Establishing an Employee Network for the LGBTQIA+ Community
After publicly coming out at Sartorius, Marie took the initiative to establish the LGBT+Friends Alliance to support others on their way. Learn how she experienced her coming out in a corporate setting and how the community is growing.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Marie Brandt realized early in her life that she didn’t feel like her true self. It was only later that she discovered her identity and the need to align it with her gender expression, leading her to transition to the gender identity that allowed her to be her authentic self.
LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and other identities.
“This was a very special time for me. I came out 2019 while at Sartorius,” Marie, works as a test and release manager, recalls. “First, I talked to my manager because there had always been a relationship of trust between us. Then, I approached HR to address the topic. The team was very understanding and supportive although there were some bureaucratic hurdles.”
The final step then was coming out to her team. “I must admit, was quite nervous. But needlessly so. Everyone was caring and understanding, and since then no one has ever used my dead name. I am very grateful for this support."
Founding the LGBT+Friends Alliance
After going through this experience and learning about LGBT activities at Sartorius in North America, Marie made a decision. She wanted to create a platform, a network for the LGBTQIA+ community at Sartorius – to bring together members, friends, and allies, and help other people on their way.
My ambition was and still is to support people in gathering their courage and coming out in the office.
Marie Brandt, founder of the LGBT+Friends Alliance
"Our ambition is to help others. Coming out will always be a big step, but we strive for LGBTQIA+ individuals to feel safe and accepted at work without the need to hide," Marie explains.
And she quickly found supporters for the LGBT+ Friends Alliance and its goals.
Felix Lueneberger leads a team of eBusiness and lead generation platform specialists at Sartorius - and is a member of the alliances’ leadership team. “When Marie came up with the idea, I knew I wanted to be a part of this," he says. "Together, we work towards creating more visibility of the community within Sartorius and providing a safe space for everyone. Also, we believe, that we can be an asset and sounding board for the management when it comes to LGBTQIA+ matters within our organization.”'
Creating safe spaces and increasing awareness
The group has grown into a global community and developed several initiatives such as a virtual platform that connects people from all regions and quarterly community calls which provide a chance to share information, experiences, and ambitions.
In addition, members and allies of the community come together in person during “rainbow lunches” at Sartorius’ headquarters every month.
Our team in the U.S., also supports talent acquisition at LGBTQIA+ job fairs, and organizes activities to celebrate Coming Out Day.
Patryk Kuzma, member of the leadership team
“For this year’s Pride celebrations, the U.S. team will join the parade in Long Island," says Patryk Kuzma, sales support coordinator for Sartorius in North America. "And the Göttingen team is working on a refreshing and fun activity on the Sartorius Campus in to raise awareness and commemorate the LGBTIQIA+ community - and we invite everyone to join."