Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced that it has donated $25,000 to support Ali Forney Center (AFC) and its efforts to protect homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The news was shared internally during a virtual leadership panel, which was the first of several events hosted to raise awareness and encourage support from employees during Pride Month.
Alex Roque, President and Executive Director of AFC, joined Southern Glazer’s “Resilience: Living Authentically” virtual panel to share his organization’s meaningful work with employees. As active supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, Southern Glazer’s leaders, Lee Brian Schrager, Senior Vice President of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility and Lauren Mutti, Senior Vice President, Labor and Employment, participated as panelists during the moving discussion.
“Our industry is built on authenticity and inclusivity,” said Terry Goods, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “It’s important that we amplify LGBTQ+ voices all year, but Southern Glazer’s is honored to take this special opportunity during Pride Month to reinforce our deep support of the LGBTQ+ community that’s so central to all that we do.”
Southern Glazer’s Multicultural Center of Excellence also executed its first-ever national program called “Share the Love,” which was designed to champion for LGBTQ+ supplier and brand allies from May 1 to June 30. The program included a “most creative display” incentive, and a $1,000 donation will be made to a LGBTQ+ charity on behalf of the region with the highest percent growth.
Participating “Share the Love” supplier brands were featured on Southern Glazer’s social media pages throughout the duration of the program. The campaign was also celebrated during a “Share the Love” virtual event, where Southern Glazer’s charitable partners Lambda Legal and National LGBTQ Task Force answered thoughtful questions and provided opportunities for employees to give back during Pride Month and beyond.
Southern Glazer’s employees also tuned in to hear the inspiring words of Kristin Beck, human rights activist, motivational speaker, and the nation’s first openly transgender Navy SEAL. Hosted by Southern Glazer’s Pacific Northwest C.H.E.E.R.S. to Pride business resource group, more than 1,100 people participated in this moving virtual event.
To close the virtual programming series, PFLAG hosted an interactive workshop for employees called “What Would You Do? The Advanced Ally’s Guide to Being Active in Tough Situations,” where participants engaged in skill-building exercises to finetune their ally skills, particularly when navigating conflict and difficult conversations.
Several celebrity owners from brands including Casa Del Sol, Santo Spirit, Dos Hombres, and Calirosa Tequila also collaborated with the Company to share custom Pride Month videos for social media, emphasizing the critical importance of inclusivity in our industry.
During June, the Company illuminated the exterior of its SGWS Wynwood building in rainbow lights. The company comments that they are committed to shining a light on the LGBTQ+ community and serving as an active supporter year-round.
