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 3

Eric P. - Shift Lead

Growing up, Eric was raised in a community that did not align with him or his beliefs. Over time, he knew that he would have to make decisions that would not be celebrated. In this space, Eric did not feel as if he belonged, and decided to separate himself and focus on self-love and expression; however, this evolution would prove to be one of his biggest challenges.

“Once I fully accepted the fact that I was different from the majority of people in my community, I made the decision to be proud of who I am. Despite the expectations of others in my life at the time, by accepting myself, I was a lot happier and gained a new and positive perspective on life,” he said.

But what was his first step on this path of self-love? Coming out. “Coming out to my family and introducing my partner to them was a turning point in my life. Despite my family’s feelings, the act of coming out lifted an incredible weight off my shoulders. After being ashamed and hiding who I was for years and years, coming out to them was a big step to self-acceptance.”

Since then, those in his chosen community have propelled him to be the confident leader he chooses to be. “My boyfriend, my Taco Bell family, my friends and siblings are the main forces in my life that continue to motivate me,” he said.

And because his chosen family and Taco Bell family allowed him to be who he is, Eric now returns that acceptance to his peers. As a Shift Lead, Eric provides support for all his peers by championing them to live in confidence, “... when I am at work, I feel fully accepted for who I am. Regardless of your sexuality, gender, race, or religion, I encourage everyone to always be confident within every aspect of what makes you who you are.” This is the inclusive culture we strive for at The Bell...where every person is celebrated and feels as if they belong.

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!

Check out more people stories!