 When asked to describe the vibrant palette he chose for his new collaboration with Starbucks, Tim Singleton says, “It’s my favorite color – all of them.” The Toronto-based artist and illustrator used electric shades of punchy cyan, magenta, vibrant pink, key lime green and citrusy orange and a mixture of iconography for the joyful collection. “I always like my work to put a smile on people’s faces.”&nbsp;

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The new Starbucks drinkware collaboration with Singleton is arriving in Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada on May 30. The collection is the first in a series through the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Program, which celebrates and elevates the voices and stories of artists from around the world through uniquely curated merchandise in Starbucks stores.&nbsp;

“A lot of the work that I do focuses on queerness and how that has inspired me – both as a queer person and a gay man and how I relate to the world with that,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Singleton’s collection is a mish-mash of pop culture, queer culture and nostalgia with bold visuals and rainbow-bright colors. “It really is a story of self-expression and the unrelenting freedom to express yourself how you want, and that there isn’t really one right way to do it,” Singleton said.&nbsp;

Exclusively designed for Starbucks, the drinkware collection includes two 24-ounce (venti) plastic cold cups with glitter artwork and a 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler, while supplies last. Starbucks locations within Target stores will also have three additional Target-exclusive drinkware pieces.&nbsp;

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This 24-ounce double-walled plastic cold cup has a bit of everything – colour, glitter, holofoil, flowers and a hand making a peace sign that holds a heart. The swirling design carries all the way to the straw, with a final swoop of cyan and magenta. “The peace sign is iconic and easy to interpret almost immediately,” Singleton said. “And at the end of the day, we all want just a little bit of peace.”

The rainbow gradient of this 24-ounce cold cup evokes a sunrise as it softly blends from cyan to magenta to citrus with an overlay of a graphic geometric grid treatment. “A beautiful metaphor for queerness is juxtaposing colors,” Singleton said. “Putting a colour beside another colour you wouldn’t think go together – and then it goes together beautifully.”

Singleton’s 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler features a hand holding a rainbow fan, while eyelashes, stars and other icons float through the scene. Singleton said, “I just love the connection of the fan to the queer scene – you see them at drag shows and at Pride events. When you hear that loud clap of the fan [by a group] in unison it speaks to a sense of joy and freedom and that sense of community you have when everyone is doing that in sync. It’s one of those beautiful, harmonious moments.”

Building a culture of inclusion and The Starbucks Foundation

Starbucks strives to create a culture of inclusion and is a proud ally of the the LGBTQIA2+ community, affirming every way people may choose to identify. Starbucks has a long history of supporting its LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities, from advocating&nbsp; to providing broader healthcare coverage for procedures and services that support gender affirmation.

Rooted in the Starbucks Mission to nurture human connection, The Starbucks Foundation, is one of the primary ways Starbucks uplifts communities from around the world. With more than $20 million invested into communities in the past year, The Starbucks Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in partnership with Starbucks partners (employees), licensee partners and others with a shared commitment and belief in stronger, more equitable communities. &nbsp;

Tim Singleton shares his inspiration for the new Starbucks drinkware collection arriving in Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada starting May 30. The collection is the first in a series through the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Program, which celebrates and elevates the voices and stories of artists from around the world through uniquely curated merchandise in Starbucks stores.

New line of Starbucks merchandise celebrates unique stories of artists around the world - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Canada

New line of Starbucks merchandise celebrates unique stories of artists around the world

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From new <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18638/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pronoun pins</a> to the integration of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18358/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Canada Pride T-shirts</a>, Starbucks Canada continues to fiercely support the LGBTQIA2+ community and nurture the well-being of everyone we connect with, including our partners (employees) and coffee farmers to the customers in our stores and individuals in our communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And at the forefront of this collective is the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq2-inclusion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Canada Pride Network</a>, a coalition of dedicated Starbucks partners who strive to make their stores, and Canada, a more inclusive and safe space, from the nation’s capital to the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18702/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">western shores of British Columbia, and beyond</a>.

Newfound Optimism in Ottawa&nbsp;

Melissa (she/her), 25-year partner, and Angie (she/her), 20-year partner, are fresh-faced new co-chairs of the Starbucks Canada Pride Network Ottawa Chapter. The duo was recently entrusted with revitalizing the Ottawa Chapter, which branched off from its sister Chapter, Toronto, pre-pandemic to begin its own legacy.&nbsp;

“I think the early days for us was setting up the committee, getting all the right people around the table to understand what we wanted to achieve,” says Melissa. “What were our goals? How can we show up for our partners in a way where we can provide some celebration as well as an education piece and, really, an advocacy piece? That took a lot of work and then we had to start reaching out to community organizations that we wanted to partner with”.&nbsp;

This summer, the <a href="https://instagram.com/ottawapridenetwork?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottawa Chapter</a> has spearheaded many events including the International Day of Pink (April 13) with Starbucks partners proudly wearing pink to show their support, build awareness and stand up against bullying towards LGBTQIA2+ peers; the <a href="https://www.priderun.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pride &amp; Remembrance Run</a> (June 25), whereby the Chapter hosted a satellite event with over 30 partners participating; and Drag Bingo (July 25), a celebratory evening raising almost $1000 for the <a href="https://www.tenoaksproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TenOaks Project</a>, a charitable organization working to help children, youth and families from LGBTQIA2+ communities thrive.&nbsp;

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The Ottawa Pride Chapter is looking forward to exploring how they can partner with community organizations year-round and what volunteer opportunities can be explored with all of their amazing partners moving forward.&nbsp;

Melissa, Angie and the team are excited to be participating in the <a href="https://capitalpride.ca/2022festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 Ottawa Pride Parade</a> and are hoping for their largest turnout yet with 100+ partners. Local Starbucks stores will be donating and serving coffee, tea and pastries to the fabulous volunteers of this year’s Pride Parade.&nbsp;

“Starbucks is really leading the way in terms of not just saying it but doing it. It makes it easy for leaders like Angie and I to have that permission and that power to go out and do the work that we want to do. We feel supported in that, which is amazing. And I think it's what's needed right now in the world and our partners, the new generation of baristas and our stores; this is what they're asking for and this is what they're drawn to.”&nbsp;

Beyond fundraising and events, Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18358/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pride shirts</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18638/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pronoun pins</a> are just two ways Starbucks is speaking volumes, in Ottawa and beyond. As Angie puts it, there is power without words.&nbsp;

“The pins have brought so much conversation and nothing at all. I don't have to say words when I wear my pin and I can see somebody look at it and then look at me,” says Angie. “I know that we've connected already, and we've already immediately created a safe space. The pins are very powerful.”&nbsp;

“I think I'm most excited to see how we grow and how this community expands. Not only our community of Starbucks partners, but how we can get out and reach our community that is in such need of love and support,” says Melissa.&nbsp;

As co-chair of the Area 26 Chapter, which covers Okanagan B.C. as well as Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Jaime (he/him) has one mission: allyship and amplifying the diverse voices within his community.&nbsp;

Jaime has been working at Starbucks since 1994. He began as a barista and is now a district manager and Area 26 Chapter leader within Starbucks Canada Pride Network, activating and engaging Starbucks partners to get involved in the community.&nbsp;

“When I joined 28 years ago, I wasn't out. It took me a while to come out at Starbucks, realizing and building that trust. It's so interesting to see where partners are at today, where they're all about their identity,” says Jaime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through recent programs like the new pronoun pins, Jamie and his chapter have not only helped individuals understand why people use pronouns, they also educate on the greater goal of allyship across multiple provincial activations.&nbsp;

“I’ve heard from our partners, and they feel safe within our four walls to be able to be exactly who they are. And what I've also seen is that it trickles up, affecting even our managers,” says Jaime. “I'm thinking of one manager in particular that I work with who's really just completely, fully come out and into herself, but has also been able to accelerate advocacy. I look forward to seeing people being empowered. I look forward to watching these leaders grow. I look at myself as more of a facilitator, but really, it's these leaders that are building a network.”&nbsp;

Beyond the pronoun pins, other activities Area 26 have been involved in include volunteering and supporting <a href="https://www.skippingstone.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipping Stone</a> in Calgary, which focuses on transgender advocacy and support, <a href="https://www.thebridgeservices.ca/youth-services/etcetera" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Etcetera</a> in Kelowna, which brings together queer youth in an intersectional, dynamic and supportive space, and various Pride festivals throughout the district, including Kelowna and Saskatoon.&nbsp;

"This year was the first year Starbucks has been a part of the <a href="https://www.kelownapride.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelowna Pride</a> Festival! It was an amazing opportunity to be involved in the community and see the impact we made,” says Madison (she/her), store manager and partner engagement lead for the Area 26 Chapter. “One of the partners who volunteered with us shared with me that it was the first time he ever felt safe and supported to be a part of an LGBTQIA2+ event and to feel like his authentic self. We served over 1,400 beverages and raised $725! The money went directly to the Etcetera youth program.”&nbsp;

“This was also the first time Starbucks participated in <a href="https://saskatoonpride.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saskatoon Pride</a> and we had 50 partners, friends and family show up, including a four-month-old baby,” says Bobby, Partner Engagement Lead and Saskatoon store manager. “I really appreciate all partners for showing up and supporting each other.” &nbsp;

And the work doesn’t stop here. Jaime and his team of Starbucks partners are always on the lookout for new organizations and ways to support LGBTQIA2+ communities—a passion and drive that holds true to Starbucks Canada’s core values. &nbsp;

“Diversity has always been the thread of the fabric of this organization,” says Jaime. “We're investing in good faith and humanity.”&nbsp;

Starbucks Canada continues to support the LGBTQIA2+ community and nurture the well-being of everyone we connect with, including our partners (employees) and coffee farmers to the customers in our stores and individuals in our communities.  

Starbucks Partners Celebrating Pride Nationwide - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Partners Celebrating Pride Nationwide

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To Starbucks Canada, Pride isn’t just about celebrating all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. It’s about demonstrating an unwavering commitment to inclusion and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented throughout the company, up to our highest levels. &nbsp;

And at the heart of this commitment is a network of passionate partners (employees) striving to make their communities a better place. &nbsp;

Beginning as a small coalition of dedicated partners, the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq2-inclusion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Canada Pride Network</a> now includes thousands of members in chapters across Canada and around the world. Starbucks Canada partners are powerful advocates for LGBTQIA2+ individuals aiming to create a positive impact on Canadian communities for many years to come, both inside and outside the company.&nbsp;

Starting Conversations in Québec &nbsp;

Francois (he/him), Genevieve (she/her) and Audrey (she/her) are three of these partners making a world of difference through Starbucks Canada Pride Network. &nbsp;

Francois is an eight-year Starbucks partner and the co-chair of the Québec Chapter of the Canada Pride Network, alongside co-chair, Genevieve, district manager in downtown Montreal. Starbucks partner, Audrey, is the Chapter’s communication lead and office manager at the Montreal Regional Office.

They each have their own reasons for wanting to get involved in the Starbucks Pride community and have made a profound impact stemming from unique personal experiences.&nbsp;

“My sister came out as a lesbian a couple of years ago, and I was really her supporter, helping her try to navigate this new world,” says Audrey. “That's what I want to show other partners—that it's not just for the LGBTQIA2+ community—it's really for allies as well.”&nbsp;

For Francois, his support derives from a childhood memory: “When I was a teenager, and I did my thing coming out, everything was perfect. I think all the teenagers who come out wish to have the same experience as I had,” he says. “And this is one of the reasons why I decided to join the Pride Network: to educate myself and to be more proactive incase situations arise that might not be as welcoming as the one I experienced.”&nbsp;

Recognizing not all partners, customers and community members share the same experience, the Québec Chapter decided to partner with <a href="https://interligne.co/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interligne</a>, a bilingual LGBTQIA2+ helpline and organization, to train every partner in the province of Québec on the importance of inclusion and ways to create safe spaces for all Starbucks partners.&nbsp;

But the Québec network hasn’t stopped there.&nbsp;

Recently, <a href="https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=970511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Chapter raised approximately $6,500</a> for the <a href="https://cnoy.org/location/montrealdowntown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coldest Night of the Year</a> event, surpassing their initial goal by over $2,000 and raising funds for the <a href="http://stjamescentre.ca/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St-James Drop-In Centre</a>. Both organizations work to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who are marginalized and/or homeless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As they look forward to the future, the team is nothing short of ambitious.&nbsp;

The Chapter aims to engage in multiple initiatives per quarter: educating on inclusive topics, volunteering at community events and hosting get-togethers. And while hosting events is sometimes difficult due to cold Québec winters, that doesn’t stop the team from moving full steam ahead and making the most of the remaining 2022 summer months.&nbsp;

“In August, we're going to be part of the <a href="https://www.fiertemtl.com/en/festival/parade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pride Parade in Montreal</a> with a Starbucks banner. We're super excited and we're going to be able to wear all our yellow <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/18358/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craft Your Pride</a> t-shirts,” says Audrey. “We'll end the year in September with a barbecue in Montreal.”&nbsp;

When it comes down to it, the Québec Chapter is determined to create a safe space for everyone in their Starbucks community, no matter where you come from or how old you are.&nbsp;

“I think what it shows is that Starbucks is like the pioneer. It makes me proud that we celebrate, we uplift our partners like that,” says Genevieve. “We are showing the path. We’re not perfect, but we can help show you the way.”&nbsp;

Creating Allies in the Atlantic&nbsp;

A little way away from Montreal, co-chairs Kyle (he/him) and Morgan (he/him), are learning the ropes as they rally partners for one of Starbucks newest Canada Pride Network chapters, Atlantic Canada.&nbsp;

“The challenges that queer people and those in the LGBTQIA2+ community face in Atlantic Canada are really much different than other parts of the country,” says Morgan. “Last year, I had about five high schoolers come through my café and ask if they could do their graduation photo shoot in our cafe because we had so many Pride flags and they said it was the safest place they felt in the county. And that made me realize that we need to do this for every community in Atlantic Canada.”&nbsp;

“I think in a lot of Canada, it's super important to recognize that a lot of our population is in rural areas. The town I live in has 3,000 people in it, and there are a lot of queer people that are afraid to be themselves in areas like this,” he adds.&nbsp;

One might call the east coast friends a ‘dynamic duo’. And a powerful one at that. Although separated by distance, the co-chairs seem to be on the same wavelength as they navigate diversity, equity and inclusion on the eastern shores.&nbsp;

While Kyle manages Newfoundland and the surrounding areas, Morgan has been making his mark on Nova Scotia in a big way.&nbsp;

“My store and my team in the Pride Network hosted a World AIDS Day fundraiser in Pictou on December 1st, 2021. We had a great turnout of between two and three hundred people,” says Morgan. “It was hosted by local drag queens, one of them being one of my supervisors. With the money raised from the drag show, we were able to give to the <a href="https://acns.ns.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia</a>.”&nbsp;

Apart from the World AIDS Day fundraiser, the Atlantic Chapter has hosted a series of events, including a film screening and two additional drag shows, one in support of Ukraine and another for the grand opening of Morgan’s Starbucks location, with all funds going to the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia. The team will also have a presence at the <a href="https://www.halifaxpride.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halifax Pride</a> Parade for the first time this year. &nbsp;

Similar to Morgan, Kyle has been making connections in his community, partnering with organizations like the <a href="https://acnl.net/services/tommy-sexton-centre-shelter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tommy Sexton Centre Shelter</a>, which is a local charity providing group homes, amenities and services for people with HIV, or at risk of having HIV.&nbsp;

Like many other Chapters, Kyle is particularly excited about the <a href="https://stjpride.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. John’s Pride Parade</a>. Recognizing not all Chapters have the opportunity to march in the parade, Kyle and his team are gathering as many partners as possible to show up for the LGBTQIA2+ Atlantic community and walk in unity as citizens.&nbsp;

His involvement in the Network, and subsequential partnerships, initiatives and events like Pride are particularly impactful due to his personal growth, which he attributes to Starbucks. &nbsp;

“I was 26 when I finally actually came out to my family and friends, and a big part of that was because of Starbucks, because of my store. The store that I started out at was filled with lesbians and gay men and trans people. And before that, I didn't have a space that I felt comfortable in or a space that I felt fully welcomed,” says Kyle. “And I think because of Starbucks, I am out and I'm proud today. It means a lot to me that Starbucks, one, is this kind of place, and two, that I'm able to continue that work and make more people feel safe, and more people can find themselves.”&nbsp;

The pair are proud of the work they’ve been doing in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and are excited to tackle the rest of the Atlantic, already building relationships in P.E.I. and New Brunswick to ensure their region is being fully represented province-to-province.&nbsp;

“It's just super impactful to me. It allows me to show up every day as my best self at work and to be passionate about what the Atlantic Chapter or what Starbucks Canada Pride Network actually means,” says Morgan. “We don't need to move mountains in our first year, but I think about the long-term strategy of how we’re going to make an impact on life in Atlantic Canada.”&nbsp;

Starbucks Canada Pride Network is a network of passionate partners (employees) striving to make their communities a better place.  

Starbucks Partners Connect Canadian Communities with Pride - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Partners Connect Canadian Communities with Pride

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Starbucks partners (employees) can now add he/him, she/her they/them pronoun pins to their green apron , reaffirming the company's commitment to building an inclusive and diverse Starbucks for all

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Pronouns are some of the most frequently used words in the English language, as it’s a way we address or refer to others in our everyday conversations and routines. &nbsp;Other than a person’s name, it is one of the main ways that people can identify and express themselves. Additionally, pronouns allow us to respect identities across the gender spectrum by giving individuals the opportunity to self-identify and connect with others as their authentic selves.

Over the last three decades, Starbucks Canada has been committed to creating a safe community for our partners (employees) and customers where differences are embraced and building a culture that fosters a sense of belonging. Creating these safe spaces includes the right to self-identify and be addressed by one's chosen names and pronouns.

In 75 countries worldwide, the green apron is a symbol of Starbucks that signals a warm welcome and expert coffee craft from the over 300,000 baristas who wear one daily. Earlier this year, Starbucks made pronoun pins available for all partners in Canada to wear on their green apron to further foster an inclusive environment in our stores that honours and respects all the identities of our partners. 

This small but profoundly impactful addition to a partner's green apron celebrates the Pride our partners show in their stores daily. Through this, we are not only supporting our partners of the LGBTQIA2+ community to be their authentic selves at work, but we're also helping to reduce the stigma associated with gender pronouns.&nbsp;

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"We're giving partners an environment to be proud of and thrive in by simply empowering them to be who they are. With these pins, we can move quickly beyond an introduction and build strong relationships with others as our true selves," shares Starbucks Canada's Pride Network Co-Chair and a partner of over a decade, Steven (he/him).&nbsp;

Toronto-based partner Blair (he/they) feels similarly about our push for more resonant inclusion. "Pronouns are incredibly important in my store. It's good that everyone is clear about their pronouns, so we can respect one another and make sure we're all seen and heard. We're all beautiful individuals, and we feel safe expressing our identities in our café, and that respect is mirrored with our customers!"

By understanding the importance of personal pronouns and normalizing the use of gender-inclusive language, we can all take the very important step toward respecting people's identities, accepting all people as they are and creating a sense of belonging where everyone is welcomed. Last year, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPOZe1Mz7n/">Starbucks partnered with Interligne</a> to share best practices for pronouns to help create a safer and more inclusive space for everyone, which have been supported by the company at large. This includes normalizing mentioning your own pronouns when you introduce yourself and indicating your pronouns in email signatures at work.

Starbucks is a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">long-standing supporter</a> and ally of the LGBTQIA2+ community, affirming every way people may choose to identify. We believe that being proud of who we are—in and out of the workplace—extends beyond a few months in the year. Click <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/celebrating-pride-around-the-world/">here</a> to learn more about how Starbucks is celebrating pride at home and around the world.

In 75 countries worldwide, the green apron is a symbol of Starbucks that signals a warm welcome and expert coffee craft from the over 300,000 baristas who wear one daily. Earlier this year, Starbucks made pronoun pins available for all partners in Canada to wear on their aprons.

Embracing the power of pronouns, one pin at a time - Starbucks Canada

Embracing the power of pronouns, one pin at a time

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Pride Month started during the Stonewall Uprising in June of 1969, to commemorate and celebrate LGBTQIA2+ communities, culture and activism around the world. As a company focused on building community, acceptance and inclusion, Starbucks Canada is celebrating Pride with every sip and every cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This summer, bold, Starbucks Refreshers aren’t the only colourful visuals you’ll see at Starbucks Canada stores. Customers will see many partners proudly wearing the bright and eye-catching 2022 Starbucks Canada Pride T-shirt, which has become an iconic symbol that the start of Pride celebrations is underway in stores across the country.&nbsp;

As part of the company’s annual Craft Your Pride contest, which began in 2019 and is coordinated through the Starbucks Canada Pride Network, this year’s winning design was created by Vancouver-based barista (employee), Rex (he/him) and was inspired by this year's theme of #InclusivityForAll. Showcasing how an intense ray of sunlight can produce a unique light prism, Rex brought the beauty of the rainbow to life with his design while sharing a vibrant world where everyone is there for each other and is full of Pride. 

"This year's (t-shirt) was yellow, which reminds me of the sun.” says Rex. “I noticed every ray of light during the time I was creating my design. I also knew that I wanted to layer in as many identities as possible—from the colours to the pronouns and languages on the Starbucks cups."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rex, who has always found art therapeutic, grew up in the Philippines and shares that before moving to Canada and finding community, he felt like he was wearing a mask to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I always knew that I was gay, and I knew that I didn't necessarily behave the way people expected me to, so fitting in was really hard for me,” he shares. “But when I came to Canada from the Philippines, I felt more comfortable being myself because I noticed that many around me were more open to the queer community,"&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a winner of the Starbucks Craft Your Pride T-shirt contest, Rex is able to select a charity to receive a donation from Starbuck and has selected QMUNITY, a BC-based resource centre that helps local queer, trans and Two-Spirit communities navigate their identities, meet their needs and helps them thrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I made this decision for my younger self, who felt alone and didn't have someone to turn to. I want to support a community that prides itself on being that pillar of support to those who need it."&nbsp;

Pride means something different for everyone. And for Rex, Pride means celebrating one's true self and the freedom to live life to the fullest, without letting anyone hold you back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of the company’s annual Craft Your Pride contest, which began in 2019 and is coordinated through the Starbucks Canada Pride Alliance, this year’s winning design was created by Vancouver-based barista (employee), Rex (he/him) and was inspired by this year's theme of #InclusivityForAll.

How we're wearing our Pride on our sleeves - Starbucks Canada

How we&#8217;re wearing our Pride on our sleeves

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How we’re wearing our Pride on our sleeves

When you visit your local Starbucks this summer, you may notice your barista wearing a specially designed vibrant t-shirt in celebration of Pride.

For the past 3 years ,the Starbucks Canada Pride Network, one of Starbucks oldest and largest partner networks, made up of hundreds of members of the LGBTQ2+ community and their allies, commissions a t-shirt design contest, giving partners (employees) the opportunity to design a t-shirt in celebration of Pride at Starbucks.

This year’s design was created by Starbucks partner Leigh-Anne from Nova Scotia. Leigh-Anne’s design was selected by the Starbucks Canada Pride committee which received over 100 creative submissions from across the country.

In addition to being a 4-year Starbucks partner, Leigh-Anne is an artist, designer and mom of three.

“Creativity is a passion of mine and I always love a t-shirt design challenge,” says Leigh-Anne who found inspiration for the design through the pandemic.

The design, titled "Pride, Far &amp; Wide", features colourful paper planes with a dash of Rewards Stars, surrounding a Starbucks cup.

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“I wanted to create a design that felt like a fun and colourful celebration of Pride, but still acknowledged the fact that we are in a pandemic, and last year most in person celebrations had to be cancelled. I came up with the idea of using the paper plane as a symbol of virtual connection, as it's a common icon used when sending an email or text message. It also represents the fact that most people have been isolated and only able to dream of travelling again someday to celebrate together,” Leigh-Anne says.

“Starbucks has managed to continually connect and uplift people through this past year even if it was simply through a virtual coffee date with friends and loved ones. I included a plane for every colour of the Pride rainbow and I think the design has a hopeful and playful spirit.”

When asked how it feels knowing that partners across the country will be wearing her design, Leigh-Anne says, "It's so exciting to see partners sharing pictures and videos on social media, celebrating Pride in my shirt design! My fellow partners here in Nova Scotia have been wearing the shirts to work and it is wild to see them in real life. I myself usually wear mostly black and grey, but I will be going out of my comfort zone this month to wear that bright orange T!”

On why it was important to take part in the contest, Leigh-Anne says “I would always want my fellow partners and my own kids to feel loved, accepted and valued for exactly who they are.”

As another motivation for entering the contest, Leigh-Anne described that the winning designer was able to select a local charity to receive a small donation. She’s selected a local youth organization in her hometown of Halifax that strives to make the province a happier, healthier and safer place for&nbsp;LGBTQ+ youth by providing support and resources.

Join us as we celebrate the LGBTQ2+ community, hear partners’ (employees) stories of connection and learn how to be an ally.

Starbucks Pride: How one Starbucks partner’s t-shirt design is connecting partners with “Pride, Far &amp; Wide” - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Pride: How one Starbucks partner’s t-shirt design is connecting partners with “Pride, Far &amp; Wide”

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Starbucks Pride: How one Starbucks partner’s t-shirt design is connecting partners with “Pride, Far & Wide”

When Star joined Starbucks in 2013, they identified to others as a woman. However, deep within, they never quite felt like they fit into a specific gender.&nbsp; After searching more into their Indigenous culture, Star came out as two-spirit in 2015.

Star describes two-spirit as an Indigenous person with both spirits, male and female, in which they can flow in between.&nbsp;

Star’s path to discovering their two-spirit identity began several years ago and not only took deeper understanding of their Indigenous roots, but also a desire to set a strong example for their kids.

“I teach my children about inclusion by just being understanding and accepting. We don't really require anything, we just accept,” says Star. &nbsp;

Having kids as part of their family was always Star’s dream, but feeling the pressure of growing up in a society where they were taught the ‘right way’ to have a family was to get married, Star got married at a young age and started a family. Star realized early on that things didn’t feel right but found it difficult to share these feelings with others.

As time passed and Star became a parent to seven children, they thought seriously about the example they wanted to set for them.

This was the catalyst for Star opening up to discover more about themself. Through the journey, Star came out as pansexual. They felt that they loved their husband at the time, and it seemed like it made sense, but Star still didn’t feel quite right about it. Star later came out as lesbian, and that also didn’t feel right. As Star explored more about their Indigenous heritage, things became clear.

“Learning about my two-spirited identity has helped me understand me. I've never felt quite like a woman or a man, I've always been just me, flowing in between”, says Star.

Star believes there is still little knowledge and understanding of the two-spirit identity and describes coming out to people as challenging and complicated at times, both within and outside of the Indigenous community.&nbsp;

“Before colonialism and residential schools, two-spirited people were looked to as more powerful due to their ability to flow between the sexes and their ability to flow within the spirit world,” says Star.

Star regularly attends virtual meetups with other two-spirit people in their province to connect and learn more about Indigenous cultures, including the historical standing of two-spirit people in Indigenous communities.

“We were looked to as healers and visionaries, as we are able walk within the spirit world, and freely flow between our spirits,” Star continues. “Two-spirited people, who are warriors, hunters, gatherers and everything in-between, they have the ability to possess the gifts of both genders. We are truly the third/fourth gender.”

Learning more about their identity has helped Star build confidence. When Star joined Starbucks,&nbsp; they were shy and reserved, but after moving to their current store, and being surrounded by partners who support and accept them for who they are, they have been able to come out of their shell and build great connections with customers, and was even recently recognized as partner (employee) of the quarter in their district.

“We accept each other for who we are. We are truly our authentic selves, we embrace each other's uniqueness and quirks. Coming into my store is like coming home. Truly having a store where I can walk in and know that my coworkers have my back. If somebody mislabels me, my coworkers correct them.” When asked what they want people to learn from their story, Star says, “I hope that people learn to just respect and accept people for who they are, no matter where they came from. Because at the end of the day we never know what people are going through, so the number one thing is just be kind. Be real and true to yourself and that's all that matters.”

Starbucks Pride: Meet Star (they/them), the barista finding strength in discovering more about their Indigenous and two-spirit identities - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Pride: Meet Star (they/them), the barista finding strength in discovering more about their Indigenous and two-spirit identities

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Starbucks barista, Tristan met his partner five years ago when they sang in the same choir.

His partner, Shannah, is a woman and he describes the start of their relationship as an “odd situation”.

Before they got together, Tristan identified as gay. Today, Tristan identifies as pansexual: he is attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender identity.

His journey to discovering his pansexual identity began when he was much younger. &nbsp;Tristan knew at a young age that he was attracted to men, but he worried about what that meant for his future as he struggled with religion and sexual identity.

“I was concerned and thought I wouldn’t have children and I wouldn’t be able to get married in the church that I grew up in. I always pictured a suburban home with a white picket fence, so that was my struggle coming out,” he says.&nbsp; He also worried about whether he would be accepted by his family and community, so growing up, he kept his identity to himself. &nbsp;

It wasn’t until he went to college in another city, where he met his then boyfriend, that he made the decision to come out to his family as gay. &nbsp;While he was nervous to share the news with his family , to his relief and surprise, his family accepted and supported him. &nbsp;The challenge was, Tristan still had questions about his own identity.

“When I came out as gay, I knew I was attracted to my boyfriend at the time, but in the back of my mind, I also knew that I was attracted to women. When I expressed this to some of my friends in the queer community, they didn’t understand.”

Some of Tristan’s friends in the community, suggested that his attraction to women was just a phase. Despite knowing that he was attracted to men and women, Tristan felt like he needed to identify one way or the other and so he felt it would be easier to live life as a gay man.

When Tristan met his current partner Shannah, it took time for her to fully understand his feelings and identity and it took time for his friends and family, too. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I had to come out for a second time this time, but as pansexual,” he says. “In many ways it was harder coming out as pansexual to my friends and family than it was coming out as gay years earlier.”

After coming out for the second time, Tristan lost a couple of friends in the queer community, but he was fortunate to have the acceptance of many, including his family.

Through his journey to discovering his identity, Tristan realized that emotions and feelings can change. Discovering your identity can be a continuous process and things can change throughout your life. He also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are accepting of you. He shared this advice for others who may be in the process of discovering their own identities: “I want people to know that it’s ok to love whoever you want to love and be whoever you want to be. Don’t let people judge or put you into a box.”

Starbucks Pride: Tristan (he/him) shares his journey to self discovery and acceptance - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Pride: Tristan (he/him) shares his journey to self discovery and acceptance

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Growing up, Devon knew he didn’t fit into his assigned gender, so as a teenager, using public washrooms in his city was difficult to navigate. A friend told him that if he needed a washroom to look for a Starbucks because their washrooms were open, safe, and gender neutral. It was the only place he knew he could use the washroom in peace. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As an adult, Devon joined the company as a barista, and eight years later, he is still at Starbucks, now a store manager, and helping to create a sense of warmth, belonging and safety for trans partners and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Devon transitioned during his time at Starbucks and describes it as a&nbsp;steady series of steps rather than a big event.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I gradually changed my name, my pronouns, and it was never a secret that I had been saving up for chest surgery for years. My whole life I'd presented as male as I possibly could. I mark starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as my 'transition'. This is the point where I physically started to change in ways that were obvious to anyone looking, and I dropped my tolerance for being addressed with female pronouns.”&nbsp;

Devon made the decision to share the news of his transition with his team at a store meeting not long after starting HRT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I knew my team was amazing, and we already had trans people on staff. It wasn't going to be a surprise to anyone, but even going into a&nbsp;best-case&nbsp;scenario it still made me&nbsp;pretty nervous. The build up to putting myself out there was much worse than actually coming out.”&nbsp;

When Devon talked to his team about his transition, he had a twofold goal in mind. First, as a trans person, he wanted to be supported in ways that were meaningful to him, and second, as a leader, he wanted his team to be clear on what they could talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;and where they should set boundaries, not only for his benefit, but for the benefit of all trans partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“To me, this is how we were all going to be most comfortable. I let my partners know explicitly that they are welcome to disclose my transition to customers who are curious. They can correct my pronouns, especially with regulars, but did not need to take it upon themselves to correct every passing customer who just didn't know better. We also talked about when to end conversations.”&nbsp;

Devon believes that with more visibility comes more understanding, and he has chosen to be to open about his transition to help create safe and welcoming spaces for other trans people.&nbsp;

“I am very fortunate to have a life that allows me to be open about being a transgender person safely. That is still a luxury not afforded to many trans people. If I can make a choice to be visible, and that helps change even one person’s perspective on trans people for the better, I'm going to do it.”&nbsp;

Transphobia is still an everyday reality for many trans people, and there is much work to be done towards acceptance. One thing that has been helpful in supporting partners manage these encounters is Starbucks Third Place Policy, which was&nbsp;introduced in&nbsp;2018.&nbsp;Displayed&nbsp;in Starbucks stores across the&nbsp;country, the Starbucks Third Place Policy, is a set of&nbsp;clear principles that every person in the store will use the space as intended and communicate with respect&nbsp;and empowers partners to stand up against&nbsp;inappropriate behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

““The Third Place Policy&nbsp;been big for partners because this is how we set boundaries and expectations.&nbsp;It gives autonomy to each barista to say no, this is not respectful behaviour, I need you to stop before we continue this transaction.”&nbsp;

Devon believes that Starbucks has laid a groundwork for creating safe environments for trans people, including respecting pronouns and gender identities explicitly in policies, resource pages with information by province, including trans scenarios in harassment training, the availability of branded pronoun pins, and Partner Networks to educate and celebrate LBGTQIA2+ identities.&nbsp;However, he adds that these things only make a difference if every leader applies and upholds them as standards on their team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As someone who was unwilling to compromise on his identity, having a safe workplace where he is not at a disadvantage because of his gender expression and as a trans person was incredibly important, and he strives to create the same experience for others. &nbsp;Devon’s advice for leaders is to lean into uncomfortable conversations in team environments and to model behaviours of acceptance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“When you are part of any marginalized group you are constantly assessing the environment around you for indications of safety and acceptance. Inappropriate jokes, turn of phrase, slang, can all be indicators of a less safe environment, and as a leader anything you don't call out, you endorse.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also wants leaders of trans partners to know that support can look different for every&nbsp;person, and&nbsp;being collaborative with the person will typically lend the best results. Education and awareness are so critical.&nbsp;

Devon’s first experience with Starbucks, using its gender neutral washrooms as a teenager, highlighted to him that Starbucks was more than just a coffee shop, and throughout his eight years at the company, he can now say that people in our communities come for coffee, washrooms, water, warmth, human connection and so much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join us as we celebrate the LGBT2+ community, hear partners’ (employees) stories of connection and learn how to be an ally.

Starbucks Pride: Meet Devon (he/they), a store manager helping to create safe environments for trans partners and customers - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Pride: Meet Devon (he/they), a store manager helping to create safe environments for trans partners and customers

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Take a look back at more than three decades of LGBTQ2+ support and advocacy at Starbucks

Len Larsen remembers when he first saw the pink flyer promoting the first Starbucks Pride partner (employee) event come through his store mail. It was 1996, and he was a store manager back when the company had just more than 1,000 stores.

“But we were starting to talk about 2,000 stores in the year 2000,” said Larsen, who is senior manager of Starbucks Business Ethics and Compliance at Starbucks Seattle headquarters.

The gathering was a small one, with 15 or so LGBTQ2+ partners from the company’s headquarters and nearby stores who met at a bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighbourhood. “Starbucks had always been very inclusive, but we realized that we needed to become more organized,” he said.

By the next year, they marched as a group for the first time in the Seattle Pride Parade and were helping rally partners to participate in AIDS walks and fundraisers. Regular social gatherings nicknamed “Beers and Queers” sprang up, and they began to invite employees from LGBTQ2+ groups at other companies like Boeing, Amazon and Microsoft.

The partner group, which officially became <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPride/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Pride Alliance Network</a> in 2007, has grown to include thousands of partners in chapters across the United States, Canada, and around the world. They have also become powerful advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, and hope to do more in the years ahead both inside and outside the company.

“I never truly accepted and felt 100 per cent comfortable being gay and living my truth until I was hired at Starbucks and was embraced fully by my peers and leaders in the organization,” said Steven Snyder, a nine-year Starbucks partner and the chair of the Canada Pride Alliance.

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