Inclusion is Innovation: LGBTQIA+ Communities

Inclusion is Innovation:
LGBTQIA+ communities

At Microsoft, we believe different perspectives lead to a brighter future. Discover stories of innovation and inspiration from LGBTQIA+ Microsoft employees and community artists.

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Finding euphoria

Christabel Sheridan found the courage to come out to her coworkers after a company conference. Now, she’s spreading the word—and her wings—as a transgender educator and advocate. Illustrated by Karla Monterossa.

More stories

Discover more from the LGBTQIA+ communities. Meet the people behind Microsoft and the stories they bring to our everyday work.

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My incredible journey to myself

Senior Program Manager Estera Kot overcame discrimination and cultural barriers to achieve her dreams of love, acceptance, and creating health-care solutions.

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Coming out to myself

For Technical Advisor and GLEAM UK Community Lead Adam Dinwoodie, launching the Pride Network at his previous company became a catalyst for his push to create safer spaces in the workplace.

Photo illustration of Senior Product Marketing Manager Tyler Mays-Childers

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Finding belonging through allyship

As a parent of adopted children and a member of multiple communities, Senior Product Marketing Manager Tyler Mays-Childers says he’s able to find deeper connections through allyship.

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Showing up, authentically

Senior Program Manager Morty Scanlon often felt unsafe bringing his identity to the forefront. Now, at Microsoft, he’s been given the welcoming and supportive environment that he’s needed to thrive in the workplace. Discover his story of authenticity and advocacy, illustrated by Avalon Nuovo.

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Nurturing inner peace

When Ethan Alexander started at Microsoft, he prioritized money over his wellbeing. Twelve years later, the senior customer success account manager and D&I storytelling host knows that the only way to truly take care of others is to first take care of yourself. Discover his story of gratitude and growth, illustrated by Camila Abdanur.

Accountable for progress

Responsibility and accountability require action, not just brand promises. We leverage our platform to improve lived experiences at Microsoft and beyond—exercising the same commitment we bring to all we do.

Innovating for inclusion

In 2023, we launched a new self-expression feature giving Microsoft 365 users the option to include their pronouns in their profile card, enabling us to better connect with each other and deliver our best work.

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Informing personal action

With global experts, partners, and communities, we designed the personalized Gender and Sexual Orientation Learning Path and additional learning so employees can build knowledge and deepen awareness around topics critical to LGBTQIA+ communities, informing allyship.

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Influencing progress

Microsoft has attained a 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index since 2005. From marriage equality to transgender rights,—we leverage our platform to engage on issues that impact the lived experience of employees and their communities around the world

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Inclusive benefits

In 1993, we became one of the first companies globally to offer employee benefits for same-sex domestic partnerships. Today, our offerings include parental and caregiver leave for all employees and gender-affirming health-care services, including travel expense support in the US when applicable.

Ways to engage

Discover movies, TV, and games selected by LGBTQIA+ communities at Microsoft, plus more ways to learn and take action.

Inclusion is Innovation:
LGBTQIA+ communities

Finding euphoria