Who Is Lambda PTO?
Lambda PTO is the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Employee Organization at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Founded in 1994, Lambda PTO’s purpose is to encourage and foster a positive work environment for all PTO employees, regardless of sexual orientation. Therefore, although the focus is primarily on GLBT issues, membership is open to all PTO employees. In July 1994, a few GLBT employees were invited to participate as a focus group for the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO). The focus group was to provide OCR with requested information, advice, and guidance on workplace issues relating to sexual orientation. At these meetings, it became immediately evident that there was a lack of any network within the PTO to provide support or information on workplace issues or social inclusion for employees of the sexual minority. An umbrella organization was envisioned. The individuals quickly became a strong coalition dedicated to the task of formin
