Meet Arthur, a Senior Security Engineer at GitHub, who has built his career on a foundation of caffeine and a lifelong fascination with computers. But Arthur’s journey at GitHub is about more than just his technical achievements—it’s a story of personal growth, identity, and the power of a supportive work environment.
When Arthur joined GitHub, he was known as Ursula, but his online handle—gleeblezoid—remained constant. As he transitioned to Arthur, he found that GitHub’s remote-first culture made the process smoother than it might have been elsewhere. In previous roles, where names were the primary form of identification, transitioning could have been a significant challenge. At GitHub, however, handles are the norm, creating a more inclusive and flexible environment.
Arthur’s career at GitHub began five years ago on the IT Engineering team. His passion for security quickly led him to the Enterprise Security team, where he’s been ever since. Along the way, he’s contributed to major projects, like migrating GitHub’s main SaaS platform to infrastructure as code, and even guest-lectured at Oxford University on version control.
But beyond his technical contributions, Arthur highlights the ways GitHub has supported his transition. The company offers gender-affirming care benefits, covering healthcare expenses like voice training, HRT prescriptions, and therapy. As a remote-first company, GitHub also allowed Arthur to avoid the stress of in-person interactions during his transition, such as worrying about his appearance or voice. Instead, most of his work is captured in writing, giving him the space to focus on his personal growth without added pressure.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Arthur’s experience is the supportive culture at GitHub. His team and colleagues have been unwaveringly respectful, using his preferred name and pronouns without question. He describes the process as smooth, with minimal bureaucratic hurdles beyond the necessary name changes in systems like payroll.
Arthur acknowledges that being trans isn’t always easy, but his experience at GitHub has been defined by joy and acceptance. He recalls emotional moments, like hearing his name and pronouns used correctly for the first time on a Zoom call, and receiving a thoughtful shaving kit from a teammate. These gestures, big and small, have made GitHub a safe and welcoming place for him to be his authentic self.
In contrast to the challenges many trans people face in the tech industry, Arthur’s story is a testament to the difference a supportive workplace can make. While he’s had to explain his transition to others in different settings, at GitHub, he’s always been gleeblezoid—a constant presence, regardless of his name or identity.
Arthur’s journey is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about policies—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. For Arthur, GitHub has been more than just a workplace; it’s been a community that embraced him as he embraced his true self.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, stories like Arthur’s highlight the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. After all, when people feel supported, they can bring their best selves to work—and that’s a win for everyone.