Supporting LGBTQIA+ Community: Allies, Resources, and Embracing Change at GoDaddy


06/12/2024


I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and now live happily in Tempe. I share my life with my wonderful wife, Kristyn, and our incredible child, Ash. Our household also includes four adorable pets: two cats, Smokey and Cyn, a dog named Penny, and a guinea pig called Jack. I completed my education with an Associate of Science in Computer Science and an Associate of Arts in December 2021. In my free time, I enjoy working on small, challenging projects and have recently taken up photography.
 
I joined GoDaddy in 2021 as a Website Specialist I in the Website Design Services department, working remotely. I have since advanced to a Customer Support Specialist II position, where I primarily collaborate with the WDS and Marketing Services teams. In the same year, I became a member of our Employee Resource Group, GD United, which supports the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. I’ve participated in various virtual events like Drag Bingo and online meetups, and had a great time walking in the Phoenix Pride Parade in 2022 with my GD United family. The following year, I enjoyed watching the parade with my child, who had a fantastic experience. We're looking forward to joining the parade again in 2024! GD United is a truly remarkable community that I am proud to be part of.
 
GoDaddy is incredibly supportive of what matters to me. As a champion for small businesses and entrepreneurs, GoDaddy’s services have enabled me to create my own website, PandaKay.gay, where I can showcase my work and aim to become a freelancer in software development and photography. It’s a place where I can be my true self both at work and at home, and I appreciate the inclusivity that allows me to bring my wife and child to events without any hesitation.
 
One of my proudest moments at GoDaddy was at the end of 2023 when I received the Rockstar award for the third quarter due to having the best stats in the department. This recognition validated my progress and passion for my work.
 
To me, Pride means being authentically yourself and expressing it as boldly or subtly as you wish. Whether it’s wearing rainbows every day or simply holding my wife’s hand, it’s about being proud of who I am regardless of others' opinions. We all deserve to be true to ourselves.