Celebrating Pride with Sarah Holloway

Sarah Holloway recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as a senior grants officer with Legacy’s philanthropy team. But this is actually Sarah’s second journey with us. She worked in a similar role from 2014 to 2016 and noticed a significant change on her return.

“I was an early co-chair of the Pride Employee Resource Group and I remember how happy we were to have 12 people at one of those first meetings,” she said. “When I came back and went to my first Pride meeting and saw 50 people there, that blew my mind.”

As Legacy celebrates Pride, Sarah took time recently to talk to us about the Pride ERG, how she lives her true self and her appreciation for Legacy’s quick response to what she perceived as hateful federal policies and announcements.

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How do you feel about being LGBTQ at Legacy?

It’s one of the most welcoming environments that I’ve ever worked in. I appreciate the pronoun stickers that we get to choose to put on our badges. It shows immediate sensitivity. I love that the Pride ERG is so robust here. I appreciate that as soon as some of the worst of the policies and announcements came from the federal government Legacy immediately stepped up and said we’re going to continue offering gender care services. I appreciated that our response was so immediate.

Do you feel you can be your "true self" right now? Yes and no. I feel like I can be my true self at Legacy. I feel very comfortable and thrilled that I work someplace so safe. In the world, it’s trickier. I still express myself fully, but I’m more aware of my surroundings, who I’m with and that the response to me might be different than in the past.

This is the oldest ERG at Legacy. What direction would you like to see the ERG take in the future?

I just love what they’re doing now, and I want more of it. I love the education and advocacy committee and also the event committee. It’s not only a safe place for the queer community to gather and feel affinity for each other but there are actions associated with it, especially with the educational efforts. I hope that committee can continue to grow and have a larger influence on Legacy in general and that folks remember to go to the ERG before making big decisions that impact the gay community. We’re a great resource.

What does your Pride ERG membership represent/mean to you?

Acceptance, community and safety. It’s been part of what helps me feel comfortable and welcome here. And it’s just a wonderful way to meet new people and learn about what’s going on in our community. Like a lot of people, I’ve got my head down at work and I often find out about things and events after the fact. The ERG is more proactive, and you hear about things like a queer documentary series or drag shows. They’re keeping us in the loop with what’s going on out there. It’s a good antidote to isolation.

Legacy’s theme for Pride is Now and Forever. What does that mean to you?

The fact that right now there are people trying to erase us, that’s what communities like the Pride ERG is all about, to make sure that that can’t happen. It also solidifies our past and reminds people that queer folks have been around forever. The queer community has been more visual or public in recent history, but we need to remember that wasn’t the case in the 1960s until Stonewall when the entire movement in the U.S. was started by trans people of color. We need to remember who we have to thank and keep that energy going in the face of people who would say trans people don’t exist, that there are only two genders, and those who are trying to take away marriage equality. Whenever possible, loud and proud is the best way to move forward.

What can your Legacy colleagues do to show their support for Pride?

I love the backgrounds for Teams. That’s an immediate indication that somebody is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. I think using pronoun stickers, overall, is a welcoming thing. They can join the ERG as an ally. The ERG isn’t just those who identify. Come to Pride weekend in July and show your support. You can march in the parade or volunteer in Legacy’s booth or just visit. It’s a good way to learn about community events and learn more about the community and history.

Where do you go in your community to draw strength or solace?

The Pride ERG is where I go at Legacy. Every meeting I attend helps me feel accepted and affirms that I’m not alone. I’m also fortunate that I’ve got a beautiful community of queer and non queer folks that give me support outside Legacy.