LGBTQ Voices @ MiQ: Sara Axelbaum

LGBTQ & Ally Voices of MiQ is an interview series that’s part of our Pride celebrations. In this blog, we’ll hear from MiQ people who are in different roles, in different countries, with different experiences. They’ll tell us about their story, how they’re celebrating Pride and what it means to them. This is just one of the ways we’re supporting the LGBTQ+ community and raising awareness. It reflects how far society has come, but how far we still need to go.

Name: Sara Axelbaum
Pronouns: She / her
Region: United States
Role: Global head of inclusion and diversity
Sexuality: Straight / Ally

What was your first Pride experience?
One of my closest friends came out in freshman year to our group of friends. He found out that a neighboring town was having a Pride parade, and he asked if we would join him. We hatched a plan (as only 13-year-olds can do), got dropped off at the movie theater and walked to the parade. It was miles away, but it was totally worth it to see my friend with new found joy.

What does LGBTQ+ Pride mean to you?
I love the joy of celebrating love that is so warm and welcoming. 

What do you find inspirational about Pride month?
It gives me the opportunity to show my kids what love can look like, no matter who they love in the future. 

How will you be getting involved with and celebrating Pride this year?
Every year as a family, we go to the local Pride parade with a bunch of our friends. It’s very important that my kids know that love is something to always be celebrated. I want them to continue seeing some of their friends having two moms or two dads as completely ordinary.