The Runway Podcast Episode 3 – Leading with Courage, Hope, and Policy, A Conversation with Trans Elder and Trailblazer Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR
How do we bridge the gap between the corporate boardroom, our neighborhoods, and the halls of government? In our latest episode of The Runway, co-hosts Stephanie Battaglino and Erica Vogel sit down with a true history-maker: Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at PFLAG National.
Diego’s career is a masterclass in breaking barriers. As the first openly transgender senior staffer on Capitol Hill (serving under the late Rep. Barney Frank) and the first openly trans person appointed to the DNC Platform Committee, Diego has spent decades ensuring our community is not just visible, but protected. Before transitioning to policy, he also spent 20 years leading global public relations for Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola and Starwood Hotels.
In this powerful, intergenerational conversation, we dig deep into the current legislative landscape, the power of workplace allyship, and how to find community when you feel most isolated.
1. Finding Courage and Hope in the “Tsunami” of Bills
While the volume of state and federal bills targeting the trans community has skyrocketed in recent years, Diego reminds us to look at the numbers with perspective. Of the hundreds of bills introduced, only a small fraction (around 33) have become law, often focusing on just a few recurring issues. Thanks to fierce advocacy from families, community leaders, and legislative allies, the vast majority of these bills are defeated. “Not just courage, but hope—there’s room for both of those,” Diego shares.
2. The Intersection of Work, Neighborhood, and Government
Because so many corporations have stood firm in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, many queer and trans individuals actually feel safer coming out or “disclosing” at work than in their own hometowns. Diego calls this the essential triad: how we are at home, how we are at work, and how we manage our government are all intertwined. When those three align, our collective impact is unstoppable.
3. Building Bridges with Coalition Allyship
For Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) navigating outward pressures on DEI, the path to survival and strength is collaboration. Stephanie and Erica discuss the immense power of intersecting ERGs—such as partnering the LGBTQ+ ERG with parents’, women’s, or veterans’ groups. When we link arms across shared intersections, we multiply our reach and build permanent on-ramps for well-meaning allies to step forward.
4. PFLAG’s New Tool: “Creating Pride in Families”
Diego highlights PFLAG’s brand-new, free resource for Pride ERGs: Creating Pride in Families. This resource library is designed to equip working parents and caregivers with LGBTQ+ loved ones with information—from how to facilitate local meetings, to learning how to advocate at local, state, and federal levels, to finding a soft place to land. It’s a reminder that you never have to navigate this journey alone.
In addition, you can explore free tools, a glossary of terms, and many other resources at PFLAG’s Straight for Equality website. You can also find one of the hundreds of confidential, local PFLAG chapters nationwide and connect with one here.
Memorable Quotes from the Episode
“Thirty years ago people could not spell transgender, and today it’s falling off lips with love and also animosity… The universe is greater in our favor, and the people who oppose us are frankly in the minority.” — Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR
“It’s not a sandbox, it’s more like a beach. There’s always room for voices. And when those voices speak up, and when that collective becomes louder and larger, the forces of hate can’t stand up to that.” — Stephanie Battaglino
“How can you hate someone happy with who they are? That’s just a wild position to take… Finding your community, finding your people—it’s one of the biggest indicators of the ability to thrive.” — Erica Vogel
Hear the full, unfiltered conversation right now:
Watch the Video Episode: Catch the full edition on our new digital home at Leading From the Heart on Substack.
Listen on the Go: Stream the audio on Spotify.
Connect with Diego: Find and network with Diego Sanchez, APR on LinkedIn.
Support the Show: Support us here.
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We’re paving the way together, and we’ll see you next time on The Runway.
— Stephanie & Erica