“While we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community for Pride month in June, our dedication and drive to fostering an open, inclusive and respectful culture for this community remains a year-round priority,”
says Tina Bigalke, PepsiCo’s Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.
“Within and outside of PepsiCo’s walls, we’re building awareness of critical issues in the LGBTQ+ community and creating a space where PepsiCo associates can bring their full authentic selves to work every day, knowing their voices will
be heard and contributions are valued.”
PepsiCo has been recognized for its efforts in this area, consistently earning a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and being named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”
Here’s how the company is supporting LGBTQ+ associates and continuing to drive a culture of inclusion:
Encouraging associates to be their authentic selves
“A Space to be You” is the philosophy that sits at the heart of PepsiCo’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. The company operates at its best when individual perspectives are embraced, respected, and celebrated.
To that end, PepsiCo is continuing to expand associates’ ability to voluntarily share aspects of their identity, such as their display name, pronouns, sexual orientation, and gender identity. As associates self-identify, the company can better understand
the makeup of the workforce and the needs of its associates.
Creating communities for associates to connect
PepsiCo has multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), volunteer-based support systems for different identity groups within the company. Our ERGs play a critical role in advancing an inclusive culture and opportunities for employee engagement in the workplace
and in local communities.
One of those ERGs, EQUAL, fosters an open, inclusive and respectful work environment for all LGBTQ+ associates and allies of the LGBTQ+ community by providing opportunities to connect with colleagues, build awareness of critical issues facing LGBTQ+ communities,
and drive positive change in the workplace. During Pride month and throughout the year, EQUAL holds events that feature mental wellness workshops, guest speakers and moments to celebrate the success of its members across the organization.
Supporting gender diversity in the workplace
PepsiCo has established a Gender Diversity Taskforce in the U.S. to help develop resources for our Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Gender Non-Binary associates, including an anonymous support line, TransConnect.
The company has also made a series of benefit coverage enhancements that align with the clinical guidelines outlined in the World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care.
Engaging with advocacy organizations
PepsiCo became an inaugural member of the groundbreaking Business Coalition for the Equality Act. The group of leading U.S. employers is supporting federal legislation that would provide clear, consistent protections for LGBTQ+ people by prohibiting discrimination
on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The target of the coalition’s efforts extends beyond employment and includes housing and education, and other areas.
Creating impactful brand campaigns: bubly & Doritos
bubly has established a series of initiatives and programs designed to celebrate and elevate LGBTQ+ representation. One example is the #DragForAllFlavors campaign, which provides support to New York City-based creators, entertainers, photographers and
drag kings and drag queens who are helping to lift up their communities. Last year, bubly donated $15,000 to support Henrietta Hudson, which is one of only 15 remaining lesbian bars in the country.
This year bubly’s "Coming Home" program shined a spotlight on critically needed safe spaces where members of the LGBTQ+ community can come together as their authentic selves without fear of being exposed to discrimination or harassment.
Since 2015, the Doritos Rainbow campaign in the U.S. and Mexico elevates the brand’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. In Mexico, its “Dia de Muertos” ad elevates the idea that it’s never too late to be your true self,
a message ingrained in the the brand’s larger #ProudAllYear platform which celebrates and promotes respect and support for diversity.