Gay. Lesbian. Black. Hispanic. Asian. Physically Challenged. Diversity Rules.

I grew up in chaste house in a small town in a small church.  The words “Gay, Queer, and Homosexual” were all used as insults. There were other words used for black people that I won’t repeat here. Words of hate and ignorance still exist, but at least now corporations seem to have made some ground when it comes to creating an inclusive environment.

I worked for a Fortune 100 company that had a very strict policy when it came to diversity. Diversity was embraced and people were and still are tolerated no matter what their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation. What I found most important, however, is that our company made orientation or affiliation a non-issue by educating people about different cultures and beliefs.

When I first started at this large company I was surprised by the number of various ethnic groups. I had never eaten Thai, Korean or Asian food. I had never had a homosexual co-worker. I made new friends from various cultures and found that my life was enriched by learning more about them. Eventually you look past color, sexual orientation and religion and you start to see people. Krishna and Senthil aren’t Indians, they are humans, they have families, they are Hindu or Muslim, they play Cricket, they work hard, I like them.

When you first start out in a new company make sure that you start fresh without any presuppositions about your co-workers. Let go of your stereotypes and embrace someone for who they are, not for what group they belong to.  If you happen to be part of a minority or an ethnic group, don’t let it define who you are as a person. Instead, be yourself - not a stereotype or a religion. Take pride in where you come from, but don’t shove it in people’s faces or that is all they will know about you. Instead be genuine, be respectful, be tolerant and in the end you will reap the benefits.