As a wife and mother of three, I am also an out straight ally. An out straight ally is a champion of LGBTQ people, someone who can be encouraging and speak for acceptance.  For an individual who has yet to express his or her identity, an ally can be a voice. As co-chair of K Pride and Allies (KPA), Kellogg’s Business/Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) dedicated to LGBTQ acceptance and equality, I’m very passionate about being a strong advocate.

Often I’m asked, “How can I be an ally?”  Being an ally is implementing the “Platinum Rule”: treating others as they want to be treated. Recognizing not everyone wants to be treated the same way, it’s good to respect differences and individuality.  Being an ally is also defending LGBTQ friends against discrimination and having a little humility. I may not always know the right thing to say, or someone’s personal situation, but I’m willing to ask and learn. Humility is so important that it’s one of Kellogg’s K Values. The K Values shape our culture and are at the core of who we are, what we believe, and what brings us together as a global team.

One of the best ways to be an ally is to be present and share a message of inclusion and equality. This Pride Month, we are doing just that. Pride Month, celebrated each June, recognizes the LGBTQ community’s history and progress for equality, recognizing advances and setbacks. Pride is also an outlet for people to come together and celebrate in an affirmative environment. Celebrations include parades, rallies, commemorations, community events and more.  According to GLAAD, the increasing popularity and visibility of Pride events can be attributed to greater levels of acceptance towards the LGBTQ community.

In celebration of Pride, KPA in North America will be attending festivals and parades, celebrating families and individuality. Our chapter in Latin America is also celebrating by attending parades, discussing the importance of recognizing Pride and hosting Out-Ally Trainings.  

My hope is that one day we will not have a need for allies. We will live a world where everyone is accepted and valued, whether it be within a family, workplace or community. I watch my children and their friends, accepting of others regardless of differences. I watch as allies, LGBTQ people, and companies like Kellogg come together, celebrate progress, advocate for equality and recognize events like Pride Month. We continue to make strides for a more inclusive world and this gives me hope.   

I am so proud to represent the company at these events and be an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I aim to help create a world where being LGBTQ isn’t seen as an obstacle or deficit. After all, love is the same at every table.