The arc of my BDO story is a classic boomerang. I began at BDO as a proofreader in the Grand Rapids office. After several years, I decided to try something else. It turns out the grass at BDO is pretty green, so I came back to the firm two years later. My current role is a supervisor in the Document Processing Services Group at the Columbus Business Service Center.
Tracy Carbaugh
Document Processing Services Group Supervisor
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
I think workplaces in general are much more accepting of members of the LGBTQ+ community and other groups. BDO is the first workplace where I felt comfortable enough to live my truth without fear. Hopefully, other people feel that same acceptance at their workplace, especially if they aren’t fully embraced by other communities they are a part of.
How has the outlook changed for LGBTQ+ members in our profession/industry?
Be yourself. This is great advice in all areas of life, not just the workplace. Even in circumstances where you don’t feel comfortable or safe being out, hold your head high and remember to be proud of who you are — and that it’s okay.
What’s the best piece of advice you received to help you navigate the workplace as an LGBTQ+ professional?
This will be the first Pride in Columbus, Ohio for me and my wife — we’re open to any suggestions for events to check out.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
I’ve often found that people automatically assume that our community is anti-faith, amoral or even immoral. Our community is as diverse as any other when it comes to belief systems and values. It’s all about getting to know us as individuals, not making assumptions.
If there was one perception you could change about the LGBTQ+ community, what would it be?
Specialized Tax Services Experienced Associate
Yousif Narra
BDO Digital Applications Experienced Manager
Alexis Murray
Tax Partner
Daniel Newton
Yes, I admit, I was a big Xena: Warrior Princess fan. The LGBTQ+ aspect was only subtext, but still lots of fun.
What is your favorite LGBTQ+-friendly movie or series
and why?
I recently discovered Laura Jane Grace and her band Against Me!. Grace resonates with me because she is also a transgender woman and her music, since she came out, really matches up with my own closeted experiences. I find comfort in the fact that other people have dealt with the same pain that I have but have come out stronger on the other side.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ actor or singer and why?
One perception is one that I see within the LGBTQ+ community. I have a fear that the community is starting to segregate itself between older and younger members. In some online forums, I see disdain for the “newer” gender and sexual identities. I think rather than fighting over precise definitions and trying to exclude queer people, we all need to remember to be open and welcoming. Regardless of how we identify, we’re already excluded by many people outside our community. We don’t need to make it worse with this internal struggle, too!
If there was one perception you could change about the LGBTQ+ community, what would it be?
Pride month will be low-key for me and my family. My city’s Pride organization has their festival in September as do a few neighboring Chicago suburbs. I’m planning to attend a few of the suburban Pride events in the fall.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
The advice that has helped me most since coming out last year is to “be unapologetically you.” Hiding yourself or trying to fit yourself into other peoples’ expectations takes far more effort than you think. I noticed a clear improvement in my work performance since I came out and am thankful I had the safety to do it.
What’s the best piece of advice you received to help you navigate the workplace as an LGBTQ+ professional?
The tech industry has always been a bit more welcoming and accepting than a more traditionally conservative space like professional services. I see tech as quicker to embrace differences and see the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. But I am excited to see traditionally conservative industries accelerating their change and becoming more welcoming, especially as newer generations enter the workforce.
How has the outlook changed for LGBTQ+ members in our profession/industry?
I am an experienced manager in BDO Digital’s Applications practice. I started my career in 2013 at an IT consulting firm that joined BDO in 2018 as part of an expansion. I began as a developer fresh out of graduate school and have steadily progressed, first as a technical lead, and now as a solution architect. Recently, I’ve taken on helping the firm and our clients build and deliver software more quickly.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
RuPaul Andre Charles. His music and TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, is a global phenomenon. The show promotes self-love and acceptance. RuPaul signs off each episode with his famous phrase, “If you can’t love yourself, how are you going to love somebody else? Can I get an amen?”
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ actor or singer and why?
I wish some people would change their perception that being part of the LGBTQ+ community is a choice and that the community has an agenda to convert people. This perception is far from the truth. The LGBTQ+ community is simply a place for people to feel safe, loved and accepted.
If there was one perception you could change about the LGBTQ+ community, what would it be?
My family (me, my husband and our twin girls) and friends will be attending the Motor City Pride festival and parade. We haven’t been to a Pride event in the past two years due to COVID, so we are looking forward to it. We will also fly the rainbow flag in front of our house.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
The best piece of advice I have received and love to share is just to be yourself. Dr. Seuss said it best: “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.”
What’s the best piece of advice you received to help you navigate the workplace as an LGBTQ+ professional?
Overall, I think the outlook has improved. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are more comfortable being their true and authentic selves. As for my personal experience, it has been a blessing, as my team is full of the most accepting and wonderful people.
How has the outlook changed for LGBTQ+ members in our profession/industry?
I started my career in the Detroit office as a Specialized Tax Services (STS) - State and Local Tax (SALT) intern in January 2020. After a year as an intern, I became an STS-SALT associate and was promoted to STS-SALT experienced associate in August 2021.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.
Queer as Folk, the U.S. series that ran in the early aughts, since it was groundbreaking in the topics that it covered.
What is your favorite LGBTQ+-friendly movie or series
and why?
I’ve noticed a double-standard when some non-LGBTQ+ people talk about their family/weekend plans, etc. Sometimes, they don’t want to hear the same from LGBTQ+ people.
If there was one perception you could change about the LGBTQ+ community, what would it be?
While I enjoyed going to Pride parades in years past (and even having the privilege of marching in a couple), my husband and I will probably host a roof deck party for our close friends.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
Being honest and true to yourself allows you to be honest and true with others. Also, building your own support network, and leaning on them, is important for your emotional health.
What’s the best piece of advice you received to help you navigate the workplace as an LGBTQ+ professional?
Things have changed so much since I started my career. I remember being so nervous bringing my then-boyfriend, now husband, to a company holiday party for the first time. Everything went fine, but I was still nervous. BDO and other large professional services firms have done a great job of providing an inclusive environment where all individuals can come to work and be their authentic selves. That said, each person’s journey is unique, so even with a supportive work environment, LGBTQ+ individuals need to first be ready themselves to share their true selves with others.
How has the outlook changed for LGBTQ+ members in our profession/industry?
I’m a Tax partner in the Boston office and the ASC 740 Technical practice leader in the National Tax Office Advisory group. My
career path has included experiences in both public and industry specific accounting. I’ve worked at a large medical device company as well as another global professional services firm (which included an overseas assignment in Paris!) before joining BDO in early 2016.
Tell us about your role at BDO and career path to date.