During Pride Month, we’re excited to highlight the remarkable individuals of the LGBTQ+ community on our team, whose contributions consistently enrich OTG with their skills and commitment. Throughout this month, we’ve extended invitations to several LGBTQ+ Crewmembers from various departments to share their thoughts on Pride Month, honoring their sources of inspiration and emphasizing the significance of diversity and inclusivity in our workplace. We’re honored to be able to share their unique perspectives and narratives with you here.
Katie Okita
HR Business Partner (DCA & MCO)
For me, pride month isn't all about rainbow flags and parades. For me, pride month is reminiscent of Thanksgiving. It's a time to reflect and be thankful to those individuals that led the Stonewall Riots - THE spark to the gay rights movement. Thankful for those who have stood up against the unfair and inequal treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and fought for the rights that I have today. I am thankful we can celebrate how far we have come - that the hard work, dedication and perseverance of those before us has paid off. Thankful we are able to celebrate authenticity and that I - as a lesbian woman - no longer have to hide or be fearful of being persecuted based on how I identify or who I love. Pride month is not only a celebration of joy, support and love, but also a time for awareness and reflection.
Pronouns: She/Her
Nicholas Turner
IAH EW / General Manager
"To be prideful means to be free in your life choices, no matter what or who that looks like. We all want to be accepted, not only for our personal beliefs but who we are inside. Having PRIDE is making a conscious decision to be 100% you all day and in all ways."
Daniel Watson
Manager, Independence Prime
PRIDE to me is the celebration towards unwavering equality. I celebrate PRIDE on behalf of those less fortunate and in places where inequality is the norm. I celebrate PRIDE for future generations to feel safe, seen and heard in whatever space they may find themselves.
