The Pride Month celebration continues! We’re featuring another Enterprise teammate who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Grange started his Enterprise career in 2012 and is an Enterprise Fleet Management Supervisor in Utah. Keep reading to find out more about Grange’s experience at Enterprise and what Pride month means to him.
What does Pride month mean to you?
I went to my first Pride Parade in Denver, CO shortly before coming out in 2009 and it was one of the first times that I remember completely being myself without fear of judgement or shame. It was a revolution of self and a place where I could find connections where people felt seen, heard, and valued.
As I have learned from the stories of those who came before me and others in this community, I have been impressed by how Pride month creates a safe space to question who you are and how that relates to those around you. For me, Pride is a month where we can listen and work towards stronger inclusivity and celebrate each other’s differences.
Is there an LGBTQ+ person at work or in your own personal network that inspires you?
I have several LGBTQ+ friends and straight allies in my personal and Enterprise networks. During my first week at Enterprise as a Management Trainee in the West Valley, UT branch, I was a little nervous about being out at work in a new city where I did not know many people. I used non-descript pronouns but my managers were interested in knowing more about me both in and out of the office, so it became harder for me to be vague.
From that first week at the branch, to every position I have been in as I have moved up in the company, I have felt supported in being myself and bringing my whole self to work. A couple years back Drew E., an HR Generalist in our region, helped our local team volunteer at the Pride Festival in Salt Lake city. It was cool being able to network and volunteer with my colleagues at that event.
In my current role, half of my team is part of the LGBTQ+ Community and my boss has been a great advocate for me.
One fun fact about you is…?
The first group I came out to was my college fraternity, Kappa Sigma. To show their support, the leadership decided to partner with Spectra (our on campus LGBTQ+ community) to cosponsor National Coming Out Day on our campus. It was awesome having so many allies at this event and had a great impact on our campus community. Also, I love to kickbox, do yoga, hike, and camp!
