More Complex Than You Think: Allyship within the LGBTQ+ Community

Discover teammates share their perspectives on the nuances of allyship from within the LGBTQ+ community. Vibe with someone’s perspective? Click on their name to read their full story.

Stephanie G.
Loan Review Specialist
Lake Park, UT
Pronouns: She/Her
Apart from my friend, I kept my sexual identity to myself at first. I felt worried that people would judge me and say that Asexuality wasn’t a valid identity. Then I slowly started wearing Ace Pride pins and eventually venturing into clothing. My parents were confused at first, but are now super supportive and even educate others on asexual awareness. I’m currently working on not feeling like I take up space at Pride events and feeling more included within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

I volunteered for a Pride event a few years ago to help customer care representatives at Discover sign up for our Ally Program. I was sitting at the booth looking at the list of identities on display and was so excited to see Asexual listed for all to see. After helping at the booth for a bit, many agents asked what Asexuality means. I got to describe it to a few people and they were so interested to learn more. My friend in a previous department even saw my Ace Pride pin and asked what it meant. We talked for a little while and he finally opened up to me to say he felt the same way. He felt so glad that I opened up to him and told him that he wasn’t alone.

Brandon F.
Sr. Business Analyst
Remote (Portland, Oregon)
Pronouns: He/Him/His

I find myself really understanding intersectionality more and more as I navigate being an Out individual. I’m recognizing the full extent of my privilege as a white man, while also being empathetic to other minority groups that have experienced discrimination, bias and stereotyping. I too have been oppressed and discriminated against from growing up as a gay man. Those experiences help me understand what being an advocate and ally truly means within the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) space.

Avonlea W.
Coach
Lake Park
Pronouns: They/Them

I went on a date with someone who identified as lesbian, but didn’t validate transgender identities. It really threw me for a loop that someone who was part of the LGBTQ+ community could be so discriminatory towards a whole part of their own community. I realized then that someone can be queer and not be an ally! That moment reaffirmed my dedication to allyship for the community and minorities.

Nicole B.
Operational Specialist
Lake Park, UT
Pronouns: She/her

I’ve also been impressed with the diversity and equity work Discover has focused on with the Black Organizational Leadership at Discover (BOLD) ERG. We have programs about systemic racism and how we can be better allies. Discover has also actively taken steps to hire more people of color (POC), donate to our local communities, and has spoken out about how we don’t tolerate racism in our workplace. I’ve loved working here specifically for these reasons.

I’m currently working on navigating life as a white woman. I’m learning to un-write my biases, support marginalized communities, and stand up for what’s right— even when it is uncomfortable or scary. I’ve educated myself through research and am learning to listen more. I’ve been standing up when people around me say things that are racist, homophobic, or overall just rude and insensitive. I will never stop trying to better myself in this area, it’s so important for our future.

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