At Starbucks, we value and support the Pride community – customers, partners, and allies alike. No matter your identity, no matter your background, we are better together. This Pride Month, Dan Blaker, chair of the EMEA Pride Network, shares his Starbucks journey, what <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/celebrating-pride-heritage-month-in-emea/">Pride Heritage Month</a> means to him, and the role of Starbucks EMEA Pride Network.

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Dan (he/him) joined Starbucks as a barista back in 2007 while studying at University in Bath. Fast forward 15 years, minus a six-month career break where he went travelling, Dan progressed from barista to district manager and is now a Starbucks UK business manager. Dan adds, “I am also privileged to be the chair of our Pride Network here in EMEA, I have been part of the network for 18 months, since we first formed, and have held the chair role for the past six months.”

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“The Pride Network began in the US around three decades ago. We now have four Pride Networks across the globe, and it was a privilege being able to help establish, develop and grow the network here in EMEA.”

"It is important for all our partners (employees) to have a voice, a space where they can learn, connect, share and truly be themselves. We also need to advocate for partners, amplify voices within the business for underrepresented groups, and influence support, driving change.”

“Our mission is to empower, support and celebrate the Starbucks LGBTQ+ community. We aim to do that by proudly cultivating an equitable, inclusive, and dynamic environment for LGBTQ+ partners, allies, and customers.”

This year’s theme for Pride Heritage Month is allyship. Allyship is essential for creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance.

For Dan, “Pride Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate how far we have come as a community, share stories, educate ourselves and others, and continue to raise awareness. I feel privileged to work for a company where I can be myself and inspire others to do the same. At Starbucks we are guided by our Mission and Values, challenging the status quo and doing everything we can to create a sense of belonging where everybody is welcome.”

Despite making progress, Dan believes that we still have a long way to go – suggesting that there are many challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces every single day:

“It is essential we demonstrate solidarity, come together and show support wherever we can to underrepresented groups for everyone to truly feel included.”

Behind the Green Apron

Behind the Green Apron Archives - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Stories EMEA

Celebrating Pride: Meet Dan Blaker, who shares the importance of celebrating Pride and how Starbucks can build an atmosphere of inclusion - Starbucks Stories EMEA

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/behind-the-green-apron/

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Celebrating Pride: Meet Dan Blaker, who shares the importance of celebrating Pride and how Starbucks can build an atmosphere of inclusion

At Starbucks, we value and support the Pride community – customers, partners, and allies alike. No matter your identity, no matter your background, we are better together. This Pride Month, Dan Blaker, chair of the EMEA Pride Network, shares his Starbucks journey, what Pride Heritage Month means to him, and the role of Starbucks EMEA […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/celebrating-pride-meet-dan-blaker/

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“…to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect”

Join us in meeting our Milan based partner, Lady Anne (she/her), from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery team who shares her background and experiences and talks about the importance of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/celebrating-pride-heritage-month-in-emea/">Pride Heritage Month</a>.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and how long you have been a partner?

“My name is Lady Anne, 34 years old and originally from the Philippines. I grew up in a city called Baguio, also known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’ – a mountainous area where coffee plantations grow due to the favourable climate. I have been a partner since 2018.”

Tell us about your Starbucks journey?

“My journey at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano has been eye-opening. My love and passion for coffee was unlocked the moment I joined the company. Throughout my journey, I've learnt a lot about teamwork and how to be passionate about the things I love doing the most. I am grateful to be part of this Starbucks family because they gave me the opportunity to learn and to grow.”

What does Pride Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate the landmark?

“Pride Heritage Month for me is a great reminder that each and every one of us has a right to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect – accepting who you are and having the courage to speak the truth, which is the true essence of freedom.”

What does ‘to be a partner’ mean to you?

“Having empathy and being a helping hand to those in need – I genuinely believe that two heads are better than one.”

What is your greatest Starbucks achievement so far?

“Achievement is a big word for me – I am the type of person who lives in the present. Working with my fellow partners (employees) and seeing our customers leave the Roastery with a smile are all part of my achievements. Also, I have been nominated as Partner of the Quarter.”

Who and what inspires you?

“Being a mother to a wonderful daughter.”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“My advice would be to value everything that life throws at you – everything can either be a lesson or an opportunity to grow and to be a better version of yourself.”

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Starbucks has a long legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusion with more than three decades of pride support and advocacy. Pride Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to celebrate the culture and diversity of our partners and the communities we serve. Starbucks is supporting this year’s Milano Pride and as part of the celebrations, the Reserve Roastery Milano will proudly display the Pride flag from 16 June to 3 July.

Celebrating Pride: Meet your Starbucks Reserve Roastery partner, Lady Anne - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Celebrating Pride: Meet your Starbucks Reserve Roastery partner, Lady Anne

“…to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect” Join us in meeting our Milan based partner, Lady Anne (she/her), from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery team who shares her background and experiences and talks about the importance of Pride Heritage Month. Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and how long you have […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/celebrating-pride-meet-your-barista-lady-anne/

Since the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company dedicated to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome. Our aspiration is to be people positive – uplifting the well-being of everyone we connect with, from our partners to the customers in our stores and beyond.

Pride Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. In celebrating Pride Heritage Month, we invited two partners (employees), Dan and Lady Anne, to share with us their experiences. 

Dan Blaker (he/him), business manager, Starbucks UK

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“Pride Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate how far we have come together as a community, share stories, educate ourselves and others, and continue to raise awareness. I feel privileged to work for a company where I can be myself and inspire others to do the same. At Starbucks we are guided by our mission and values, challenging the status quo and doing everything we can to create a sense of belonging where everybody is welcome”.

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Lady Anne Aromin (she/her), barista, Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano

“Pride Heritage Month for me is a great reminder that each and every one of us has a right to be who we truly are with confidence and self-respect – accepting who you are and having the courage to speak your truth is the true essence of freedom”.

For 50 years Starbucks has aspired to be a different kind of company, driven by our mission – to inspire and nurture the human spirit; one person, one cup and one community at a time.

We believe in making a positive difference for partners, customers, and society around three core areas— inclusion, opportunity, and community—to create a warm, welcoming experience for all.

Pride offers us an opportunity to celebrate this culture and the diversity of our partners and communities; we have a long legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusion with more than <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2019/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">three decades</a> of pride support and advocacy.

This Pride Heritage Month, join us in recognising the variety of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, read stories that elevate human connection, and learn about allyship from within the community and beyond.

Starbucks Pride Heritage Month

Starbucks Pride Heritage Month Archives - Starbucks Stories EMEA

For 50 years Starbucks has aspired to be a different kind of company, driven by our mission – to inspire and nurture the human spirit; one person, one cup and one community at a time. We believe in making a positive difference for partners, customers, and society around three core areas— inclusion, opportunity, and community—to create a warm, welcoming experience for all. Pride offers us an opportunity to celebrate this culture and the diversity of our partners and communities; we have a long legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusion with more than three decades of pride support and advocacy. This Pride Heritage Month, join us in recognising the variety of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, read stories that elevate human connection, and learn about allyship from within the community and beyond.

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/pride-heritage-month/

Celebrating Pride Heritage Month in EMEA - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Since the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company dedicated to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome. Our aspiration is to be people positive – uplifting the well-being of everyone we connect with, from our partners to the customers in our stores and beyond. Pride Heritage […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/celebrating-pride-heritage-month-in-emea/

Celebrating Pride Heritage Month in EMEA

Our green apron-wearing Starbucks partners (employees) share the importance of Pride Heritage Month and what it means to them.

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Tell us a bit about yourself, your pronouns, your career, your role in the business and how long you’ve been a Starbucks partner?

My name is Carla and my pronouns are she/her. I currently work as a store manager at Quay Street and I have been a partner for 13 years.

My name is Sarah and my pronouns are she/her. I have been a Starbucks partner for 13 years, starting off as a barista and then moving on to the role of supervisor.

My name is Konrad and my pronouns are he/him. I've been a Starbucks barista for two years.

My name is Alma Renée and my pronouns are they/she. I am originally from Rome but have been living in Manchester for almost three years. I work as a barista and have been a Starbucks partner for almost two years.

My name is Izzy and my pronouns are she/her. I have been working as a Starbucks partner for five years and I have loved every moment of it.

My name is Arleta and my pronouns are she/they. I graduated from university and currently work as a barista for Starbucks. I have worked here for seven months.

My name is Laurie and my pronouns are he/him. I’ve been with Starbucks for 13 years in many different stores working as a supervisor. I can honestly say that over the years I’ve made many friends for life through Starbucks.

My name is Beth and my pronouns are she/they. I’ve been a barista for just over a month and I’m about to start training to become an English teacher!

My name is Billy and my pronouns are he/him. I am 22 years old, Manchester born and bred, currently working as a barista and training to become a web developer. I have been a partner for two years.

My name is Liam and my pronouns are he/him. I have been working as a barista at Starbucks for almost two years.

My name is Ania and my pronouns are she/her. I’ve been with Starbucks for the past 15 years, working as a supervisor.

What does Pride Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important to celebrate the landmark?

Pride Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. June is the month chosen to celebrate Pride because it was the month of the Stonewall Riots, the protests that changed LGBTQ+ rights for people in the USA and beyond. During Pride Heritage Month, we are offered a chance to come together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come even if there is still some work to be done in places. This is our chance as members of the community to teach tolerance, educate people in Pride history and continue to move forward in equality. It is vital to celebrate this landmark because if it wasn’t for the LGBTQ+ people who came before us and fought for our visibility, for our rights and for our community, we wouldn’t be as liberated as we are today. During this month remember the people who paved the way for each and every one of us. -Alma

It’s important to celebrate Pride Month to see how far we have come over the years. It is also a chance to witness how people have changed their views for the better. I believe that everyone should be equal regardless of gender and sexual identity, skin colour or age. - Carla

To me Pride Heritage Month means celebrating who you are, coming together as a community, offering inclusion, love, acceptance, and friendship. It is also an opportunity to have conversations and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and to be educated by those who are part of it. - Sarah

While I am not a part of the LGBTQ+ community personally, I think it's great for the community to ensure every voice is heard and be celebrated during the month of June. It shows that we can all find peaceful ways to help and understand each other. - Konrad

To me, Pride Heritage Month is about recognising the impact that LBGTQ+ individuals have had on history, not just locally, but nationally and internationally too. It is about raising awareness and understanding the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals have faced, and ensuring that we, as a society, are doing all we can to alleviate the associated pressures and difficulties. - Izzy

What does LGBTQ+ inclusion mean to you?

LGBTQ+ inclusion to me means acceptance. Since I first came out as a teenager in the 90's, acceptance of those who are different has massively changed for the better. We’ve gone from being too scared to talk about who we love, to being proud enough to shout about it in the streets. – Laurie

To me, LGBTQ+ inclusion is about making everyone feel comfortable and welcome in any given environment, and never assuming anyone’s gender identity. - Beth

LGBTQ+ inclusion is important to me as it makes me happy knowing that people can be accepted for who they are, with no worries or concerns about having to hide themselves. – Liam

It means creating a space where people can be themselves without shame. As a mother, I like to take my two daughters to attend the Pride parade to show up for the community and to teach my daughters about the LGBTQ+ community and what they stand for. I will always offer my help in whatever way I can to any member of the LGBTQ+ community. - Ania

Who inspires you and why?

My mum is the person who inspires me. She has Crohn’s disease and because of it she has her good days and her bad ones. But even on her bad days she carries on doing what she has to. She has always been an amazing role model for me. - Carla

Freddie Mercury inspires me, both as a musician and as a person. He was an unapologetic gay man in a world that didn't accept who he truly was. Freddie helped raise awareness of HIV and AIDs related issues and was an overall amazing singer and songwriter. - Billy

Robert Smith of The Cure for always being 100% true to himself and consistently pushing the boundaries of gender expression through both his looks and music. - Beth

Don't worry about having to define yourself. You don't have to tell anyone until you're not ready. When you do, be happy that you did and ignore the negativity. Those people aren't your friends, and you don't need to waste your time on them. - Areleta

I would tell my younger self that it’s totally fine to feel like I am different &nbsp;to my peers, that it’s okay to feel like I don’t belong and that there's absolutely no reason for me to believe what people shout at me in the streets. I would tell my younger self that I need to allow myself time to understand myself better, that I need to practice self-love more, and most importantly, that tomorrow isn’t as dark as yesterday seems. Lastly, I would tell myself to embrace my femininity, my queerness and my love for clothes and make-up because all of those will turn me into a gorgeous, proud, queer, trans woman. - Alma

If I could give my teenage self a piece of advice it would be to hold my head high and embrace my Pride. Never let anyone make me feel ashamed of who I love. I’d tell myself that the future will be different, as with acceptance, things will change rapidly for the LGBTQ+ community, to the point where people won’t live in fear for being their authentic selves anymore. – Laurie

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of finally accepting who I am and having the people closest to me accept me as well. -Billy

I am most proud of the people around me! We all push each other to become better, more well-rounded individuals and I wouldn’t be the person I am without my family or friends. - Izzy

I am most proud of my sister for coming out at the age of 16 to all our family and completely owning who she is without any fear. - Liam

Welcome to our Quay Street store, in the heart of Manchester - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Welcome to our Quay Street store, in the heart of Manchester

Our green apron-wearing Starbucks partners (employees) share the importance of Pride Heritage Month and what it means to them.

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Alvaro Dominguez-Adame Palomo

Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner?

I grew up in Spain, and my obsession for Starbucks began when I was a teenager. I loved going to Starbucks with my friends, getting my Frappuccino fix, spending my weekly allowance on muffins… Looking back, I was a very loyal customer! After I finished my architecture degree, I needed a job, and I knew I wanted to be part of the brand no matter what. I spent three years as a barista, moved to London, and eventually had the chance to join the design team as an Intern. Right now, I am part of the EMEA concepts team, working on very diverse projects – tools and initiatives that support the wider design team.

For me, Pride is about resilience. I'm only in my late 20s, but when I celebrate Pride, I tap into a legacy of resistance—from the Stonewall Riots to the present struggles of the transgender community. We can now look back and see how society has historically tried to suppress our community and break our spirit by driving us into the shadows, but we still live and love as we are to the fullest and support each other. Pride is more important than ever these days, as our society now has the chance to learn from our mistakes and support the battles of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.

What does LGBTQ+ inclusion mean to you?

LGBTQ+ inclusion means living your own truth and more importantly, accepting others’ truth as well. Regardless of any label that you choose to define yourself, Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion is all about accepting yourself, in your own truth. It is an ever-evolving journey and process, one that involves growing as you learn more about yourself and those around you.

“Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion is all about accepting yourself, in your own truth” - Starbucks Stories EMEA

“Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion is all about accepting yourself, in your own truth”

Alvaro Dominguez-Adame Palomo Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner? I grew up in Spain, and my obsession for Starbucks began when I was a teenager. I loved going to Starbucks with my friends, getting my Frappuccino fix, spending my weekly allowance […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/alvaro-dominguez-adame-palomo-pride-heritage-month/

My name is Cindy and I have been a partner for 20 years. I began my career with Starbucks in 2000 as a barista and worked my way up&nbsp;through the ranks to District Manager, which is a role I have held for nine years. I feel privileged to work for a company where I love what I do - a place where I have felt valued and included. In 2017, I was selected to go on the Starbucks Origin Experience to Rwanda. There I met farmers, their families and the communities of people responsible for growing our exceptional coffee. I visited our Farmers Support Centre and learned more about how we source coffee and the work Starbucks does to support our coffee farmers in the region. Starbucks is a company where we not only strive to be welcoming to our customers, but it’s a place where everyone is included and treated with respect. There is always more to do, but if Starbucks partners keep their Partner Promise to one another we will continue to move forward. Pride month reminds us why it is important to do that.

Aside from being a Starbucks partner I am also a mum. I have a daughter called Katie, and three step-children, Stacey, Steven and Kelly. Stacey and Kelly are lesbian and Steven is gay. I have always been an LGBTQ+ ally, but having Stacey, Steven and Kelly in my life has made me more aware of some of the challenges that people in the LGBTQ+ community face. It has also prompted me to further educate myself. I recognise that as an ally I can be a powerful voice not only for them, but for all LGBTQ+ people. I believe it is important not to be a bystander - simply calling someone out when they make an offensive remark can make a difference. This can at times lead to an uncomfortable conversation, but I am willing to take that risk. Pride Heritage Month presents an opportunity for me to express my support. It gives us all an opportunity to remember the actions of others that have led the LGBTQ+ community to this point, to recognise there is still more to do and to celebrate!

Who inspires me and why?

In the last year I have been privileged enough to be part of the Pride Alliance network. I have connected with a great group of LGBTQ+ partners and allies and have been inspired by them. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to dial into a call where we were joined by Helen Laryea-Dyer.&nbsp;Helen is the CEO of Bromley, UK based charity CASPA, who support around 400 autistic children, young people and their families in the borough. CASPA have recently set up a social and support club specifically for LGBTQ+ members and parents. She shared her personal and professional story with us. She wasn’t afraid to speak her truth and share her story in hope that she could inspire others. &nbsp;Anyone with that level of courage inspires me.

“I recognise that as an ally I can be a powerful voice” - Starbucks Stories EMEA

“I recognise that as an ally I can be a powerful voice”

Cindy Ross Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner? My name is Cindy and I have been a partner for 20 years. I began my career with Starbucks in 2000 as a barista and worked my way up&nbsp;through the ranks to District […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/cindy-ross-pride-heritage-month/

I grew up on the west coast of Scotland, in a small(ish) town called Troon, which is famous for golf and it’s ‘Wee Hurrie’ fish &amp; chip shop – check it out if you ever get the chance to visit. I was never that into golf, so I left when I was 18 and moved to Glasgow which is only 25 miles ‘up the road’ to go to uni.&nbsp;I spent the next eight years studying, working, partying a little and coming out a lot.&nbsp; My first experience of Starbucks was going on study dates there, or meeting for actual dates at the Borders store in the city centre.&nbsp;I didn’t drink coffee then and I never imagined that one day I would work here.&nbsp;I moved to London in 2010 to work for the Olympic organising committee, which was a dream job - Starbucks is the only one that has come close since.&nbsp; I became a partner in 2018 and I proudly lead talent acquisition for our EMEA market. I love being part of such a supportive people team where inclusion is so central to what we do and as we grow, I am excited about what comes next. I am also really lucky to live with my wonderfully supportive partner, Aaron, and our five-year-old pug, Papi, who keeps us both in check!

As the chair of the Starbucks EMEA Pride&nbsp;Network, please can you tell us a little more about it.

Being the chair of the Pride Network is such a privilege, and slightly daunting.&nbsp; We were established in EMEA in August 2020, and we are shaping all that we do with inclusion right at the centre of it.&nbsp; The LGBTQ+ family is big and diverse, and I feel the responsibility to make sure we are allowing everyone’s voices to come forward and be heard or be amplified regardless.&nbsp;I work with a dedicated group of members on our committee, we meet every two weeks and we are who we are today because of them.&nbsp; We have celebrated Trans Awareness Week, hosted external guests discussing topics such as gender identity and lesbian visibility and I am really proud of our first Pride Heritage Month events schedule being delivered this June.&nbsp;I can’t wait to get planning for next year’s events already.

When I was growing up, Pride to me meant a big carnival celebration to have fun. While I'm still having fun these days, I am much more connected to the importance of why we celebrate in June now and feel that we have work to do to ensure that everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ has a place to be recognised and uplifted within our Pride celebrations.&nbsp;There are still some fights to be fought in our community and our network will continue to raise these discussions and issues, Heritage Month is a great platform by which to do so.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I came out when I was 21, so I would definitely need to give myself a BIG pep talk.&nbsp;I would encourage myself to be ok with not being like everyone else, to not supress my true feelings and own my journey.&nbsp;

“The LGBTQ+ family is big and diverse, and I feel the responsibility to make sure we are allowing everyone’s voices to come forward and be heard” - Starbucks Stories EMEA

“The LGBTQ+ family is big and diverse, and I feel the responsibility to make sure we are allowing everyone’s voices to come forward and be heard”

Euan James Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner? I grew up on the west coast of Scotland, in a small(ish) town called Troon, which is famous for golf and it’s ‘Wee Hurrie’ fish &amp; chip shop – check it out if […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/euan-james-pride-heritage-month/