Taking pride in your work

BASF provides adoption assistance and eight weeks of parental leave that has helped Paul and Jon’s family thrive and grow. But the benefits go beyond family support. BASF’s atmosphere of acceptance, Caron says, “opens up doors, and allows me to leap forward professionally and personally.” When Caron embarked on the job search that led him to BASF, he decided that he would be discerning and strategic in where he applied. He was looking for more than the perfect job. “I made a commitment to myself that I was only going to go to a company where I was accepted and that had a high diversity and inclusion rating.” Based on his research, Caron found that “BASF actually believes what they’re saying, and takes action on it.” Expanding the circle of awareness beyond the workplace is always key to such efforts. Caron values the fact that he has a boss who involves herself personally in his aspirations and prioritizes inclusivity though she is not gay herself. Additionally, with involvement in an ERG such as ALLchemie, bridges are crossed. The group has partnered with VETS, the military ERG, on build-a-bike charity activities. Additionally, for the past two years of Houston’s annual Pride parade, the Houston and Freeport sites have been involved in BASF/ALLchemie’s float.

Paul Caron has lived and worked many places, but it’s only since joining BASF at its Houston site that he has felt at home. Originally from Connecticut, and later California, Kentucky, Ohio and New York, the Capital Project Procurement Manager found a less-than accepting environment when he came to Houston 17 years ago. But in the three years since he’s been with BASF, Caron says he has “never felt so comfortable in an organization.” Caron finds BASF a company uncommonly committed to the human values we all have in common. He is active as site co-chair of ALLchemie, the Employee Resource Group (ERG) composed of LGBT colleagues and their allies. “I wasn’t comfortable being out before joining BASF,” he says. “Now I don’t have to worry about being who I am, and can be proud, in terms of my partner and my kid. When someone asks how my weekend was, I don’t have to hide anything anymore. I live a very normal life.” Caron is now married to his partner of five years, Jon, and they are raising their two-year-old adopted son Nathan (and perhaps soon a daughter as well).

At the 2018 parade, held on June 23, Caron says that “the BASF turnout and support and camaraderie were above and beyond what anyone could ask for.” Friends and family, as well as co-workers, accompanied the upbeat and eye-catching float. The group also had a more upfront spot this year, increasing visibility, and Caron believes other companies took note. Caron is confident that “next year will be even bigger.” The group holds another Pride event in the fall, and works with BASF’s Government Affairs group to promote diversity and inclusion year-round. ALLchemie also organizes and delivers TED Talks, donates funds to LGBTQ-focused non-profits and plans to support LGBTQ students locally and advocate for their recruitment by BASF. “I have never worked for a company that was so inclusive,” Caron concludes. “We can come together and realize that we all have the same values.”

Paul and Jon at this year’s Houston Pride parade.

Paul (right) is pictured with his husband Jon and their son, Nathan.