Ford Motor Company will find a talented work force if it readily accepts people no matter what their race or sexual orientation, former Ford Vice Chairman Allan Gilmour said to more than 200 Ford employees recently.

The retiree spoke at the Ford Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees Diversity Display in the Large Vehicle Center in Dearborn. GLOBE is one of seven employee resource groups.

Gilmour said he was not on official business. He was giving his personal viewpoint.

"Can we at Ford just ignore a whole bunch of groups and go that way? No we can't," Gilmour said. "We've got to find the talent wherever we can... and get them in here. It doesn't make any difference whether they are gay or straight, black or white. What do the people want? They all want the same things. Some say gays want special rights. No they don't. They want what everybody else wants. A good career. A good life. A chance to contribute."

Attendees read the displays, including a GLOBE time line and short biographies of gay artists and activists.

Ford employees sign the board--a show of their support for diversity.

The purpose of the materials was to educate Ford employees about what it means to be a person or an employee who is gay, said Alice McKeage, electronic computer programmer, Research and Vehicle Technology, and the co-founder of GLOBE.

"Gay employees want the same things that all employees want," McKeage said. "We want a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment... One where we are valued for what we bring to the work team and where we are rewarded for the contributions we make."

GLOBE members said the event shows Ford's support for diversity.

"When I hired in at Ford eight years ago, I never thought we would be displaying this much openness about gay issues in the workplace," said John Carter, product development engineer, Powertrain, and GLOBE board member. "It's very exciting we have this much discussion and support at Ford for gay and lesbian employees."

Chris Turek, graphic artist, Creative Services, Regent Court, agreed. "It was extremely empowering. I did a lot of the graphics portion of the work. And it was exciting to have my management back me enough to allow me to do the work on it. And then to come here today and see all these people listening to Allan and to Alice, it was wonderful. It really makes you proud to work for this company."

On a related note, the Advocate magazine recently named Ford to a list of 25 companies that provide a good working atmosphere for gay employees.

Reposted with permission of FCN.