We believe in pride—the pride to express yourself, to lead the life you desire, and to love without limits. Beauty has no boundaries—and while Estée Lauder proudly supports the LGBTQIA+ community all year long, Pride Month is a time to celebrate and highlight what this time is all about: The people that make the community what it is.
This Pride Month, we tapped Estée Lauder employees and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who share what community means to them, how they express themselves, and more.
Chandley B.
Assistant Manager, Global Creative Operations
What are your ways to express yourself?
I love expressing myself through self-love, confidence, and my personal favorite—food. I aim to treat every day like it’s a celebration and I love bringing that energy into the lives of those around me, as everyone deserves to live a life full of who you are meant to be instead of who you are expected to be.
What is love for you?
Love is unconditionally and wholeheartedly accepting one’s true self. You matter, you belong and you are valid.
What does community mean to you?
Community means surrounding myself with friends, family, chosen family, coworkers and people who love and support me for who I am. I am grateful for my community, which has never allowed any form of hate to stop me from achieving my dreams.
Melissa D.
Administrative Assistant II, Travel Retail Integrated Marketing Worldwide
What are your ways to express yourself?
I express myself frequently by hosting inclusive events and by entertaining (in my former career, I was a professional singer!). I love creating an environment of inclusivity and diversity for a warm feeling of community and support.
What is love for you?
Love for me is leading everything you do with love. I do feel that if you lead with love in your heart, even when times are challenging, the world gives you love back.
What does community mean to you?
Community means we stand together through everything, never letting anyone down. Staying strong in solidarity and staying the course when times are tough. Also, making sure you have your allies there to support as well.
Hugo L.
Presidential Management Associate, Global Social & Media Partnerships
What are your ways to express yourself?
I express myself through my cooking, writing and through small gestures of gratitude towards my loved ones.
What is love for you?
Love is the deepest emotional connection with another being that brings great joy and purpose to your life.
What does community mean to you?
Community is your chosen family that nurtures, inspires and guides you to be your highest self.
Anthonino O.
Manager, Consumer Engagement – Makeup
What are your ways to express yourself?
A huge focus for me is my personal style. It’s my way to say who I am without speaking.
What is love for you?
Love for me is a selfless kind of love. Very pure, conscious and unconditional in every aspect of life.
What does community mean to you?
A shared desire to bring beauty and light to life.