Allyship in action: UPS celebrates the contributions of all LGBTQ+ employees and allies during Pride Month and throughout the year. Not only is it the right thing to do, we also know employees are at their best when they can bring their truest selves to work and feel genuinely supported by their co-workers and leaders.
Our core values: We have a long-held commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we mobilize the talents of LGBTQ+ employees and their allies to foster creativity and diversity.
Through pictures and perspectives, members of the UPS Pride Alliance Business Resource Group – which has 16 chapters across the U.S., Canada, Belgium, Nordics region and the United Kingdom – share the value of inclusivity in recognition of Pride.
“Pride means love and freedom – to proudly and fabulously live your truth out loud,” says Kaylah Marin, Pride Alliance BRG leader who attended San Francisco’s Pride parade. “When my son was younger, and my wife and I were dealing with medical treatments, I was able to work at UPS part time and restructure my work and personal life. It has meant a lot to be able to bring my wife and kid to UPS functions. My manager attended my wedding virtually during the pandemic, and my colleagues ask about my family. This level of comfort has been important for me.”
“I feel valued as an employee and UPS allows me the freedom to work on our BRG’s efforts. And, I have a great deal of pride by how UPS is thought of in the community and how it protects the rights of all employees to come to work as their authentic selves,” says Marcus Whitworth, who along with his fellow UPSers, will volunteer at the Oklahoma City Pridefest this June. “Our BRG even contacted Carol B. Tomé to thank her for these opportunities, and I received an email directly from Carol thanking me for my leadership!”
Actions speak louder: While “You belong at UPS” is our rallying cry, supporting the LGBTQ+ communities and their allies is far more than a shout out – it’s about showing up day in and day out and putting in the work behind our words.
- Over the past two years, The UPS Foundation invested more than $1.2M to advance initiatives supporting the LGBTQ+ community globally, including organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and StartOut.
- UPS was ranked as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality in 2022 by the Human Rights Campaign.
- In 2022, UPSers volunteered nearly 10,000 hours to support the LGBTQ+ community.
- Through The UPS Store’s Diversity Incentive Program, first-time entrepreneurs who self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community are offered 50% off the initial franchise fee of a new The UPS Store franchise.
- UPS continues to partner with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to provide support for all certified LGBTQ+ businesses.