Finding my authentic self: a journey of pride

Featuring
Tamara S., Manager, Human Resources, Customer Care

At Fannie Mae, being able to comfortably be our authentic self at work is central to fostering a culture where diverse experiences and viewpoints power innovation and where every employee is encouraged to thrive. As part of Tamara's support of the Live Openly ERG, she shares her story with her fellow colleagues, demonstrating our culture in action.

When my mom passed away, she didn’t know that I got married a few years ago.

Growing up in a typical, conservative, one-stoplight town in Oklahoma, where my family had lived for three generations, being different was not celebrated. Most of my life I heard questions about who I was dating, expectations of wearing my mother’s wedding dress, having kids, and living a “normal” life. I had to pretend I was someone I was not.

Even though my parents loved me, they would not accept who I was. They didn’t know about the people I had found at my inclusive church, that I spent my time volunteering with LGBTQ+ youth, that I lost too many friends to AIDS — and that I lost my partner of seven years to breast cancer. Because we were not allowed to marry in 2005, a right not granted until 2015, I also lost the homeowners insurance that was in her name.

It seems fitting that I reflect on my own coming out journey the year that Pride’s theme is “Totally Radical,” which paid homage to the radical spirit that defined the pursuit of equality and progress in the 1980s and ’90s. You see, I came out in 1988, my first year of college — which seems like yesterday but also a very long time ago. I really didn’t know at the time that coming out would be a lifelong process. I knew nothing yet about Pride or the Pride flag — what I did know was that I was different.

After college, I moved to Dallas, and my world changed. I was fortunate to work for a large firm that took a risk in 2002 when they launched an employee Pride group, which I immediately joined. Finding out that there were others like me, who wanted to embrace authenticity at work, was inspiring but also scary.

In 2020, I decided to look for a new role, and I had one non-negotiable requirement: to be valued for exactly who I am. I had long admired Fannie Mae for supporting affordable housing and promotes a diverse workplace. So, when I received my offer to work here, I was thrilled. The very first thing I did on my first day was locate the Live Openly Employee Resource Group and sign up — before I even completed most of my required onboarding tasks!

Fannie Mae participates in the D.C. Capital Pride parade and festival, promotes inclusive email signatures, provides quarterly “Allies 101” and trans awareness training, and offers comprehensive surrogacy benefits. We are committed to promoting diversity and fostering inclusion. Our ERGs support and empower employees to help their colleagues reach their highest potential through education, raising awareness, and celebrating diversity.

This year, I celebrated 36 years of being “out.” ERGs have always offered me a place to connect and learn about professional growth opportunities. I can be my authentic self and give back to something that has given so much to me. The relationships and networks I have built have helped me thrive, and the impact we’ve had on raising awareness in the organization is powerful.

Fannie Mae is an award-winning company and has been recognized as a best place to work. For 2023 – 2024, we were honored with a Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for the ninth consecutive year. Ready to join our team? Search our open opportunities.