June marks Pride Month — a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor the progress made toward equality and inclusion, and recognize the work still to be done. It’s also an opportunity to spotlight the voices helping shape a more welcoming and representative future across the gaming industry.

To celebrate Pride Month, we’ve brought together two inspiring professionals from the gaming industry to share their experiences, reflect on the importance of authenticity and allyship in the workplace, and discuss how the industry can continue fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Join Sarah Burns, VP of HR at PENN Entertainment, and Jack Lyons, Director of Talent at PENN Entertainment, for a roundtable conversation on visibility, leadership, and the evolving future of inclusion in gaming.

What first drew each of you to the gaming industry, and what has kept you passionate about the business throughout your careers?

Sarah Burns:

I was a few years out of school when this new casino was going to be opening in our town.  I went to a hiring event just to see what it was all about. I sat through a group interview, and I was certain I was not getting hired, but about a week later I did get a call and offered a role in Soft Count. I had no idea what that meant exactly, but I figured why not go for it. I was not planning on finding my career, but after getting promoted into leadership roles, I found that I was very passionate about leading and developing others. After a few years in the Count Rooms, I saw an opportunity to move into HR. One of the best things about our industry is there are so many different types of jobs, you can do something you love and learn about so many other roles at the same time. My experience in this industry has also been one of inclusion. I have not had to hide my personal life from my work life. Now as a VP of HR, I want to pay that forward and create a space where others can be themselves and succeed to achieve their goals.

Jack Lyons:

I was drawn to the gaming industry because of the people and the diversity of perspectives—it’s an environment where creativity and different viewpoints truly shape the experience. What’s kept me passionate is the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the business and how it can take you anywhere, opening doors to new opportunities and connections.

The more years I spend in the industry, the more energized I get—it’s exciting to be a change-maker and help shape the future of gaming, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ visibility and leadership. It’s also the opportunity to create memorable moments, work with incredibly talented teams, and be part of an industry that’s constantly evolving—there’s always something new to learn, build, and be inspired by.

As founding members of LGBTQ+ in Gaming, what inspired you to help launch the organization, and what impact were you hoping it would have on the industry?

Sarah Burns:

I chose to get involved in the LGBTQ+ in Gaming group because visibility is important. The community we’re building is based in joy, support, and belonging for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. When people can show up to work without fear or second guessing, it strengthens our teams, improves the guest experience, and helps the entire industry thrive.

Jack Lyons:

As a founding member of LGBTQ+ in Gaming, what inspired me was coming together with other co-founders who all shared the same sense of purpose—we recognized there was a real gap in the industry for connection, learning, and visibility. It felt like a missing piece, and it was the right moment to build something meaningful, especially in an industry that thrives on community but didn’t always create space for LGBTQ+ voices in the same way.

This group continues to inspire me because it reinforces how important representation and visibility truly are. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, connected, and seen—and where they can envision themselves in gaming and in leadership. For me, it’s also about showing up for others and helping make the path a little easier than it may have been for some of us, while continuing to build a stronger sense of belonging and community across the industry.

You both helped establish an internal LGBTQ+ employee organization at your PENN Entertainment. Why are employee-led communities like these important within gaming and hospitality organizations?

Sarah Burns:

Employee‑led communities play a crucial role in building meaningful networks within each property. Our community, PRISM, connects people across all our properties. Our hosts help spark engagement, start conversations, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Anyone can join to learn about LGBTQ+ history, and members can find connection by sharing their stories. We celebrate both professional successes and personal milestones. Everyone deserves to be heard and celebrated, and these communities give us the opportunity to make that happen across the company.

Jack Lyons:

Employee-led communities like this are critical because they create a space where people can see themselves in leadership, feel safe, and know they belong. They drive visibility and representation within the company, reinforcing that everyone matters and has a voice. These groups also help move the mark forward on diversity and equality, ensuring we’re building an environment that’s truly equitable for all—while strengthening shared belonging and a sense of community across the organization.

G2E brings together professionals from across every corner of the industry. Why are events like G2E important for fostering connection, visibility, and community?

Sarah Burns:

Events like G2E are important because they create opportunities for new connections, which opens the door to new ideas and perspectives. Those exchanges can inspire innovation that pushes both the industry and our communities ahead. There’s also something energizing about gathering people who share a common interest; the sense of joy that comes from that experience is hard to replicate.

Jack Lyons:

Events like G2E are essential because they bring the industry together—creating space for connection, visibility, and shared learning. They amplify diverse voices, including LGBTQ+ leaders, and help people feel seen and represented. Just as importantly, they give us a chance to have some fun together after that shared learning, building relationships and strengthening a sense of community that lasts beyond the event.

As Pride Month shines a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community, what message would you like to share with the broader gaming industry and future industry leaders?

Sarah Burns:

My message would be to embrace the differences your teams provide. People are shaped by how they experience life, and that includes their work life. Be open to those different perspectives because that is where growth happens. Teams can become stronger, leaders become better, and everyone wins!

Jack Lyons:

As an out LGBTQ+ leader in gaming, I’ve learned that authenticity matters. The moments where I’ve felt most fulfilled weren’t from trying to fit a mold, but from leaning into who I am. The industry becomes stronger when people feel safe to show up genuinely.

I’d also encourage people to continue investing in themselves — whether that’s learning new skills, finding mentors, building confidence, or simply giving yourself permission to take up space. Growth is ongoing, and no one succeeds alone.

And as you advance in your career, pay it forward. Open doors, mentor others, create inclusive spaces, and help the next generation feel seen earlier than many of us did. Community has always been one of the most powerful parts of gaming, and we all have a role in shaping what that community looks and feels like for the future.