June is known in much of the world as Pride Month, a time dedicated to lifting LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and honoring LGBTQ+ history and experiences.
Guided by its PRIDE employee resource group (ERG), Aramark supports a number of initiatives each June to highlight the work being done year-round to create a more supportive, inclusive, and equitable space for employees, clients, customers, colleagues, friends, and family members.
The theme for Pride Month 2023 was Strength in Solidarity, with an emphasis placed on LGBTQ+ allies, as a reminder that people are stronger together than when divided.
Building Bridges Toward Equality
“Allyship plays a critical role in building bridges and reinforcing the importance of equality for all,” said Jack Donovan, President and CEO, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and PRIDE ERG executive sponsor. “Being an ally is not only crucial to Aramark's vision, mission, and values; it is a pivotal step in doing more for others, fighting for the greater good, and being human.”
In addition to the Pride Month highlights below, Aramark has in the past year started an educational partnership with the LGBTQ+ advocacy group PFLAG. Aramark has also had a longstanding partnership with Out & Equal workplace advocates. Out & Equal has partnered with the Pride ERG to host several trainings on allyship and the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
In addition, the Pronouns Matter campaign launched in 2022 was expanded companywide this year to educate employees on inclusive language and its importance in gender identity and expression. To date, more than 2,000 employees have used the resources.
Creating a culture where people can be their authentic selves remains true to Aramark’s goals.
2023 Pride Month Highlights
Franklin Pride Festival
Aramark employees staffed a booth at the Franklin (TN) Pride Festival June 3. Information about the company’s services, careers, and commitment to DEI was featured, along with a chance to win branded merchandise by spinning a big wheel. The event was attended by more than 7,000 people from the community.
Coming Out Stories Vol. 3
The third installment of Aramark Coming Out Stories was published in time for Pride Month 2023. In addition to LGBTQ+ employee stories, this year’s issue included stories from LGBTQ+ Allies throughout the company.
Film Discussion
Last year during Pride Month, the ERG held an online discussion with Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer about her experiences coming out while serving in the military. This year, in conjunction with the Aramark Salute ERG, the teams held a discussion of the movie based on Col. Cammermeyer’s life, “Serving in Silence.”
InTune Music Video
Aramark’s choral group InTune produced a video to celebrate Pride Month 2023. The cover of the popular song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” was dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities and allies everywhere.
PA Employer Pledge
Committed to an equitable workplace that engages employees and builds trust in an environment where differences are valued, Aramark joined other employers based in Pennsylvania this month to support statewide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.
Building Emotional Intelligence
Employees took part in a webinar June 22 led by DEI coach and facilitator Sarah Scala, M.Ed and OD, PCC, Sarah Scala Consulting. Participants learned about the role emotional intelligence plays in developing and strengthening positive relationships, specifically in the LGBTQ+ community.
Self ID Campaign
In June, Aramark launched its first campaign to encourage all employees to voluntarily self-identify internally. The campaign goals include helping the company better understand its LGBTQ+ population, inform DEI strategy, and continue to measure veterans and employees with disabilities in the company workforce.
Allyship Webinar
In this Pride Month closing session June 29, participants learned what LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion looks like in practice. The webinar was led by Aramark longtime partner Out & Equal, a global nonprofit focused on LGBTQ+ workplace advocacy.
