From Friendship to Advocacy: Carmina Sacramento on LGBTIQ+ Allyship at JTI

Carmina Sacramento, People & Culture Generalist at JTI, discusses her journey with allyship, and provides some personal learnings for other LGBTQ+ allies.

Hi Carmina, thanks for talking with us! Can you please introduce yourself and describe your role within your organization?

Thank you for having me and for your interest in our work. I’m Carmina, People & Culture Generalist from JTI Philippines. In addition to my primary role, I co-chair the PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) in the Philippines and act as the PROUDLY Ambassador for Allies in the Asia Pacific Region. PROUDLY is a global initiative of the PRIDE ERG aimed at uniting allies and advocates in support of the queer community at JTI.

How, when, and why did you decide to be an LGBTIQ+ ally?

It all began when one of my closest friends confided in me that he was gay. I could sense his nervousness as he tried to anticipate my reaction. The moment he shared his truth, I immediately embraced him and said that I was happy for him and very proud of him. “This doesn’t change anything,” I assured him.

I believe sometimes it’s incredibly challenging to come to terms with being gay, lesbian or queer, and even more so to share that with someone else. Being a safe space for my friend to reveal his true identity was profoundly humbling for me. That’s how I started my journey of allyship—I wanted to be that sanctuary for others on their own journeys of self-discovery.

How does your organization facilitate the inclusion of allies with your LGBTIQ+ network?

Within JTI’s global PRIDE ERG, we have what we call the PROUDLY Ambassadors for Allies. What began as a single person spearheading allyship in the company has now blossomed into a dedicated team of five global and many more local ambassadors, all advocating for inclusion and allyship within the organization.

Among our initiatives, we have revamped our Allyship Quiz, designed to test employees on their knowledge of LGBTIQ+ topics. Upon completion, participants earn an allyship badge on their profile, symbolizing their support for the community. Additionally, we are developing a guide to help spot and address micro-aggressions in the workplace, as this is an area where awareness is still growing. This guide will be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and understanding work environment.

Do you march at Pride?

Yes, I have! Last June 2023, JTI Philippines took part in its inaugural Pride march. It was my first experience marching as well, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The event turned out to be profoundly surreal—the energy, the people, and the overwhelming sense of love and support were incredible. It was heartening to witness so many coming together to advocate for equality and inclusion.

This year, I also joined the Pride march again. Despite the intense heat and getting drenched in rain toward the end, every moment was worth it. People often ask why I participate, with some even speculating that it might be my way of coming out. For me, it’s about standing firm and raising awareness that Pride is not only for members of the LGBTIQ+ community but also for straight allies like me to support and amplify their voices.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an ally?

Educate yourself about the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized groups. Understanding these realities helps you offer genuine support and recognize your own biases and privileges. Immerse yourself in learning about the LGBTIQ+ community. If something is unclear or if you have doubts, seek answers. Embrace your mistakes as part of the learning process and be patient with yourself—it's all a journey of growth.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Being an ally can be as straightforward as treating everyone with the same respect and dignity.

Don’t let fear of judgment hold you back. Some hesitate to be allies out of concern that they might be misperceived. Instead, focus on why you want to support the community and the positive impact you wish to make.

What has been your greatest achievement as an ally?

My greatest achievement as an ally is becoming the PROUDLY Ambassador for the Asia Pacific Region. This role has shaped my journey, challenging me to actively engage in advocacy and deepen the understanding of allyship within our workplace. It has provided a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness and foster safe spaces for my colleagues.

As we move forward, I encourage everyone to reflect on their own capacity for allyship. The journey starts with recognizing the good within each of us and understanding that being an ally means standing up for equality amongst us.