Live Más. Love More. Celebrate Pride Month.

Learn more about inspirational stories of those Making Modern History at Taco Bell and beyond.

First thing is first – what's Pride Month? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Nowadays, celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops and more – unifying millions of participants around the world for a month of solidarity, recognizing the worldwide impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals have had and continue to have, as well as, reflecting on those impacted by hate crimes, suicide, or HIV/AIDS.

In addition to raising the Pride flag this month, Taco Bell Corp.'s Live Más Pride ERG is participating in OC Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday, June 25 along with our sister brand The Habit Burger Grill! Throughout this month, we will also be sharing information and ways to honor this month across our organization as well as sharing our very own Taco Bell team stories.

But the celebration and work doesn't stop there. Taco Bell allies are living the Pride Month celebration all year long through educating, activating and advocating. They strive to encourage inclusive perspectives, act as a proponent for Taco Bell’s LGBTQIA+ population, and allies and help serve as a cultural partner to amplify our community through education and open communication.

To honor this month and lead with action-oriented allyship, we’re amplifying the voices of those in the LBGTQIA+ community who are growing their careers at Taco Bell.

Week 2

David Y. - Brand Designer at Taco Bell Corp.’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC)

“Sometimes, it’s not enough to be loud to get attention,” David said and has lived by this throughout his life.

David left the military to go into the “scary world of civilian life and college,” as David would say. It was tough for him during those days though. Being outside of the military outfit and trying to get accustomed to this new life in the construction industry. He felt that he had to limit who he was and adapted quickly just to get ahead in the early days. He did what he had to do. Not too long after that, he landed his first job out of college at an architectural firm managing the Yum! Brands accounts, which led him to the Irvine, CA RSC. 

Throughout the years, he learned that limiting himself wasn’t the way to live. Since then, he has supported, managed and helped evolve the Taco Bell concept. As a Brand Designer, he and his team create the bridge to adapt the design to the actual development. For example, he helped work on the incredible flagship Las Vegas Cantina, the restaurant coined “most beautiful Taco Bell in the world” in Pacifica, the Danville Cantina which brings a drive-thru to a Cantina concept, the first sports-themed and VIP room Cantina in Westport, and the Montana Cantina which will be the first Taco Bell restaurant with a separate beverage bar and event room (and more... stay tuned).

The list goes on for David. From being in the military to the impressive strides he makes to bring Taco Bell to life in so many places around the world, his team doesn’t just lay down the plan for a new restaurant build, he’s literally contributing to creating the feeling that each person will have when they walk into a Taco Bell – he's helping to create the future of Taco Bell with each new, distinctive and relevant restaurant concept. 

“It’s been incredible to be part of various teams involved with such a dynamic global restaurant corporation navigating the world in such an impressive way. Carrying forward the legacy of all the Yum! Brands and to impart my know-how to build up the coming generation keeps me motivated,” he said. 

But that’s not all for David. He believes that if you continue to stay motivated and be supportive of others while staying patient throughout, it’ll be key to success in your effort for progress.

“I will always coach collaboration with persistence and strength. Be tenacious with your warmth and go with the flow more often to move forward. Life is much more than a linear perception of time. The underrepresented communities like ours can get more of the recognition that they deserve from an aspiring leader that can voice their vision. Whether it’s LGBTQIA+ freedom or racial empowerment or veterans' treatment or other rights, it comes down to social perception for a better world. I have seen a closed society from past decades open their mind with evolved understandings.”

That’s the life that David leads. He cuts through the noise of technology today and does his best to balance work life with home life. He works to have a good outlook on life and be supportive with family, community and teams as much as possible. He seeks to maintain a sense of togetherness while having the choice to make things right when needed. And always remembering to use your experiences to work through the two steps forward and one step back reality of today. 

As he said, “Sometimes, it’s not enough to be loud to get attention.” He helps shape the future look and feel of Taco Bell, goes with the flow along the way and supports his family, community and team through it all. He stays true to who he is, and that’s all he needs. You can do the same. 

We hope you join us in recognizing the impact that LGBTQIA+ individuals have every day, everywhere and all the time! Feel free to use Taco Bell Corp.’s Pride virtual meeting background (just right click to download). Happy Pride Month, everyone!

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