“OUT in the Field’ panel takes place via Zoom on June 24, 2020. Featuring (left to right, top to bottom) photographer Michael George, plastic pollution researcher Justine Ammendolia, psychology researcher Francisco Gómez Jiménez, documentary filmmaker Ifeatu Nnaobi, ABC News Foreign Correspondent James Longman, and photographer Pau Villanueva.
In celebration of Pride Month, National Geographic staff participated in a special lineup of virtual events planned by the PRIDE employee group.
PRIDE is one of National Geographic’s Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs). The employee-led BERGs are formed around shared identity, interests or pursuit. PRIDE is open to all LGBTQ+ employees, allies, and supporters of the cause.
On June 16, PRIDE hosted its inaugural new virtual conversation series, “Speak Out.” This conversation was moderated by Timo Gorner, Chief of Staff at National Geographic Partners, and featured George Kalogridis, Disney’s President of Segment Development and Enrichment, and Paul Richardson, ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources.
Timo, George and Paul not only discussed inclusion at Disney, but each shared their personal journeys, giving insight into their professional challenges and experiences.
“Speak Out’ panel takes place via Zoom on June 16, 2020. Featuring (left to right, top to bottom) Chief of Staff at National Geographic Partners Timo Gorner, Disney’s President of Segment Development and Enrichment George Kalogridis, and ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources Paul Richardson.
On June 24, PRIDE hosted “OUT in the Field,” a virtual panel of National Geographic Explorers and journalists.
The panel was moderated by ABC News Foreign Correspondent James Longman and featured plastic pollution researcher Justine Ammendolia, photographer Michael George, psychology researcher Francisco Gómez Jiménez, documentary filmmaker Ifeatu Nnaobi, and photographer Pau Villanueva.
Some panelists discussed their experiences of being LGBTQ+ while on assignment, with many having faced the discomfort of hiding their identities in order to blend into a different community. Some shared more positive experiences where they were surprised at how accepted they were in other cultures.
Other panelists shared about their experiences covering LGBTQ+ topics, and how their personal identities impact their work.
“OUT in the Field’ panel takes place via Zoom on June 24, 2020. Featuring (left to right, top to bottom) photographer Michael George, plastic pollution researcher Justine Ammendolia, psychology researcher Francisco Gómez Jiménez, documentary filmmaker Ifeatu Nnaobi, photographer Pau Villanueva, and ABC News Foreign Correspondent James Longman.
During Pride Month, staff was asked to “Show Your Pride” by sharing photos, videos, and messages in Nat Geo’s internal employee communication platform.
Staff shared photos from their favorite pride parade moments, as well as photos of their families, loved ones and partners. Staff also shared their favorites LGBTQ+ Pride quotes and stories. Many resources were shared, in addition to ideas on how to continue being an ally within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Staff also shared the names and information of LGBTQ+ non-profits that they are proud to support.
To close out the previous Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May, on May 28 PRIDE had partnered with Asian Pacific Entertainment Connection, another National Geographic employee group, to co-host a virtual water party of the new film, “The Half of It,” which features a young love story.