U.S. Bank employee Masoud Torabi shares his personal story in honor of Pride Month. 

I began my career with U.S. Bank in July 2012 shortly after graduating college. I remember anxiously walking into the branch and receiving my name tag and first box of business cards. I was so proud that I took a photo of them and sent it to my family. I had no idea that I’d just started working for a company that would accept my identity as a gay man.  

I have a different background than many of my peers. At age 11, I migrated to the United States from Iran with my brother and parents. I was excited to discover a new world where my dreams were within reach. However, as I grew older, I felt different than those around me. Coming from an Iranian background, the idea of embracing myself as a gay man seemed impossible. I was told from a young age that the type of love I most yearned for was wrong. While in my mind it felt natural, I was forced to keep it deeply hidden.

Just before I started work at U.S. Bank, I fell in love with someone. This forced me to open up to my family about my truth. Unfortunately, it did not go as smoothly as I’d hoped. I was unsure of how I’d navigate through life with such a heavy burden to bear. Thankfully, U.S. Bank was a place I could thrive. I met several coworkers who became friends and mentors. I got promoted. I could visualize who I wanted to become both personally and professionally. 

I learned that my identity is my biggest asset. When I can bring my whole self to work, I can interact authentically with those around me. This allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and to establish trust. At U.S. Bank, I finally felt like I’d found my people. My team respected me for who I was, and I knew that my sexual orientation wouldn’t hold me back from reaching my potential. 

Today, I’m proud to be the president of the Seattle chapter of the Spectrum business resource group for LGBT employees and allies alongside my day job as a branch manager. Bringing my whole self to work has worked out for the better. Thanks to U.S. Bank, I found a second family that encourages me to be the best I can be. 

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of representing U.S. Bank at the NGLCC Best of the Best Awards in Washington, D.C. I watched the crowd cheer as my U.S. Bank colleague Todd Ackerman accepted the award on stage. I realized we were among change makers and pioneers, and that U.S. Bank is celebrated for encouraging LGBTQ lives like mine to thrive. 

Masoud Torabi is a U.S. Bank assistant vice president and branch manager based in Seattle.