LGBT: LEADs in a Gender-Bending TechTalk
By: Isiah Beltrano
Tech hUB, the first-ever podcast released by Union Bank of the Philippines, features the stories of the Tech LEADs in a fun and engaging way. Discussing topics such as working during the pandemic, side hustles outside work, women in tech, and a special episode dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ Community working in the Tech industry. Resident “Tech Talker” Jam hosted the special episode with guests, Tech LEADs Jana, JP, and Lewis, who are allies and members of the Community.
According to Jam, “When UnionBank announced its Inclusivity and Diversity Network, UMatter, you can imagine how quickly I signed up. No second thoughts at all! So, when the Employer Branding and Communications Unit informed me that Tech hUB is being asked to produce an LGBT-focused podcast, I got excited. During the planning, I had to make sure that the guests would feel safe and not pressured to come out or tell their coming out story. That was not focus of the Podcast. Tech hUB’s special episode was produced in the hopes of empowering our LGBTQIA+ community and to assure them that their SOGIE does not define who they are and who they want to be.”
Union Bank of the Philippines has always been inclusive and accepting towards the LGBTQIA+ Community reassuring that all members of the community receive equal protection and career opportunities inside the workplace. Tech LEAD JP stated, “I can see a good ratio of men and women within our department. And as part of the LGBT community, I did not see any difference in treatment with me and other team members, and colleagues. I can say that there’s fairness in treatment among Uniobankers, and they see you not based on your gender or sexual orientation, but on your technical and communication skills, capacity to innovate and drive change, and how you respect each other within the company.”
When asked how Tech LEAD Jana felt when invited to guest in the podcast, she stated “I came from a deeply religious family, and I expected to be questioned after the podcast was released. Some people might label me as part of the LGBTQIA+ when the episode airs. But when the recording started, I realized, who cares? I enjoyed telling my experiences with my LGBT friends, my observations about gender inclusivity campaigns when I used to work as an HR Officer. I am happy to have been given the opportunity to express how dear my LGBT friends (are to me) who have been the most honest and loving people I have met.”
Indeed, Union Bank of the Philippines, the bank of many firsts, continues to embrace diversity and adapt to the changes of society and time. Assuring that your gender orientation will never be a hindrance in achieving your best potential because #UMatter. According to Tech LEAD Jp, “Just be who are. Have the grit and passion to pursue the things that you love and will make you happy. It is ok to fail, to lose, and fall.”
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is held in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969 and to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Individuals. Today, celebrations include pride parades, parties, workshops, and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of people from all over the world. During this month, memorials are organized for community members who have died because of hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The commemoration month’s goal is to honor LGBTQ people’s contributions to history on a local, national, and worldwide level.
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