Baylee Wechsler

She/Her

Baylee Wechsler is the Global Coordinator for the Workplace Equality Program at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In this role, she facilitates the global workplace equality initiatives, focusing on Latin America. Baylee also supports the larger Workplace Equality Program initiatives like Corporate Equality Index and workplace training sessions. Before joining HRCF, she worked in the mental health, gender and reproductive health, campaign finance reform, and criminal justice advocacy spaces. Baylee holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in International Development Studies and Gender Studies and a minor in Spanish Language from the University of California, Los Angeles.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“I wish I had known that living as my authentic self was possible in the workplace. I used to hide parts of myself because I thought that would make life easier.”

Dominic J. Solari

He/Him

I am originally from California. I attended Georgetown University for college, where I was a double major in Government and History and a minor in Economics. During college, I interned for Representative Jeff Denham, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the State Department U.S. Consulate in Milan, Italy, and the Council on Foreign Relations. I also conducted research about nuclear policy, and I was a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society’s Georgetown Chapter. I then attended Harvard Law school, where I received my J.D. in 2023. During both summers of law school, I interned in legal offices within the Department of Defense. Since fall of 2023, I have worked at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as a national security attorney, advising on trade, technology, CFIUS, and other national security regulatory regimes.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“I wish that I had been less afraid to share myself with [my colleagues], because it turns out that I have better relationships with my colleagues and we are a more cohesive team when I bring my whole self to work.”

Evan Kellner

He/Him

I am a 2020 graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, currently completing a Masters in Cybersecurity. With a diverse range of professional and personal interests, I am passionate about continuous learning and growth. I actively participate in various training programs to expand my knowledge of the Department of Defense and the federal government. Additionally, I enjoy academic articles and historical documents to uncover forgotten insights from the past that can be applied to contemporary issues. In my personal life, I find fulfillment in nurturing a sizable garden every summer, which includes fig trees, a substantial strawberry patch, and an assortment of peppers and herbs.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“Being out means that I am proud of who I am, even if it makes me different from others. I strongly believe in Judith Butler’s seminal work on the performativity of sexuality and gender, and I embrace the concept of fluidity.”

Frances Hisgen

She/Her

Frances Hisgen is the senior research program manager for the project on China’s Global Sharp Power at the Hoover Institution. Prior to joining Hoover, she worked at the American Chamber of Commerce (in Hong Kong), at Caixin (in Beijing), and at the Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations. Her academic work on histories of gender and sexuality in greater China has been supported by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Cambridge World History Workshop, and the Women’s History Network, and she’s been interviewed about her research by the BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“For me, being out means that I get to contribute to the joyous and urgent mission of expanding the national security community to look more like the diverse fabric of our nation. I find it deeply meaningful, that, unlike too many of my queer ancestors, I don’t need to choose between my career and my identity.”

Hannah Lamb

She/Her

Hannah Lamb an Army officer and recent graduate of the United States Military Academy where she received Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering and a minor in Terrorism Studies.

Hannah is passionate about global affairs, counterterrorism, and international development. She is an editor for the Irregular Warfare Initiative, a journal that seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practitioners.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“I often say that other people care a lot more about my sexuality than I do. To me, being “out” means normalizing to others what, to me, is already normal.”

Jeremiah E. Baldwin

He/Him

Jeremiah E. Baldwin (he/him) hails from the Lone Star State. Today, Baldwin is the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler [D-California].

Baldwin is a 2023 Dean’s Distinguished Graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Government; Rhetoric and Writing; and African and African Diaspora Studies. He also double minored in LGBTQ+ Studies and Educational Psychology.

Baldwin’s work at The University of Texas at Austin and beyond consists of him being a fierce advocate for marginalized people.

In 2022, he studied abroad in South Africa at The University of Cape Town and interned for Philisa Abafazi Bethu – Family Center. For this non-profit organization, he developed inclusive community programming to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ South Africans. In 2023, he conducted interdisciplinary legal research on queer peace activism at the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. In February of 2023, his podcast on queer intersectionality won the inaugural Black Queer Studies Student Award hosted through The University of Texas Libraries. In March of 2023, he partnered with Vivent Health to host a campus-wide event at The University of Texas at Austin that educated students on HIV-AIDS and provided them HIV & STI testing services.

In June of 2023, Baldwin was selected by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, also known as the NAACP, to attend Vice President Kamala Harris’ Pride Month Reception at her residence in Washington, D.C. because of his unyielding commitment to advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Baldwin is focused on becoming an international human rights lawyer because he wants to promote national security abroad through fostering diplomatic relationships between the United States and foreign countries. He is passionate about LGBTQIA+ liberation and believes that no one should be discriminated against for their identity.

Baldwin is an alumnus of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s prestigious internship program and he is a proud brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“To me, being an out Black gay man means the world to me, especially in a nation with a long history of oppressing Black people and LGBTQIA+ people. Today, I am proud of my younger self for being confident enough to stand boldly in my queerness.”

Jordan Farenhem

He/Him

Jordan Farenhem currently serves as a Country Director for Ukraine within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Jordan had previously served as a Homeland Defense Policy Advisor.

Prior to serving in policy roles within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Jordan was a maritime analyst within the Department of Defense.

Jordan is a graduate of Yale University where he received a B.A. in Political Science with Distinction. During this time, he interned within the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, was a research assistant at Yale’s Jackson Institute, and was the recipient of a Boren Scholarship for study in Indonesia. ” To me, the most important part of being out is feeling comfortable.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“”Coming out” is not a one-time act, but a continuous process with every new person you meet. Over time I have learned that what may be a short moment of awkwardness upon coming out in the workplace is well worth it for the lasting comfort and sense of freedom that comes after.”

Kevin Wei

He/They

Kevin Wei is a Technology and Security Policy Fellow at RAND and a J.D. candidate at Harvard Law School. His research agenda is centered on the governance of advanced artificial intelligence systems, with a particular focus on institutional design and regulation of AI in the United States. His work has been featured by various think tanks and academic conferences, and he is an occasional Mandarin-English translator.

Previously, Kevin was a Senior Marketing Manager at cloud infrastructure provider DigitalOcean and an organizing manager on the 2018 Beto for Texas campaign. From 2022–2023, he studied sub-national AI ethics policy in China as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University. Kevin completed an M.S. in machine learning from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.A. in Mathematics-Statistics and Economics from Columbia University.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“I view being out as a privilege and a responsibility…. Because I understand personally that not everyone can be out professionally, I know that it is up to those of us who are out to forge more inclusive workplaces for all of us.”

Map A. Pesqueira

He/Him

Map Pesqueira is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he studied Government and Political Communication and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He is passionate about national security and believes in the power of selfless leadership.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“Living my truth fosters confidence and trust among Soldiers, demonstrating that my identity does not hinder my ability to lead them to success or perform my duties. This transparency and honesty contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately strengthening team cohesion and morale.”

Matthew Barocas

He/Him

Matthew Barocas is the program manager for the Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In this role, he facilitates research on U.S.-China commercial relations, Chinese industrial policy and emerging technology, and coordinates dialogues between scholars, business leaders, and policymakers on trends in the bilateral relationship. Prior to joining CSIS, Matthew received an MS in global affairs from Tsinghua University in Beijing as a Schwarzman Scholar. In Beijing, he researched U.S.-China diplomacy during crisis points in the bilateral relationship and experienced life under China’s Zero-Covid policy. Matthew previously interned in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida Honors Program with a BA in history and political science. Matthew is from Miami, Florida.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“In my career in DC, I seek to represent my identity in my workplace, through my employee advocacy group, by finding mentorship from out senior employees, and as a resource to other junior staff.”

Riley Reed

She/Her

Riley Reed is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in project management, partnership development, and advocacy, focusing on global education and sustainable development. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Peace Studies from DePaul University, Riley has built a career dedicated to fostering impactful change through strategic initiatives and community engagement.

In their current role as a Partnership Manager at GlobalGiving, Riley has successfully managed high-profile partnerships with industry leaders such as NBCUniversal and the VF Corporation. Their work involves strategic planning, campaign oversight, and navigating complex organizational landscapes to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Riley has also been actively involved with UNA-USA as the Pride Affinity Chair, where they have led initiatives to mobilize support for global causes and advocate for inclusive policies. Their efforts in community engagement and coalition building have reinforced the importance of creating inclusive spaces that value diverse perspectives.

At the World Food Forum, Riley coordinated youth-led side events focusing on critical issues such as food security and sustainable agriculture, ensuring young innovators’ voices were amplified on the global stage. Additionally, their experience with National Geographic’s Photo Camps provided them with unique insights into the power of storytelling and visual media in engaging and educating young people.

With a strong commitment to sustainable development, global education, and advocacy, Riley continues to drive positive change by leveraging their expertise in project management and community engagement.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“Being out as an LGBTQ+ individual has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey. It means living authentically and advocating for my rights and the rights of others in my community.”

Taylor Whitsell

He/Him

I am Special Advisor to the Chief Counsel for Semiconductor Incentives at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, I facilitate the legal implementation of the CHIPS Incentives program. Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am a graduate of Harvard College, where I studied Government and European History, Politics, and Societies.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“Being out at work is a way to honor the generations of LGBTQ+ public servants who paved the way for me and to hold the door open for future generations called to pursue a similar path.”

Zach Huebschman

He/Him

Zach Huebschman is a Presidential Management Fellow at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) where he serves as a foreign affairs legislative analyst. He is currently on rotation in the Middle East Bureau at USAID. Prior to his appointment as a Fellow, he supported a range of federal agencies and initiatives as a government consultant at Star Cypress Partners, including USDA’s Equity Commission and the Air Force International Health Specialist Program.

Zach also serves as serves as a member of the City of Rockville’s Human Rights Commission. As a Commissioner, Zach has focused on improving the city’s partnerships with LGBTQ+ community-based organizations. Prior to serving as a commissioner and moving to Maryland, Zach served as the lead volunteer coordinator for Arlington Pride and championed a series of initiatives to improve LGBTQ+ protections and rights in College Station, Texas.

What does it mean to you that you are out?

“Being out, to me, means being unafraid to be myself, even if it requires being vulnerable, in the pursuit of meaningful changes.”