Leslie Hueholt, US Internal Communications Manager based in Dallas, married the love of her life and best friend whom she’s known for 11 years last week (May 23). She talks about what ‘pride’ means to her.
Leslie joined our firm January 9, 2023, and debated with herself whether or not to tell her team, how to tell her team, and the potential consequences of being out in the workplace.
“Most people don’t think twice about declaring their commitment to another person or talking about getting married. Yet, early on, I thought, “What’s the harm in keeping this major life event to myself?”
Leslie faced a similar dilemma twenty-five years ago, when deciding whether or not to tell her parents she was gay. She built up her courage and decided to go ahead. “My mother treated the news like a death in the family and we did not speak for six months,” Leslie recalls.
“My father urged me to 'keep my personal life to myself'—which was certainly the safe approach in a world that lacked acceptance and understanding. This man, whom I adored, also suggested that we keep an arms-length distance rather than the close relationship we’d enjoyed up until then. I was devastated.”
Leslie says that these memories still haunt her but that the experience made her a much stronger person: “I am unapologetically comfortable with the woman I’ve become, the way I live my life, the way I have loved my family unconditionally and the obstacles I’ve overcome. If I had chosen to live in fear, denial or secrecy, this would be a very different story.”
Before joining our firm, Leslie worked as a communications manager at Haynes and Boone, Texas Instruments and Electronic Data Systems. She is grateful for employers along the way who valued diversity and encouraged their staff to bring their full selves to work.
“Ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect has made a world of difference to me, both professionally and personally. I learned it was a waste energy trying to mask a part of myself, avoiding personal banter with colleagues and just keeping my head down. We can accomplish so much more when we can talk openly and honestly with each other. Working at a firm like this makes me feel proud,” said Leslie.
“In my four months here, I have been struck by the actions and words of our leaders who routinely reinforce the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. I am thrilled to see our DEI leaders and networks building a culture where people of all backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions and abilities can thrive and feel included.”
Leslie is also amazed by the actions and support of her boss and team (who have been very supportive of her nuptials) and marketing communications colleagues (who included her in a virtual bridal shower last month and sent a generous gift).
“I’m proud that I accepted a job at the firm this year, not knowing whether I’d be able to bring my full self to work again. I’m proud of my very smart wife (a Ph.D.), who pushed me to apply for the job, and of myself for standing up for what I believe – even at the risk of being shut out. I’m proud of my friends and family members who have evolved in their thinking to accept me as I am.
And I am proud to live in a place where I can say out loud, without fear of retribution: “I got married to the love of my life last week. Her name is Sue.”
