We proudly embrace and give thanks to the individual differences that have collectively created the best team in the business, our Airstar Family. In celebration of Pride Month – and some of the talented people we’re lucky to call family – we’re beyond honored to share snippets of conversations with some of our team members about hope, equality and ultimately love.     

Meet Kelly M., Payroll/HR team member at Airstar (and avid camper). 

What are you proud of? The person I’ve become. 

What does ‘inclusion’ mean to you? Marriage equality was a big one for me. From a young age, most girls dream of falling in love and getting married. To be in love and not be able to get married didn’t seem fair to me. When marriage included same-sex partners, I was elated. I didn’t think I’d see that in my time.

Why is Pride Month so important? Pride Month is important because it creates awareness and places LGBTQ+ people in the spotlight. For some, this is the only time they can be their true selves. I have never been closeted. As soon as I realized I was gay, I lived my life true to myself. For me, it’s kind of like Valentine’s Day. Many people think Valentine’s Day is unnecessary because you should show your love every day. That’s how I am about being gay. I live my truth every day. Even though it meant being disowned by my father for 10 years. If you can’t love yourself, how can anyone else love you? 

Would you mind sharing a bit about your experience, strength, and hope? I do see a change in the world.  I see young LGBTQ+ people have an easier time than I did. They have so many more rights than I had growing up. They can marry, join the military, adopt and not be ridiculed because of who they love. Being raised Catholic was also a challenge for me. I attended Catholic school off and on for 12 years. I was taught that being gay was an abomination. So, I learned to look at things differently.  I treat others as I would like to be treated. I don’t judge people because there is only one Judge. But most of all, God doesn’t make mistakes and God made me this way because in the infamous words of Lady Gaga, “Baby, I was born this way!” 

Meet Galvyn H., Station Supervisor

An interesting fact about you, something you like to do, favorite hobby, etc.? I’m a singer in a band, (MobiusPieces, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy (CCDE)). I’m bilingual (Spanish). I’m a lefty.

What are you proud of? I’m proud of the growth and acceptance that people are beginning to openly show for those who have been marginalized in some way, shape, form or fashion.

What does inclusion mean to you? Inclusion by my definition is welcoming the myriad of nuances people bring to the table that creates a safe space free from isolation, judgment and segregation, a practice that adheres to and appreciates all walks of life from every spectrum it comes from.

Why is Pride Month so important? Pride month is important because it is a testament to those within the LGBTQ+ community that our voices are heard, and our presence is seen and felt. Pride Month is the promise we continue to uphold to live out loud and in our truths that honor the pioneers that made it possible for us today (RIP Marsha P. Johnson).

Would you mind sharing a bit about your experience, strength and hope? My experience growing up and understanding my queerness has always been in the duality of equally understanding my blackness. To appreciate, love, and embrace both so fiercely and unapologetically, that one would not be weighed more than the other. The key was finding my balance in all of it, finding my “tribe” that loves me unconditionally, and being that change I wanted to see in the world. My strength is my understanding that people don’t understand and allowing their opinions not to sway my resolve. I hope that the world progresses forward and abolishes all restrictions that would hinder “Universal Equality” and true equity for all sentient beings.

We appreciate you every day, Kelly and Galvyn!