Folx member and Global Manager, Brand Identity based in Baltimore, Maryland, Zack Zedd shares what having an LGBTQ+ resource group at Avison Young means to him.
If we make just one employee’s experience better, then I think we can consider our group a success. Whether that is easing the mind of an LGBTQ+ employee joining the company who may be afraid to come out at work, or helping an employee who may not have understood queer people before to become an ally. Those are the biggest legacies we can leave – changing and easing people’s minds and experiences. And of course, brightening their day!
I entered the workforce in 2012 as a marketer at a very conservative firm. I could never have imagined a group like this existing there - or anywhere for that matter. If there were other queer people in the company, I would never have known as it was not the norm to be anything but straight and cisgender presenting.
I am so happy to say I have felt nothing but acceptance since the moment I started working at Avison Young five years ago. A group like this is so important for the younger generation to know that they never have to hide who they are at work – they will be accepted here with open arms and have access to a whole community of other folx. I think my younger self would have had a much easier time knowing I had an automatic support system when I walked in the door of a company. I really thought I was alone back then, which is a hard place to be when you are just starting out in the workforce!
Being in this group, I have had the chance to meet a number of LGBTQ+ employees and allies from different offices and teams that I never would have interacted with otherwise. It’s great to know there are people at Avison Young who truly understand, make me feel less alone, and can relate to my unique experiences as an out gay man in the workplace.
We held our first webinar as Folx for Pride month in 2023. I volunteered to be a panelist – which was a first for me in any type of public speaking setting that was not a work-related presentation. I spoke about a former manager at a different company who would constantly send homophobic remarks and microaggressions my way. I was reluctant to share this story to such a large audience – it’s not something I’d shared with a lot of people, nor did I want to sound like a victim in any way. My fellow panellists were very supportive and encouraged me to speak so that others who may be listening would know they are not alone should they have experienced something similar. The feedback I received was so heartwarming. I really felt that the whole event that day opened the eyes of people who may not have understood just how challenging it can sometimes be to be out in the workplace. It is also great to show people that just because you faced adversity, it does not mean you can’t overcome it and thrive in the right work setting.
The fact that this group serves both LGTBQ+ employees, as well as allies, is truly amazing. For example, I love seeing stories posted to our internal communications channel by employees with queer children, sharing stories about how they support their kids and how proud they are of them. It makes you connect with people differently and hear stories about their real lives and relatable struggles rather than just transacting like work colleagues. It’s really beautiful and makes me proud to work at Avison Young.
It has been amazing to see all of our ERGs embrace the opportunity to showcase our different strengths and talents. The creativity and passion at this company is truly remarkable. I can’t wait to see more allies get involved with Folx, having them understand that this group can’t thrive without them and that they are just as important to our success. I know that with time, our ERGs will help create an even more accepting and understanding workplace. We are just getting started!
