by A TikTok executive came out publicly non-binary on Monday in a message shared on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Vanessa Pappas, COO of the social media giant, revealed that they «mostly use V» in their personal lives and recently started using the pronouns they/they and she/her.
«Since representation matters, I recognize the importance of language in identifying and affirming gender differences,» said Pappas, who has served as TikTok’s chief operating officer since May 2021.
Pappas, who is pansexual and in a same-sex relationship, added that they identify as «female and non-binary.»
«I don’t mind if you don’t use V or they/them all the time, but I appreciate the effort to recognize my preferences,» Pappas said.
Pappas said they decided to come out publicly because of their professional stature and after talking about «the importance of acknowledging diversity» with their children.
«As a parent, I also want to set an example of how it’s okay to represent yourself in the way that you most identify with and take pride in and celebrate that difference,» Pappas said. «In my role, I am also aware of how I have the ability to bring greater visibility, discussion, and ideally, acceptance within my community, whether it be among work, family, or friends.»
Pappas’ announcement was well received on social media by LGBTQ individuals and allies. However, as an openly LGBTQ executive, Pappas is an outlier.
While more Americans identify as LGBTQ than ever before, corporate boardrooms and leadership are overwhelmingly straight and cisgender.
To date, only a handful of Fortune 500 companies have LGBTQ CEOs. And only 26 of the 5,670 board seats at Fortune 500 companies are held by LGBTQ people, according to a study launched last year by the LGBTQ Out Leadership business group.
