As we celebrate Pride Month in June, Zynga is proud to spotlight members of zPride, an LGBTQ+ employee resource group of more than 300 participants. Since 2010, zPride and their allies have been collaborating together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment in gaming and beyond. We are honored to share their powerful narratives as they reflect on their personal journeys and discuss how they are creating affirmative spaces for everyone to show up as their authentic selves.

In today’s spotlight, Chris Garlington, Director of Cybersecurity at Zynga, shares his professional path into gaming and offers advice to other LGBTQ+ individuals looking to get into the industry.

Tell us what you do at Zynga and what you do for fun outside of work.  

I lead and support the Cybersecurity detection and incident response area, as well as the threat, risk, and vulnerability unit. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, traveling, endurance running, and triathlons. We purchased a new home in 2022, so finishing projects on the house has been taking a lot of time.

What would have been helpful for you to see in gaming when your personal identity was first taking shape?

More representation of people of color and even more if they are people of color who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the gaming industry?

I was a gamer as a kid and stepped away from it as a young adult. After several friends joined Zynga, I was excited to join the team. 

How do you think your identity as a queer game maker influences your approach to game development? 

I see my identity and my role as a way to show the younger generation that you can be yourself at work — and that you can progress and make a career of it. 

How has the gaming industry evolved in terms of its representation of queer identities?

It’s grown by leaps and bounds – there’s representation in many aspects of gaming.

What are your hopes for the future of the gaming industry in terms of representation and inclusion of queer identities?

Keep showing more representation of all members of the community.

What advice would you give to other queer individuals interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry?  

It’s a very welcoming industry and you’re free to be yourself and be as creative as you would like. 

Learn how Zynga is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community year-round by visiting https://www.zynga.com/playwithpride.