Strengthening belonging for Starbucks LGBTQIA2+ partners
Starbucks legacy of LGBTQIA2+ support dates back to the company’s earliest days, including inclusive health coverage, partner-inspired community investments, advocating for civil rights, proudly displaying the Pride flag in our stores — and new commitments announced Monday.
Partners,
As we approach the month of June and prepare to celebrate Pride, we are excited to reaffirm our commitment to our values and to creating environments where everyone is welcome and respected with additional steps to support our LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities.
Progress has always been our focus at Starbucks, even in times when it may seem difficult, or we are challenged. We are proud to continuously evolve our benefits and resources based on your feedback and in ways that ensure all partners who wear the green apron feel a strong sense of belonging. From providing inclusive health coverage, to making partner-inspired community investments, to advocating for civil rights and proudly displaying the Pride flag in our stores — our legacy of LGBTQIA2+ support dates back to our earliest days.
Today we are announcing new commitments to further support our LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities, including an expanded partnership with the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). Starting on June 1, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming partners will be able to:
- Access confidential, advisory services related to name and gender marker changes.
- Through NCTE, partners can sign up for reimbursement up to $500 for eligible costs related to name and gender marker changes on state or United States federal identification.
These new resources build on other steps we’re taking to support the LGBTQIA2+ community, including a new partnership with Out & Equal, reaffirming visible allyship through the Human Rights Campaign’s Count Us In Pledge, continuing our longstanding sponsorship of Pride parades around the country, contributing to the Trans Health Project and more.
As LGBTQIA2+ communities face continued discrimination, it remains our role and responsibility to ensure you can be who you are, without exception, and affirm our commitment to equality. We are proud to celebrate Pride with our partners and communities, building on the belonging we foster in our stores year-round.
In partnership,
Sara Kelly and Sara Trilling
Sara Kelly, evp and chief partner officer Sara Trilling, evp and president of North America