As an advocate, ally, and father, Booz Allen’s Terry McBride is focused on making a difference. You can find him speaking up for his transgender daughter at her elementary school, protecting identities by helping thwart fraud at the U.S. Postal Service, or playing his banjo to inspire people.
Terry, a technology wizard who helps his government clients understand potential threats, passionately supports the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at his daughter Eli’s school, ensuring the club has funds, supplies, and snacks. Last year GLSEN, a national advocacy group for LGBTQ+ youth in schools, recognized the club with “GSA of the Year.” Terry and his family, who live in the Baltimore area, helped as many kids as possible attend the award ceremony in New York City, providing planning, financial, and chaperone support. It’s the family’s mission to create an affirming culture in the school and surrounding community.
Terry wasn’t always so outspoken. “I grew up in rural Arizona where my family raised animals for the county fair. I used technology as an outlet. I asked for broken computers just to fix them and I programmed my own video games.”
After college, he forced himself out of his shell when he accepted a job teaching at-risk youth in San Francisco.
“I was, and still am, a natural born introvert,” explains Terry. “I continue to work at balancing that every day. Watching my 8-year-old daughter be so confident and outspoken ignited my courage to actively make the world a better place. In fact, I was attracted to Booz Allen for the opportunity to interact with people and technology.”
One of the things Terry loves about Booz Allen is the sense of belonging. “When I told my Booz Allen team about Eli, there was an outpouring of support. By bringing my whole self to work, I feel welcomed and empowered. My involvement in the LGBTQ+ community is encouraged and fits nicely into Booz Allen’s values.”
Terry also teamed up with his wife to create local parent support groups—and together they recently marched in Baltimore’s Pride parade. “ The NPR station did a story on Eli for her advocacy and educational work with the schools. Once that went live, many local families and individuals reached out with shared experiences—multiplying the support we can give and receive,” says Terry. “I’m proud to be part of a community supporting kids in being themselves and creating a more tolerant world. We’re changing the world by expanding our understanding of identity.”
