The Faherty community — our team members, customers, and more — define who we are. This month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a few of our LGBTQIA+ team members across the country.
Name: Jeremy Impellizeri
Pronouns: He/Him
Role: Store Leader, Austin
What does Pride mean to you?
It means freedom. It means being your authentic self and holding the door open for and supporting those less confident. It means letting your flag fly, no matter who you are or who you love. It means a long and hard fight and celebrating the change we have created.
What is your passion?
My passion is being a part of the change I want. I believe you have to speak up and stand up for things you believe in. Getting involved in local, state, and federal politics and engaging in conversations with those who have different opinions is so important to me. If I can move someone's feet just an inch closer to love and equality, I have done my job.
Who inspires you?
My fiance, I know, cheesy, but he really sets the bar high for me. Being an Airforce Veteran, and going right into the fight as an ER Nurse during the pandemic, all while loving me unconditionally for the crazy person I am. He is my hero and he is the inspiration behind all I do.
What does authenticity mean to you?
Authenticity is when all walls are broken down. When you stand there naked, showing all your scars and imperfections. It's when all the boxes that society tries to put you in melt down and you stand uniquely you.
Anything else we should know about you that you want to share?
Mental health is so important to me. Making the world more aware of men's mental health, and helping to remove the stigma that it's "not manly" to get help for better mental health. I was bullied for being gay when I was young and I know how much life can hurt sometimes. I've been pushed to those dark places and what I want people to know is, it's okay. Whatever you may be feeling, it is okay to feel that way and you are never alone.
And check out our Pride Capsule for a few of the styles our teammates are wearing — plus, 50% of the proceeds from it will be donated to The Audre Lorde Project.
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