Gabby D. 

Copywriter 

As we celebrate Pride Month throughout June, we’re spotlighting Multigrain, Toast’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) that supports LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and plus) Toasters.

Our theme for Pride Month this year is “Multigrain walks the yellow brick road.” It’s a celebration of self-discovery, acceptance, and pride—a journey that reflects the challenges many LGBTQIA+ individuals face in finding their place. To speak to this month’s theme, we sat down with three Toasters:

• Sierra B. (they/them), Field Implementation Technician II
• Yanru Z. (she/they), Localization Program Manager
• Knyk B. (he/they), Senior Customer Care Expert - Enterprise

Sierra, Yanru, and Knyk share how they navigate the workplace as queer people, what Toast can do to build more inclusive spaces, how they celebrate Pride, and more. 

What led you to participate in Multigrain?

Yanru: As a queer person of color and a first-gen immigrant, I’ve often felt like I’m living at the intersection of multiple identities that don’t always align with the typical societal norms. Multigrain (and other Toast ERGs such as Tapioca) drew me in because they are spaces where I could bring all parts of myself—my queer identity, my cultural background, and my immigrant experience—without needing to compartmentalize. It’s about finding solidarity with others who share similar struggles and having a place where I don’t need to explain my identity to feel understood.

How do you navigate the workplace as a queer person? How do you prioritize your health and well-being?

Sierra: Navigating the workplace as a queer person can mean carrying an extra layer of awareness—wondering if I’ll be understood, accepted, or even safe in certain rooms or conversations. I’ve learned to trust my gut, surround myself with allies, and choose visibility when it feels right, not out of pressure, but out of pride and authenticity. To stay grounded, I respect myself to set strong boundaries, lean on my community, and make space for rest, lots of laughter, and joy—because those things are as essential as any project deadline.

Yanru: During my career, there have been times where I felt like I had to prove myself more than who I was – sometimes because of my gender, sometimes my background, and other times my sexuality. Over the years I’ve learned to create a strong support system, both inside and outside of work, where I can unapologetically be my whole self. It might sound a bit cliché but I've learned to prioritize my mental health by acknowledging when I feel exhausted from constantly having to navigate spaces that don’t always feel inclusive. I give myself permission to step back when needed and lean on people who get it.

What role has mentorship and community played in your career journey?

Knyk: It's the basis of my career! I met a Toast manager at a trans-only support group who mentioned there were openings and encouraged me to apply. I wouldn't be here without this community.

Sierra: For a long time, it was hard to find queer mentors who had paved a clear path — especially ones who were out, visible, and thriving in leadership roles. That absence made the journey feel a bit more isolating at times. That absence can make you question what’s possible. That said, the mentors I do have—whether queer or allies—have been instrumental in helping me grow, build confidence, and make values-driven choices in my career. Their guidance reminds me that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity.

Community has been equally vital — it’s where I find both inspiration and grounding. I’ve felt that shift happening more and more, where our presence as queer professionals is not just accepted but celebrated. I know the strength of our community is growing in the workplace, and I’m proud to be part of that momentum. My goal is to be the kind of person I wish I had when I was starting out—visible, encouraging, and real. Because we all deserve to see someone who looks like us, lives like us, and is thriving.

What do inclusive workspaces look like to you?

Yanru: Inclusivity means creating an environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work without fear of judgment or exclusion. It’s not just about ensuring that policies are inclusive, but also that the everyday culture encourages respect and open dialogue. For me, an inclusive space is one where people are not just “tolerated” but actively celebrated. It means creating opportunities for authentic conversations and providing safe avenues for employees to express their concerns or needs. 

Sierra: Inclusive spaces look like meetings where people feel safe to speak up, leaders who share their pronouns without being prompted, and benefits that reflect the real needs of queer, trans, and intersectional identities. It’s seeing diversity at every level of the company—not just entry points. It’s making room for nuance, for evolving language, for learning in public.

Building more inclusive spaces starts with intentionality—not just celebrating our identities during Pride or heritage months, but embedding inclusion into how we hire, promote, design policies, and gather as teams. It means listening deeply, acting on feedback, and being willing to challenge the status quo. Most of all, it’s a workplace where no one has to wonder if they belong—because they already know they do.

How do you celebrate Pride?

Knyk: My sister and I have been trying to go to a different city's Pride every year! So far we've done Omaha, Boston, Denver, and Chicago. Other than that, I like to throw my own Pride party in June to celebrate with my friends. This year, I am getting my name legally changed and my court date is in June, so I get to celebrate with that this year!

Sierra: I celebrate Pride by remembering how it started—not with confetti and parades, but with protest, resistance, and a fight for the right to exist freely. I’ve seen firsthand that the world doesn’t always meet queerness with love, and that makes Pride all the more important. I celebrate by being unapologetically myself—so fully and visibly queer that everyone around me takes note. My presence, my joy, and where my love lands all serve as a form of quiet activism. It’s not about being loud for the sake of it—it’s about living in a way that challenges assumptions and makes space for others to do the same. 

If there was one piece of advice you could give to allies, what would it be?

Knyk: You don't have to understand me to respect that I am a person who deserves the same rights you do. The biggest impact you can have is calling out disrespect when you see it. A simple "hey, that's not cool" goes a lot further than you think. 

Yanru: My advice to allies would be to remember that being an ally isn’t just about supporting us when it’s easy or during Pride month. It’s about stepping up when it matters, even if it’s uncomfortable. If you see something wrong, speak up. Show up and support us in ways that make a real difference, whether it's standing against microaggressions, offering support, or simply educating yourself on the issues the LGBTQIA+ community faces daily.