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Abstract The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how LGBT employees in state government agencies described how they created their own meaningfulness in the workplace in the US. The theoretical foundation for this study was the Employee Engagement theory by Kahn [Acad Manag J 33(4):692–724, 1990]. Purposive sampling was used to identify 43 questionnaires and 15 semi-structured interviews. Data were then coded and thematically analyzed to answer the research question. Findings revealed LGBT state employees created their psychological meaningfulness by ensuring that they make an impact or difference at work, and by connecting with other people or colleagues. Limitations include the research method and bias. Future research is recommended to explore how other groups within the LGBT community create their psychological meaningfulness.