Lesbian Visibility Day: From Coming Out to Paying it Forward with Rebekah Burns, Titanium’s Senior Director of Agency Relations
Rebekah Burns is the Senior Director of Agency Relationships here at Titanium and a trailblazer for the LGBTQIA+ Community at large. Along her path to success, Rebekah grappled with questions and challenges of identity and acceptance. With time and perseverance Rebekah overcame her personal fear of seeking and gaining the acceptance of her family and friends as a strong lesbian woman, and was also able to realize that same acceptance from colleagues after grappling with with some hesitancy with coming out.
As a leader in digital media and sales, Rebekah has not only taken on the written responsibilities of her roles, but she’s also been intentional about educating major corporations about the power of diversity throughout her career. Rebekah’s personal and professional experiences have inspired her to serve as an ambassador of change and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community – a role that she will continue to embrace for years to come.
How has your identity shaped the work that you do?
Honestly, I felt like when I came out at the age of 22, I became the person who I was supposed to be. As I gradually established my career as a Lesbian business leader, my vision expanded to include a dedicated effort to focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in just about every aspect of my professional career. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been a leader at several major media/publishing groups where my voice and identity has been heard and, in fact, elevated to another level while advocating for lesbians everywhere.
Was there ever a time that you struggled with your identity?
I struggled with my identity as a teenager. I grew up in an affluent part of New England where EVERYONE was straight. No one talked about their sexuality, sexual orientation or being gay. So, at that time I went along with what I thought was the expected norm: I was a cheerleader, prom Queen and dated the quarterback of the football team to hide the fact that I was crushing on some of my female friends and teachers. I was so conflicted, and I knew at some point I was going to have to face the music and come out. It used to eat me up inside, and I would lose sleep over it.
When did you make the decision to show up authentically?
When I first came out I was working at a media company mainly dominated by white men. I remember hiding my sexuality for the first 6 months while I worked there because I didn't want to be judged by these “bros”, and I certainly didn’t want to listen to their locker room and water cooler banter. When I finally did “come out” I was truly shocked by the response of my colleagues- they were supportive, positive and not only encouraged me to continue with my career path, but helped me excel going forward. Since then, I’ve never hid who I am, and look to support other lesbians.
What would you say to your younger self in times that you needed encouragement?
You are who you are for a reason. BE YOU!
You’re far more interesting being your authentic self than someone you’re pretending to be.
BE THAT PERSON who stands up for others who don't feel like they have a voice or can’t/won’t stand up for themselves.
Advocate your ass off for change/love/acceptance.
Why is lesbian visibility important?
It’s an opportunity to serve as an example of a strong woman who is proud of who I am…telling my story so that others can relate and cope with situations that may be confusing and scary at times. And finally, and most importantly, accepting, loving and celebrating myself for the person I am and supporting and encouraging others to do the same.
How can we continue to add momentum to this movement to make it more than a moment in time?
I truly believe the future of lesbian visibility starts with supporting and funding a constant stream of education, advocacy and acceptance of the LGBT community. The true push going forward should be to assist in these efforts to provide resources, advocacy and awareness for LGBTQ initiatives by way of social media, marketing or promotion. In my role as a lesbian leader and thought leader, I am in a unique position to advocate for that change and perhaps be a voice for young lesbian women wrestling with being their authentic self than anyone else.
How are you making a difference and paying it forward through your work?
I joined the Titanium WorldWide Team knowing that it was composed of a collection of diverse, minority-owned ad agencies that specialize in creating meaningful marketing campaigns for the LGBTq+ community and other groups. Since I began my role at Titanium, I have been able to help major corporations connect with and market to these dynamic audiences. The work I do in partnership with these diverse companies helps to reach thousands of folks in our community every day. It’s important work and I’m so thankful to have this opportunity.