Humans of Meraki

Featuring: QFAM

Happy Pride! June is Pride Month in many countries around the world, recognizing and promoting self-love, self-worth, and the impact of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. In celebration, we are amplifying voices from our Employee Resource Organization, QFAM!

Maurice Christie, Senior Recruiter
London, UK

I knew from a young age, 6 or 7. Throughout my teenage years I would look at culture and TV and think, “That’s just not me.” At that time, there wasn’t much representation of gay men, so there wasn’t anyone or anything I could really align myself to. I ended up repressing it and hiding it because I didn’t know what to do. I came out when I was 19. I had just completed my first year in university and I wanted to live more freely. I didn’t want to lie to myself or to my parents any longer, so I took a step forward and came out. It was such a big decision to make at a young age, because I worried about what my parents would think, but it was absolutely the right choice. My parents were extremely supportive — I felt so lucky — and it was like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. It’s important that we don’t hide behind a mask and instead bring our true selves wherever we go, because life is too short.

Emily Sporl, Audience Marketing Manager
San Francisco, USA

The idea of being on a journey is something I think a lot of queer people can relate to, as coming into one’s own identity isn’t always a neat path. It certainly wasn’t for me.

I started leading QFAM in SF four years ago because I want the world to be a better, more equitable place that offers each of us a chance to live authentically as our best selves — and I can’t ask that of the world if I’m not willing to do my part to enable it. I’m motivated to hold space and create safety for Merakians who are in the process of finding themselves; my proudest moments are when I hear from a colleague that, because of the intersectional work I do with QFAM, they feel empowered to be their full selves at work. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you know? Life is short and so, so precious. That drives me to affirm queer folks in a way that allows them to define their own versions of happiness and live their best lives now.

Craig Jones, IT Lead
Sydney, Australia

By far the most difficult thing I ever had to do was come out to my parents. I’m lucky, because I have quite progressive parents and they accepted me immediately, but there’s so many “what ifs” to consider when you come out. Even if your family is open-minded, you just never know if your life and relationships are about to change forever.

Starting at Meraki six years ago I immediately knew I could be myself. Meraki changed me by believing in me; I really felt like I could achieve things, solve tough problems, and have a high impact. Differences are celebrated here and I’m surrounded by colleagues who are motivated, hardworking, and fun.

QFAM is about to officially launch our new chapter here in the Sydney office, and I’m excited to put an Australian touch on things. I want to create connections with other pride groups at tech companies across Sydney, and I hope to put Meraki on the map as one of the best companies for LGBTQ+ folks to work for.

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