The Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent Pride Month observance celebrated the significant contributions of LGBTQI+ employees within the agency. The event also served as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the challenges still faced by the LGBTQI+ community.

       Director Baker shares her story.

Shalanda Baker’s Inspiring Leadership

Shalanda Baker, the Director of the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE), opened the event with a heartfelt welcome. “This is my community. I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community,” she declared. Baker’s announcement of the DOE’s first official Gender Transition guidelines marks a significant step towards supporting employees seeking gender-affirming treatment. These guidelines aim to provide clear, supportive pathways for employees navigating their gender transition.

Baker shared her personal journey, recounting the hardships she faced under the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which led to her resignation from the United States Air Force in 2001. Her story underscores the stark contrast between the past and the more inclusive environment she found in the Biden administration. Despite announcing her departure from the EJE after nearly four years, Baker’s message to the crowd was one of love and resilience. She urged attendees to continue fighting for the rights of all marginalized communities.

           Honorable Shawn Skelly discusses being her true self.

Messages of Support and Resilience

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly LGBTQ+ person in her position, extended a warm greeting to the audience, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to LGBTQI+ rights.

The newly appointed Principal Deputy Director of EJE, Tamia Gordon, introduced keynote speaker Shawn G. Skelly. Skelly, a trans woman and 20-year Navy veteran, highlighted the importance of authenticity and competence in her role as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Skelly’s acknowledgment of the challenges faced by trans individuals in the workplace and the life-saving potential of the DOE’s gender transition guidelines resonated deeply with the audience.

A Reflection on History and Art

The event also featured a performance by opera singer Joey Chee, who performed “Our Very Own Home” from the operatic adaptation of “Fellow Travelers.” This novel explores the lives of two gay men during the Lavender Scare, a 1950s movement aimed at removing homosexuals from federal government positions. Dr. Casey Catherine Moore followed with the recitation of two original poems, “Defiant by Design” and “Rainbow Fusion,” the latter of which was composed during the event and included references to the speeches given.

          Joey Chee sings “Our Very Own House."

Continued Commitment to Equality

The DOE’s Pride Month celebration not only honored the progress made but also emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy and support for the LGBTQI+ community. The event’s video and program book are available on the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Special Observances website. For more information and to join the conversation, visit the Office of Energy Justice and Equity website and follow DOE’s social media channels.

This event, rich in history and filled with hope for the future, underscores the DOE's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all its employees.