Dan Rossi grew up in a strict Italian-German household. But his inclusive family helped Rossi to foster an inclusive career, and, as executive director of the Animal Rescue League, love is a big part of the workday.
EQ: What’s your business background?
ROSSI: I am a Pittsburgh native. I received my undergraduate degree in business administration
from Carnegie Mellon University and my graduate degree in nonprofit management from Robert Morris University. I spent the bulk of my career in the nonprofit sector, here in Pittsburgh, but moved to Phoenix for two years. I returned to Pittsburgh in April of 2010 to accept my current
position as executive director at the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center.
EQ: Has it ever been an issue for you to be out at work?
ROSSI: Being out at the Animal Rescue League has never been an issue. The League has a diverse employee and volunteer base, and people find commonality in the love of saving animals.
EQ: Are there other out employees?
ROSSI: There are several out employees at all levels throughout the organization, including volunteer, direct care staff, mangers, and directors. We also have an out member on our board of directors. I do believe the fact that I am the “boss” and am out at work has made other employees feel comfortable about being out.
“I can remember working at places where I was not out and being in situations where co-workers were talking about what they did on the weekend or how the spent their vacation,
and I could not participate in those conversations.”
EQ: How is the Animal Rescue League involved in the community?
ROSSI: The Animal Rescue League has become very involved with LGBT events, including Pride (we are the only shelter to have a float in the parade). We have also created events such as the Bitches Ball (at Cruze Bar) to increase awareness of the importance to spay/neuter pets, and have advertised in many local gay publications.
EQ: Was your family always supportive?
ROSSI: I grew up in an Italian-German family, where being gay was not one of those things ever really talked about. But my family never excluded boyfriends from parties or events. They were always very inclusive.
My first serious relationship took place in the mid ‘80s, and two years into our relationship he was diagnosed with HIV. Back then, there were no medications or hope, and he died within six months. I found myself in my early 20s with no support groups, such as PATF. The situation made
me grow up very quickly. I am in a long-term partnership now for more than five years.
EQ: What advice can you give about being out at work?
ROSSI: Coming out may be scary or stressful, but worth it in the long run. I can remember working at places where I was not out and being in situations where coworkers were talking about what they did on the weekend or how the spent their vacation, and I could not participate in those conversations. I felt cheated, and I also cheated past co-workers from knowing the
real me.
I think it is important to, first — do an excellent job at whatever your job, and to, second, be the best person you can be. Employers are more interested in hiring a good, qualified, hard-working staff. They care less about what you do in your spare time.
