic
She/Her
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Pride?
By keeping up the energy all year long, and remembering the roots of the movement! In the face of all the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation impacting the queer community (especially our trans and POC folks), it’s so so important to create a safe space to celebrate, grieve, exist.
How can our industry and colleagues be strong allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Learn, and act. I would encourage folks to learn about the first pride and its leaders, learn about gender and sexuality, read books by queer authors, watch films by queer filmmakers, consume queer art! Take action by donating to organizations that support queer folks, calling your local representatives, vote!
Chad Maxwell
President
He/Him
Whats does Pride mean to you?
Pride means knowing that there are other people out there like me—to have a sense of belonging and connectedness. At one point I thought being gay meant that I would be miserable, a pariah, and an outcast. I’m grateful to say none of that is true. I’m a happily married man with an infinitely patient husband, two comical, stubborn, bright kids, and a career that is both challenging and rewarding—my spiritual cup is strong.
What piece of advice would you give a young LGBTQIA+ person entering our industry?
There are so many paths to take, and you are not alone on your journey. I hope to support you with the same light and intensity I have received from mentors and community members before me. I see you; I celebrate you. Own who you are unapologetically. And that goes for everyone. Your unique identity, from how you look to your favorite hobbies, is as much a part of your DNA as your character. Everyone deserves to be appreciated, celebrated, and respected—not just tolerated.
Caleb Pinkerton
VP, Brand Solutions & Partnerships
He/Him/His
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is the antithesis of judgment. It is the celebration and championing of life and love in all forms.
What is your favorite way to celebrate Pride?
Daily. I am perpetually who I am without any apologies. #loveislove
V Polischak
Supervisor, Search
They/She
What does Pride mean to you?
When I first came out, I lost everything. I lost my ability to complete my college education, I lost my home, and I lost my family. It took me nearly 10 years to get to a place of safety during which time I faced periods of poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and violence. I would not have survived it if not for my community. And my story is anything but unique.
To me, Pride is more than just a month. It’s more than parades and parties and brands going “rainbow” for the month of June. Pride is the celebration of righteous defiance against our oppressors. It is the celebration of continuing to exist even in the face of those who try to eliminate us. It is celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before us – from the brick throwers at Stonewall to the caregivers during the AIDS crisis.
Pride is about honoring what it took to get the freedoms we have now, and to celebrate the boldness it takes to live authentically when many still want us to hide. It’s about allyship and community and chosen family. Most importantly though, Pride is about love.
How can our industry and colleagues be strong allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ community in the US. This year, over 400 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced, with 75 signed into law. In many cases the laws are resulting in violence against people in the community (most aggressively against trans people of color), forcing families to flee their homes in search of safer states. Many LGBTQ+ folks are AFRAID right now.
The best way to show allyship is to show up and stand beside those fighting on behalf of the community. That can be physically showing up to protests or calling your representatives, financially showing up by donating to organizations working to fight for & protect the LGBTQ+ community, and emotionally showing up for your LGBTQ+ friends and coworkers who are living in places enacting this harmful legislature.
Educate yourself on what is affecting the community, and then advocate on our behalf. Check in with your queer coworkers while we are living in scary times. Be bold by showing up for us with your words and compassion, but also show up for us in your actions. We need our allies now, both in the work place and in the world.
Kailie Ryan
Specialist, Search
She/Her
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Pride?
Pride isn’t just about companies going rainbow for a month. Someone wise told me that June is a celebration but actions the rest of the year matter more. With that said, I think the best way to celebrate pride is by supporting other members of the LGBTQ+ community. This can look like volunteering your time or financial resources or protesting when anti-LGBTQ+ laws are introduced in your state. Now more than ever, it’s important for allies to constantly be showing up for us.
How can our industry and colleagues be strong allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Protest pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Physically show up or call your representatives. Listen to your colleagues and friends’ stories. Remember that it isn’t just in June–how you show up the rest of the year counts the most.