Chad Rogers, Penn Entertainment’s Director of Slots, surprises a lot of people when he states that he’s gay. The reactions range from he’s the first gay person some people have met to Rogers seems “very cool.”
“There’s something to be said about being authentically yourself around people,” Rogers said during Wednesday’s webinar “LGBTQ+ in Gaming: Creating Inclusive Communities.” “We’re normal people. We just want to be ourselves and be happy.”
The genesis of the group LGBTQ+ in Gaming came during last year’s Global Gaming Expo through informal conversations that organizer Brooke Thomas, Seminole Hard Rock Support Services’s Vice President of People, Equity & Inclusion, had on the show floor. The group launched earlier this year.
“This group is really about creating a dedicated space for LGBTQ professionals and their allies in the gaming community to gather, to shape a future, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work,” Thomas said.
Wednesday’s webinar served as the group’s first event and a primer, explaining various aspects of the LGBTQ community. Thomas said one of the organization’s missions is to let LGBTQ members know they’re not alone.
“So many of us are in this community and industry and we don’t know each other,” Thomas said.
But by no means is LGTBQ+ in Gaming meant to be an insular group.
“We want to remember when we create space for these conversations, everyone should be invited in,” said Everi Customer Success Manager Matthew Heenan. “That means no gatekeepers around who gets to care about inclusion. We welcome all allies at all levels of the organization, framing these dialogues as part of everyone’s leadership development.”
It’s also important, according to Penn Entertainment Director of Talent Jack Lyons, for everyone, in management or not, to “put on your leadership hat.” To not shy away from meeting customers and embracing the chance to forge new allies.
“I think it’s an opportunity to express yourself a little bit more, especially in these areas we’re covering today,” Lyons said. “Because if nothing else, it’s letting people around you know this is a safe business, I’m a safe person. It’s all about encouraging that kind of environment where, even if you’re surrounded by people that might not be on board with us, it’s important not to forget about that and take that extra opportunity, especially when meeting new people at your property or business and introducing yourself.”
All webinar participants noted that they’re fortunate to garner support from their employers. Caesars Entertainment Director Revenue Hospitality Derek Harasiuk noted that his company is committed to creating inclusive environments, not just in the workplace, but also in social settings. Caesars in Las Vegas is hosting a Pride Month and Juneteenth mixer June 19.
“My goal is to simply create spaces, both physical and virtual, where team members can come together, celebrate Pride, and hear the powerful stories of leaders from across Caesars,” Harasiuk said. “Because when we share our stories, we build understanding.”
