I started my firm's LGBTQ+ group—here's what year two looks like

Starting an affinity group within a flat partnership org structure isn't so hard after all.

If you had told me several years ago that I would one day build and lead my company’s LGBTQ+ group, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve always believed that diverse teams do better, and it’s been tremendously helpful to have had mentors at work that I could see myself in. I just didn’t think I would step up to the plate until much later in my career, especially having grown up hearing advice to wait until I’m more established to do something bold like this.

Now on the other side, I’m thrilled to report that these concerns were unwarranted — at least at Bessemer Venture Partners, where I got BVPride off the ground!

Getting started entailed conversations with my manager and function leader, connecting with the People team, identifying an executive sponsor, and pitching and solidifying the proposal with the managing partners who are closest to diversity initiatives at the firm. In a flat partnership structure, there are lots of committees, so it helps to match a new initiative to the right exec group.

If 2023 was about incorporation, 2024 has been about growth. 2024 marks Bessemer’s second year of celebrating Pride Month with robust programming, from our second annual Pride happy hour to internal learning and volunteer opportunities. And now that we’ve grown, it’s becoming easier to offer year-round programming.

The benefits of creating an affinity group at work are innumerable. On an individual level, it’s been great for visibility, program management, and leadership development.

Far more importantly, it’s a meaningful and tangible way to make an impact on the culture of an organization and its industry. I’ve had a terrific experience at Bessemer and have always viewed this project as a way to make a great place even better. On a wider scale, venture capital has come a long way since its cottage industry days, yet there’s still plenty of work to do. And on a national and international level, LGBTQ+ rights and protections continue to face attacks in 2024. It makes a difference when the private sector stands up in support of this community.

Here are some photos from two BVPride highlights this month, our volunteer opportunity — we helped install the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks in SF! — and 2nd annual Pride Month Happy Hour.

Happy Pride, and remember that today is a great day to build an affinity group at work.