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<\/a>Thank you for saying hello at the Envoy table during the NGPA conference. We chatted briefly and I expressed my gratitude for the inclusive and supportive culture that Envoy practices. I would like to tell you why it means so much to me, and why seeing someone at your level at the NGPA conference was incredible.<\/p>\nIn early 2007, I was offered a job at another regional airline. During the first few days of training, we filled out HR paperwork. I included the name of my domestic partner on the forms, but I was quickly informed that same-sex couples were not recognized by their company.<\/p>\n
I was disappointed, but accepted this because I was there and felt like I had no other choice.The following day I was called into the office and asked to leave.<\/p>\n
I asked why, and was told that because their benefits don’t include same-sex couples, they didn’t feel their company was a good fit for my needs. I walked out devastated. It felt like my worst fear just came true.<\/p>\n
I felt hopeless, defeated and lost. I returned to my newly leased apartment, rented a moving truck, packed my stuff and began a long, lonely drive to San Diego.<\/p>\n
I stopped to get\u00a0gas, when my cellphone rang. I answered and it was an HR representative from American Eagle (Envoy) asking if I would like to come in for an interview.<\/p>\n
My heart sank. I said yes, but probably sounded apprehensive. All I could think was, ‘what if this happens again?\u00a0So, I interrupted and asked, \u201cDoes your company offer benefits for\u00a0same-sex couples?\u201d<\/p>\n