Paige M.
Senior Program Manager, Employer Brand

It’s Pride Month!

Pride Month, held annually in June, honors the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Pride Month began as a way to pay tribute to and advance the work of those who participated in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Typical celebrations include parades, workshops, concerts, festive attire, and opportunities to reflect on the struggles and strength of earlier generations, paving the way for today. While Pride Month originated in the US, it has spread to cities around the world. 

At Toast, we embrace all of the ingredients that come together to make a Toaster whole. That means intersectionality is at the heart of everything we do. By honoring all parts of our employees, we’re able to foster a community that supports and encourages everyone. 

“Intersectionality allows each person to celebrate more than one part of what makes up who they are as an individual,” Nicole L., Restaurant Success Manager II, reflected. “For example, I am not just a woman, but also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a veteran. I think it is important to be able to support and honor other identities, including those that I am not part of. Combining efforts across multiple groups creates more inclusion and makes Toast a better place overall.”

An example of how Pride unites Toasters from across the business is an upcoming event, where Pumpernickel & Rye, our Toast Community for Black/African American Toasters, is partnering with Multigrain (a space for LGBTQIA+ Toasters) and Mi Gente (a space for Latinx/Hispanic Toasters) to host drag show events in offices across the US. “Drag has been an art form that has been in around since Shakespeare,” said Chloe R., Growth Account Executive and one of Multigrain’s presidents. “Today, it embodies the freedom of self-expression, identity, and has become a symbol of safe spaces for queer existence."

“As someone with Afro-Latino heritage, it’s important to me that I’m seen, heard, and included. My voice matters — we all do.”- Dominic O., Customer Care Expert, Payments

“Oftentimes, people of color are excluded from representation and inclusivity in the Queer community. Partnerships like these are not only thoughtful, but they’re also necessary,” shared Dominic O., Customer Care Expert, Payments. Dominic is a member of Multigrain, Pumpernickel & Rye, and Mi Gente. 

Toast Communities fully embody our values, and they offer employees the opportunity to flourish in an empowering, connected space. By joining, Toasters have access to a network of others with shared lived experiences, where they can learn from one another, support each other’s growth, and enjoy fun activities that celebrate their cultures and heritages. Additionally, members can develop their leadership skills by taking on board positions, allowing them to plan and host events, partner with executive sponsors, manage budgets, and more. 

“Being involved with multiple Toast Communities and in the role I am in, I have met so many compassionate Toast employees who understand intersectionality thoroughly,” shared Alex H., Senior Coordinator, People and Organizational Development. Alex is also a member of Tapioca, our community for Asian American and Pacific Islander Toasters. “We share an understanding of how our experiences, shaped by our intersecting identities, are tough, challenging, and exhausting. At the same time, we make the effort to appreciate the beauty of our uniqueness, support and uplift one another, and foster community.”

Not only do the Toast Communities provide opportunities for individuals who identify with the group personally, but many also bring together allies through events, programs, and learning opportunities. This inclusivity allows Toasters to learn from each other and play their own part in making Toast a great place to work. 

“I do believe education is key to acceptance,” shared Stan J., Payroll, Senior Manager. “The Multigrain board is really working on building relationships with other Toast Communities. I think it's key to interact with all Communities since Multigrainers are found across all of these spaces.” 

During Pride Month and throughout the entire year, we hope you’ll join us in embracing those around you and celebrating the uniqueness we all bring to the table!