NASA’s Glenn Research Center is making strides when it comes to supporting and empowering its LGBTQ+ community. For the very first time, Glenn’s Rainbow Alliance Advisory Group (RAAG) — a NASA employee resource group that supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community — represented NASA in Cleveland’s Pride march, called Pride in the CLE.
“It’s a wonderful accomplishment for Glenn to march in celebration of LGBTQ+ history and culture,” said Jen Pierce, aerospace engineer and RAAG chairperson. “By going out and being visible as members and allies of this group, we build bridges to LGBTQ+ folks and help them see that there’s a place for them here.”
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. Throughout the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies hold festivities for LGBTQ+ Pride Month to inspire the celebration of differences and encourage the historically marginalized LGBTQ+ community to pursue human rights, freedoms, and equality.
NASA Glenn is showing its dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance (DEIA) to current and future NASA employees in more ways than one this year. The center is flying the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag throughout the entire month of June, and the Glenn Research Center Exchange Gift Shop introduced LGBTQ+ Pride merchandise. These actions to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community at the center are noticed by its employees and contractors.
“Visibility helps NASA folks feel accepted, included, and comfortable being themselves,” said Pierce. “It takes a mental and emotional toll to hide who you are when you’re at work. By doing outreach activities, we’re letting employees know that we’re here and encouraging them to be their authentic selves so they can use their energy for better things.”
Pierce became the RAAG co-chair in 2022 and led the group alongside her counterpart SJ Phillips, who held the chairperson position for four years before leaving the agency in May 2023. Phillips said when they joined, the group consisted of a handful of active participants. Phillips knew the key to recruiting more participants was creating more visibility of the RAAG and its efforts across the center.
“I saw as the group continued to grow, the more comfortable everyone felt joining,” said Phillips. “It’s hard to be the first person, and no one wants to stand alone, so I think seeing more members and seeing a greater presence at Glenn really makes a difference.”
The RAAG supports more than just the LGBTQ+ community across the center. Anyone at NASA Glenn is welcome to participate, learn more about the community, or offer support. The group formally meets monthly, as well as informally for various types of social events like dinners and game nights where participants can have casual, candid conversations.
“There are people in our group who have a gay or nonbinary child who come to learn about the community or hear personal experiences through casual conversation,” said Pierce. “We also have members who aren’t part of the LGBTQ+ community who see what’s happening socially and ask how they can best support and advocate for us.”
While the RAAG offers community building, networking, and socializing, it is also moving and shaking when it comes to agency DEIA policies. Along with raising a flag, participating in a march, and selling Pride merchandise, the group is working an agency directive to increase the number of required all-gender restrooms at each center. Pierce attributes the progress they’ve made to the backing they’ve received from leadership.
“Having the support from the agency and center leadership is paramount,” said Pierce. “We’re grateful knowing that we as the LGBTQ+ community can continue moving forward with speaking and advocating for our community.”
Jacqueline Minerd
NASA’s Glenn Research Center
