Celebrating Pride Month at our Global HQ

This year, the Yum Equality Society (YES!) at our global headquarters, the CORE (Center of Restaurant Excellence), in Dallas, Texas recognized Pride month by bringing employees together to celebrate our differences, champion diversity, and generate pride – regardless of who we are or who we love. As YES! explained, “In today’s climate, it’s so important to stand up for equality and free expression, and let’s make sure we have a little fun along the way. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, learn about the struggles we still face, and enjoy the PRIDE we feel in being our true selves.”

The month kicked off with a bang with our first ever Pride flag raising event at the CORE. The Inclusive Pride Flag was raised on June 1 and remained up all month to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

YES! then hosted a Lunch & Learn where they went in depth on the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. Our sister brand Pizza Hut, which is also headquartered at the CORE, also hosted a panel called Profiles & Proximity: Pizza Hut PRIDE where colleagues, team members and franchisee partners discussed the LGBTQ+ community and experiences.

Additionally, CORE employees were encouraged to anonymously submit their questions about the LGBTQ+ community. From asking what the letters mean to looking to learn about using pronouns to learning about ways to support coworkers, YES! panelists answered as many of questions as possible in a live “Windows and Mirrors” event. The panel consisted of a diverse mix of members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who were able to provide different perspectives and provide audience members the ability to see their own vantage point mirrored back at them.

The month culminated by bringing PRIDE to the virtual streets! Whether employees wanted to share their personal stories, show their support for the community, or how they celebrate Pride in their own unique way, they were given “the main stage” for 30-60 seconds in our first ever YES! virtual parade on Microsoft Teams.

We were thrilled to celebrate all people in a month so important to the LGBTQ+ community and loved having everyone’s support and involvement!