Each June, LinkedIn turns into a patchwork of rainbow logos and well-meaning allyship. It’s Pride Month: a time to reflect, celebrate, and advocate. And yet, even after years of driving transformations and advising execs on how to lead with authenticity, I still found myself hesitating over one question:
Should I post about my husband this year?
The hesitation surprised me. I’ve been out for years. My identity isn’t a secret… but LinkedIn is different. It’s not a social network; it’s a professional broadcast channel. My audience includes private equity partners, startup founders, Fortune 100 execs. People who trust me with multi-million-dollar transformations. People who expect polish, control, discretion.
But here’s the truth: If we’re going to talk about authenticity, leadership, and culture, then queerness belongs in that conversation too. If I can help a founder navigate their company through M&A chaos, I can also help them build a world where no one feels they have to hide their truth to succeed.
So yes, I posted about my husband this year. Not just because it’s Pride, but because visibility is leadership. And in rooms where silence is often the default, sometimes the most strategic move is to speak calmly and plainly.
I know some will see it as “too personal” for LinkedIn. But I also know that someone else, maybe a rising star, or maybe a future CEO, is watching. And maybe they’ll feel a little more seen, a little more possible, because someone like them didn’t edit himself out of his own professional narrative.
In the end, influence is not just what you say.
It’s also what you’re willing to stand for.
Happy Pride folks.
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