In celebration of Pride Month, we met up with Wingstop team members to discuss what being in the LGBTQIA+ community/ally to the community means to them. Read their stories below!
Omar Iglesias – Social Care Specialist
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community means embracing and celebrating one’s unique identity. It also means facing challenges such as discrimination, stigma, and inequality but finding strength and support within the community. It means advocating for equal rights and acceptance for all.
Ally means actively working to support and advocate for minority groups. It involves listening to and learning from those who experience systemic oppression and using your privilege and influence to challenge the systems that cause these issues. It also means recognizing that allyship is a continuous journey, not a one-time action. I believe we all need to be open to feedback and criticism to improve.
Daniel Jaimes – Wingstop Charities Associate Manager
To me, being part of the LGBTQ+ community means being accepted for who I am and not having to prove or label myself.
You don’t have to march in a parade or cover yourself in rainbows to support other LGBTQ+ members. It can be as simple as listening. Talk to someone in the community about their experience and struggles. If you don’t know someone or don’t feel comfortable asking, then read about some of the trailblazers in the community and the impact they’ve had on cultural and political issues. I think even just a little bit of knowledge, understanding, and empathy can go a long way.
Monica Villasenor – Project Coordinator, NRO Technology
Life is not about everyone being the same – it’s about learning and celebrating how different we all are! Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community makes me an advocate for friends, family and coworkers that often feel different and misunderstood. It also gives me the power to speak up and stand up for what is right.
