Celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride in the kitchen every day

“Create an environment where people can openly express themselves and feel empowered. It takes ongoing effort to make kitchens safe for everyone. Start with empathy and understanding to help people feel included. It’s empowering to value and respect your team this way. Have open discussions about identity and the importance of authenticity, to create a welcoming atmosphere. The best advice I ever received was ‘sit down  and share a meal with someone. Listen to what people need—they will tell you.’” 

Wendy Escobedo
Chef, World Central Kitchen

Cultivate pride in the kitchen through communication

“To help people feel proud of their work, always provide positive feedback, when you can. Those words will stick with  someone and motivate them to do better every time. Even when something isn’t done correctly, there is a way to address the issue without making the person feel defeated or inferior. Talk to your team about their life outside of work. These personal conversations create an inviting space, where they can share their challenges and concerns openly. Shut down any unwelcome remark that is intended to make someone feel uncomfortable. Ignorant comments should not be tolerated.”

Seth Boylan
Personal chef

Be an ally to LGBTQIA+ chefs

“To create a culture of understanding, personalise your approach and your structure of working to each team member, based on what they need and how they learn. Do your best to support them. Your behaviour sets an example for your team. Learning and using inclusive vocabulary is a simple way to let your staff know their identity is valued. Keep pushing for diversity and inclusivity training, mental health first aid courses and clear, comprehensive anti-discrimination policies. Advocate for staff members in upper management discussions, especially those who may find it difficult to speak up. Representing them and ensuring their anonymity can be so helpful.”

Kate Morgan
Head chef, Willows

Create a safe space for everyone

“Take the time to listen actively to your team members' concerns and experiences. Show genuine interest and empathy. Always ensure they feel heard and understood. Be an active ally. Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+  issues and demonstrate your support through actions. Advocate for inclusive policies, use correct pronouns, and challenge discriminatory behaviour. Encourage and provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ team members to share their ideas and perspectives. Highlight their contributions and celebrate all achievements.”

David Welch
Private chef and owner, Kitchnstudio

Emotional safety in the kitchen

“Cultivate a sense of belonging for everyone. Tell the team your kitchen is a peaceful environment where everyone should    feel safe, welcome and empowered. Implement LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies, like gender-neutral language and pronoun respect. Address any instances of discrimination promptly and thoroughly. Embrace active listening. Value the voices of all team members, especially those from marginalised communities. Encourage open and respectful communication.”

Gaby Weir Vera
Culinary instructor and columnist, Feast Magazine

Prioritise LGBTQIA+ inclusion with training

“Actively focus on diversity and inclusivity. Set a tone that is respectful and open. Promote and model inclusive behaviour. Ensure diverse representation in all roles, especially leadership positions. This helps in creating policies that are truly inclusive and reflective of the workforce's diversity. Educate yourself and your team on  the challenges and issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Provide regular training on diversity, equity and  inclusion. Establish and enforce strict anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.” 

Gregory León
Owner and chef, Amilinda

Take pride in what you do

“I am a proud chef, because there is always room to push myself to be better. The hours are long, the kitchen is hot but we are all passionate about doing this work. Exciting things happen when you surround yourself with like-minded people. It is an amazing feeling to be part of a team who will support you through anything. We become like family. That level of loyalty comes from being kind and working hard towards a collective goal.”

Caley Briddick
Pastry chef

Don’t be afraid to ask

"My advice to young queer folks aspiring to join the food industry, is to know your worth and understand that this is a very laborious job. Don't be afraid to ask for more money if you feel you deserve it. Seek help on how to make that ask, but remember, you're advocating for your own financial stability. If you don't ask, you won't hear a yes, so don't tell yourself no before you've even tried."

Oniyx Acosta 
Sommelier and founder, Co-Fermented

More support and less competition

“Competition in kitchens often reflects white supremacy culture, almost line for line. We need to shift towards collaboration for queer individuals,where we support each other—Let's create a more supportive kitchen environment that celebrates diversity and collaboration.”

Corrine DaCosta
Teacher and founder, Coffee Colored Concepts