This past weekend, I participated in the Out for Work Conference in DC where I was a panelist in one of the sessions about working in the Federal Government and/or non-profit.  Along with me were representatives of the Peace Corps and the Center for American Progress (a non-profit organization).  The panelists gave a brief introduction of themselves, describing what employment is like in the Federal Government and/or non profit world, including hiring experiences, office cultures, anti-discrimination policies, and diversity of employees.  Since I have worked at USAID for over a year and another year at the Department of Justice before that, I talked mostly about my experiences in the two agencies-and the distinct differences, challenges, and opportunities I have witnessed for GLBT employees.

During the subsequent question and answer session, the 50+ students asked numerous questions, demonstrating both their interest in and enthusiasm for employment in the Federal Government and/or non profits.  Questions ranged from hiring procedures, acceptance for transgender individuals in the Foreign Service, the climate of acceptance in various work places, what role political partisanships plays in the work force, overall laws/executive orders as they relate to GLBT rights, and basic questions about resumes.  I was impressed by the courage and professionalism of the students and commended them for participating in these kinds of conferences and not being afraid to embrace their full self identity, despite any challenges they might confront in the work force.  These students embraced their sexual orientation before graduating from college, which I told them was an advantage and a step ahead of other GLBT Federal Government employees.

The principal concern I observed among the students was of employment discrimination, both overt and subtle.  Students wanted to know, for example, how I dealt with my identity at DEA, a more conservative, law enforcement environment.  I responded by explaining that discrimination is not accepted, and while I wasn't as comfortable talking about my personal life at DEA as I have been at USAID, I performed well professionally-and that ultimately is what garners respect, not one's sexual identity.  Other students asked specifically about the Foreign Service and what kinds of organizations exist to further the conversation about equality, including transgender individuals.  I talked about GLIFAA and diversity council series at USAID-emphasizing that there are many GLBT employees in the Federal Government, including the Foreign Service and that folks are working towards making progress as far as benefits for same-sex partners of Foreign Service Officers. 

It was interesting (and inspiring) for me to see the amount of interest and number of GLBT students who really love the idea of working for the Federal Government.  However upon realizing the hurdles and challenges they might have to face, some students seemed apprehensive about whether they would even be able to be hired in the Federal Government because of their sexual orientation.  I did my best to allay some fears by telling students that the Federal Government is better and more diverse with a GLBT presence.   I also told students that efforts by GLIFAA and other like-groups would continue-including holding meetings with relevant policy makers and State and USAID and discussing internally ways to approach GLBT employees and equality.  More specifically, I explained that I and others would continue to advocate for actual, concrete policy changes in addition to the continuance of dialogue on these important issues.