Celebrating Pride Month with Jenna Jacomet

I started my journey with PSA in August 2017 in the Crew Scheduling Department. I moved up to scheduling coordinator, before moving to my current position in Pilot IOE Scheduling. When I started in 2017, I was recently engaged and had only been publicly out for a little over a year. At that time, I had difficulty telling people I was with a woman because of the negativity I received from people I loved. It wasn’t until I had an unforgettable conversation with someone, that I really realized how open and accepting the employees at PSA’s OCC are.

It was my first week on the desk after training, and my supervisor was on the floor to assist and answer any questions I had. It was a slower night, so she and I got to talking. She saw my ring and asked if I was married or engaged. My heart sank a bit because I knew what was coming and was scared of the negativity that could follow. ‘What does your fiancé do? Where does he work?” I replied with “she…” and my supervisor looked at me and just smiled. Our conversation continued, as if my sexuality wasn’t something that concerned her. We got into deeper conversation and during the entire conversation my heart healed a bit.

The acceptance and love I received from my coworkers in the OCC was astronomical. I’m sure they didn’t (and don’t) realize the difference they made in my life, but I think that’s just part of the atmosphere at PSA: Acceptance. Part of what makes PSA is diversity, and that is an incredible trait. Pride this month isn’t just about the LGBTQIA community, it’s about being diverse and proud. With the protests following the murder of George Floyd, the LGBTQIA community has continued to show support for communities that are experiencing injustice. History shows protests and riots invoke change whether the change is immediate or not. The Stonewall Riots paved the way for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and the riots and protests that are happening today will certainly bring much needed change.

Diversity and acceptance are beautiful. Diversity and acceptance are PRIDE.