Pride in Every Corner: Why Inclusion Matters in Facilities Management

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. This article was submitted in honor of Pride Month, which is observed every June.

When I first entered the world of facilities management, I quickly realized it wasn’t just about buildings—it was about people. The spaces we design, maintain, and protect are ultimately for the people who use them, and that means all people of every background, identity, and experience. As a gay man part of the LGBTQ+ community in this field, Pride Month offers me more than just a moment to celebrate who I am—it’s a reminder of the work we still need to do to make our industry more inclusive, more welcoming, and more reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

Facilities managers are often behind the scenes, yet we are the backbone of every company’s day-to-day operations. So, why shouldn’t we also be the backbone of change?

I’ve been fortunate to work in environments where my voice is heard and my identity respected. But that’s not the case for everyone. In recent years, the pushback against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives has grown louder, and for LGBTQ+ professionals, that noise can feel personal. When companies dial back DEI programs or treat inclusion as a “nice to have,” it sends a message: You’re not essential. You’re extra. But we’re not extra—we’re extraordinary. And our presence, perspectives, and leadership are vital.

This Pride Month, I want to challenge my fellow FMs, leaders, and organizations: Let’s be more intentional about creating safe, supportive, and affirming workplaces. Not just during June, but year-round. That starts with small things—using inclusive language, updating non-discrimination policies, displaying Pride symbols with sincerity (not just for show), and ensuring vendors and partners share your values. It also means mentoring LGBTQ+ professionals, hiring with equity in mind, and making room at the leadership table for those who’ve historically been left out.

Being out in facilities management isn’t always easy. It requires courage, especially in an industry that hasn’t always been known for its diversity. But I believe visibility creates possibility. When others see LGBTQ+ leaders thriving in our field, it opens the door for someone else to step in, step up, and feel like they belong.

Pride is not just a parade. It’s a commitment. A commitment to dignity. To equity. To inclusion. And to ensuring that the buildings we manage are places where everyone feels safe to be their authentic self.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just managing facilities—we’re shaping culture.

Happy Pride.

Jose Rosas Roque, ProFM, FMP, SFP, is an experienced facilities management professional based in Texas.

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