People Like Us

People Like Us (PLUS) Serves as a network and resource for 3M's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees and their allies, fosters a general awareness of 3M's GLBT employees by recognizing their talents and contributions to a diverse workforce and promotes an environment whereby 3M's GLBT employees are able to maximize their productivity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. PLUS serves as a liaison and advisor to 3M Human Resources and 3M management.

Group activities PLUS hosts brown bag lunch events monthly and social events outside of work quarterly for members. Outside speakers are engaged for members as well as the general 3M audience. Members volunteer in the community and make it a priority to show 3M’s support of GLBT community.

How we make a difference
PLUS gives 3Mers an outlet to openly be themselves by hosting events where members can come together to network and grow within 3M. The group was active in 3M’s decision to offer Domestic Partner Benefits beginning in 2006. It also helped the company reach 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the first time in 2009.

Meet a member

	“They give you respect whether they understand you or not.” Becky Senior Product Development Specialist Personal Care and Related Products Division 3Mer since 1990

I joined 3M after receiving my doctorate degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. My first ten years at 3M focused on developing adhesives with environmental benefits. Now I work more in market research.

3M was very supportive of my transition from male to female in 2002. I never needed to change jobs or be stealthy about it. The engineering culture is pretty inquisitive, so I gave people permission to ask me questions from the beginning.

A courageous thing to do
I found that most people don’t care that much about GLBT issues. A small number of people are afraid they will say the wrong thing or use the wrong pronoun. Everyone, however, behaves very professionally at work. Some people see transitioning as a courageous thing to do. They give you respect whether they understand it or not.

Campus recruiter
I am a 3M campus recruiter for Cornell University students. It means a lot to students to see 3M represented by someone who was transgender. The real proof of a company’s position on diversity is when you see people who are like you, who are comfortable at work and are doing well in their careers.