Talking Pride with Michael Colon

Here at KFC, we lead with heart – it’s critical to our culture and part of our DNA. One of our core values is to believe in all people and we’re proud that KFC is committed to promoting a culture that stands for inclusion and respect, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality. We welcome people from all backgrounds and everyone can bring their best self to work. Everyone is welcome at our table.

After a year unlike any other – full of lockdowns, restrictions, and less human interaction – we believe celebrating openness and diversity is more important than ever. Inspired by Pride Month, we’re taking a few weeks this summer to recognize and celebrate our own LGBTQ+ community and culture around the world. Our “Talking Pride” series is all about championing diversity, celebrating how far we’ve come, and educating about the work that still needs to be done.

What is your role at KFC?

Associate Analyst, HR & Training for KFC Latin America & Caribbean

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm from Ponce, Puerto Rico, and I'm the second of four children. I'm a proud "Boricua" wherever I go.


What does Pride mean to you?

For me, Pride means the beginning of something beautiful, the rise of our voices, the celebration of our community, and the support for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride is the month where we go out and tell the world to accept who we are, regardless of our sexual orientation, sexuality, or gender identity. Also, Pride is the month where we celebrate our brothers and sisters who fought bravely in the past so we can be seen as equals. We are all humans, and we need to look for each other and spread love. Pride is love. Pride is inclusion, equality, acceptance, and all these need to be celebrated beyond Pride Month.

What do you think people can do this Pride Month to practice allyship and raise awareness about important issues that impact the global LGBTQ+ community?

I think people need to practice acceptance. No matter how far we've come and all the achievements, there is still so much work to do. The fight for the LGBTQ+ community's rights needs to continue. It doesn't matter where you live, work, or go; people have to be more inclusive. People must understand that we are raising our voices not to change who they are but to teach them how to accept and be empathetic towards others. We want to create a world where every person can feel safe regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, or sexual orientation.