Interviews
Empowering Change: Gretchen Diez on Advocacy, Inclusion, and the Future of LGBTIQ+ Rights
June 20, 2024
Gretchen Diez, Senior Trainer at Accenture in the Philippines, shares her journey of over a decade in training and development, focusing on enhancing customer service and operational efficiency with myGwork. Her advocacy for LGBTIQ+ rights was ignited by a personal incident in 2019, leading her to become a prominent spokesperson for the community. Diez emphasizes the importance of Pride as a celebration of resilience and a call to action for ongoing legal protections and societal acceptance. She envisions a future where educational and corporate environments fully embrace inclusivity, and where media representations reflect the diversity and strength of the LGBTIQ+ community.
myGwork: Hi Gretchen, please introduce yourself and tell us about your role in your organization.
Gretchen: I'm Gretchen Diez and I'm a Senior Trainer at Accenture in
the Philippines. With over a decade of experience, I've honed my skills in
training and development, focusing on enhancing customer service excellence and
operational efficiency. As part of my role at Accenture, I provide workshops on
communication, soft skills, and process training to empower teams with the
knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles as well and deliver value
for our clients, people, and communities.
My journey with Accenture has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the success of our clients' projects while also growing professionally. I'm passionate about sharing my insights and experiences with the new generation of talent, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve their career goals.
Beyond my professional life, I'm an avid reader, a travel enthusiast, and a strong advocate for LGBTIQ+ equality. My background includes being a debate champion in high school and college, which has equipped me with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
myGwork: Can you pleaese share your favorite Pride related story?
Gretchen: As a transgender woman, in August 2019, I found myself in a situation that would become a turning point for my advocacy of furthering gender equality. After attempting to use the women's restroom in a popular shopping mall, I was handcuffed, dragged into a security room, and subjected to public humiliation before being unlawfully detained. This incident sparked outrage across the Filipino LGBTIQ+ community and garnered significant support from allies nationwide. Overnight, I became a symbol of resistance and a spokesperson for the cause, using the media to share my story and demand recognition and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ rights.
This experience, along with the challenges faced by others in the community, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to protect us from discrimination. Despite the challenges, the fight for an LGBTIQ+ anti-discrimination law in the Philippines has continued, with moments of hope interspersed with setbacks. The journey has been long and fraught, marked by the persistence of outdated attitudes and systemic barriers.
Yet, amidst adversity, there have been victories. Local governments have begun passing their own anti-discrimination ordinances, offering protection to LGBTIQ+ individuals in areas where national laws fall short. These small yet significant steps forward remind us that change is possible, even in the face of daunting odds.
My story, and the stories of countless others like me, serve as a testament to the strength and determination of the LGBTIQ+ community. Together, we continue to strive for a future where every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can live freely and without fear.
myGwork: What does celebrating Pride mean to you?
Gretchen: Pride is not just a festival; it's a powerful demonstration of unity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of equality.
For me, Pride is a time to honor the pioneers who fought for our rights and freedoms, and to acknowledge the progress made towards inclusion and diversity. It's a moment to reflect on the challenges we still face, such as discrimination, violence, and lack of legal protections, and to recommit ourselves to advocating for change.
Pride also serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our community—our artists, activists, educators, and everyday heroes who inspire us with their courage and compassion. It's a reminder that our diversity is our strength, and that together, we can build a society that embraces all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. To me celebrating Pride is deeply personal—it's a reflection of my journey, my community's resilience, and our shared vision for a better tomorrow.
myGwork: In your opinion, why is Pride significant and what impact does it have?
Gretchen: Pride creates a safe space for LGBTIQ+ individuals to express themselves freely, something they might not feel comfortable doing in daily life. This collective expression of Pride fosters a stronger sense of community among participants and allies, reinforcing the idea that Pride matters not just during Pride Month but throughout the entire year.
myGwork: Looking ahead to next year, what do you hope will be accomplished in relation to LGBTIQ+ rights and acceptance?
Gretchen: I am hopeful for several advancements in LGBTIQ+ rights and acceptance globally, inspired by recent trends and societal shifts. There's a growing emphasis on addressing LGBTIQ+ issues in schools, from elementary education to higher education. I anticipate seeing more curriculum changes that include LGBTIQ+ history, experiences, and contributions, fostering a more inclusive educational environment for young people.
Many corporations and institutions are recognizing the importance of inclusion and diversity in their policies and practices. I am proud to say that I am part of an organization like Accenture that invests in adopting LGBTIQ+-friendly workplace policies, including non-discrimination clauses, benefits for same-gender partners, and employee resource groups dedicated to LGBTIQ+ concerns.
The LGBTIQ+ community continues to grow in visibility and influence. I hope to see increased advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness about LGBTIQ+ issues, challenging stereotypes, and promoting understanding and acceptance. This includes leveraging social media and other platforms to engage wider audiences in conversations about LGBTIQ+ rights.
The entertainment and media industries play a crucial role in shaping public perception. I'm optimistic about seeing more LGBTIQ+ characters represented accurately and positively in films, television shows, and literature, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the LGBTIQ+ community.
It is crucial that we not only celebrate Pride, but also actively promote allyship and raise awareness for the needs of our LGBTIQ+ community. As one of the 141,000 allies at Accenture, I am proud to be part of a company that actively promotes inclusion and diversity. Each year, we strive to involve more individuals in advocating for these values, both within Accenture and beyond.
Gretchen Diez, Senior Trainer at Accenture in the Philippines
myGwork: How can we ensure that Pride is inclusive for everyone within the LGBTIQ+ community?
Gretchen: Educating oneself and others about the diverse identities within the LGBTIQ+ spectrum, including learning the correct terminologies and understanding the unique experiences and challenges faced by different segments of the community.
Developing empathy and a genuine interest in the community's struggles and triumphs, which goes beyond surface-level knowledge to a deeper level of understanding and connection.
In the same way friendships evolve and deepen over time, recognizing that awareness is an ongoing process. Continuous learning and engagement with the community is key to staying informed and supportive.
Interested in learning more about Gretchen Diez and her story? Join her at the WorkPride Conference by registering here: