By Joshlyn Peace
Dear Minnesota,
You taught me a language I never knew existed.
After graduating from college, I believed I had a clear understanding of myself, and I set aside certain experiences related to my gender identity and sexual orientation because I felt they were no longer relevant. I did not see a need to address these aspects publicly, especially in a work environment. At my first official 9-5, I quickly faced challenges, including open hostility from two female colleagues during my first few months. My supervisor, PJ, was supportive and offered practical guidance, but he was not fully aware of the gendered nuances of the situation I was experiencing.
Seeking support, I connected with the women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) to find a mentor who could help me navigate these difficulties. While I was able to contribute, the fit was not entirely seamless. It was one of the biggest ERGs, yet I felt alone. My experience was not the same as the other group members. It was like drinking scalded hotel coffee when what I really wanted was a smooth iced macchiato—it aided my caffeine headache but was not quite right.
I continued searching and found PRIDE. During my very first ERG meeting, Dario invited me to introduce myself, and it was the first time I publicly shared, “Hi there! I am Joshlyn Peace, and I am bisexual.” The mix of excitement and nervous sweat drenched my ugly polo in the freezing lobby. Dario responded with a wide smile, “Welcome.” He then passed the conversation onto you, Minnesota, to discuss HR initiatives. You communicated effectively and thoughtfully regarding the benefits for the LGBTQIA+ community, the development of inclusive policies, and strategies for enhancing collaboration across our global organization.
I was scheduled to be in the conference room discussing sales strategies, but intuition said the PRIDE call was more important. PJ came looking for me at break time. There I was perched on a stool smiling, flustered, slightly damp, and actively processing the information I had just received. He used his baseball-mitt-sized hand to gently guide me back to the conference room, offering his support with a soft smile and nod. That day’s presentations faded into the background as I kept reflecting on that impactful meeting.
At our second PRIDE gathering, we discussed ideas, and I proposed hosting a happy hour outside of our regular monthly meetings. Dario and Rodrigo immediately supported the idea—was that the validation I was seeking? Having someone acknowledge my idea on a company-wide platform, especially when I had felt vulnerable, gave me a thrill I continue to cherish. You offered to assist with the proposal, and our initial half-hour conversation extended into an hour, then another. We connected daily, discussing work, pride, and our personal lives. Together, we successfully organized this meaningful event with support from our community. The success of the happy hour provided a foundation for us to hold additional meetings, fostering ongoing engagement. We partnered with other ERGs to actively break down organizational silos, a priority you mentioned in our first meeting. Through your efforts, you not only influenced me personally but also contributed to positive change across the entire company. Your willingness to share your story, despite a demanding workload, is genuinely appreciated.
Although we have have both moved on from the company, I still consider you my work wife, Minnesota. Your authenticity and dedication to inclusive language have deeply impacted me. Sharing your experiences as a transgender woman with openness has expanded my understanding of gender identity and fostered a supportive environment for exploring concepts related to sexual orientation. You helped me realize that my identity does not hinge on my relationship status. I am able to confidently embrace and express who I am, thanks to the language you have shared.
And I am forever grateful for it.
With love,
Joshlyn Peace
Joshlyn Peace (they/she) is based in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. They are a sculptor, writer, and multidisciplinary creative drawn to shaping ideas into tactile, visual, and narrative forms.