To celebrate Pride Month, Henry Schein has been going the extra mile to make sure it’s LGBTQ+ TSMs (Team Schein Members) feel valued and able to grow in their own community, as well as the Henry Schein community.
Henry Schein Pride & Allies is an organisation within Henry Schein that champions LGBTQ+ TSMs, and brings together a unique community within the wider Henry Schein family.
This Pride Month various talks, activities, and stories were shared by Henry Schein internationally for its TSMs.
There was Drag Queen bingo, a conversation with a trailblazing TSM fighting for marriage equality, and newsletters taking us on a trip through LGBTQ+ history, from Stonewall to present day, to highlight how far the community has come in the face of how much farther there is to go.
Keep reading to find out some of the highlights from Pride Month at Henry Schein.
The drive to establish a dedicated UK chapter of Henry Schein Pride and Allies, led by TSMs Matt Bennett, Samantha Roper, and Helen Stubbs, is gaining momentum. This initiative aims to create a supportive community for UK TSMs who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies, fostering a local space where they can celebrate their unique identities and cultural diversity within the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.
By building this chapter, Henry Schein reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equality, and respect, while providing a platform for TSMs to connect, celebrate, and contribute to a more inclusive work environment. The establishment of the UK chapter of Henry Schein Pride and Allies signifies a positive step forward in building a connected and vibrant community, where all individuals can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive.
Matt Bennett, the driving force behind establishing a UK chapter, said: “Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is such a special thing as it teaches us to love ourselves, be inclusive, and support each other no matter what. Our goal is to support TSM’s no matter their background or how they identify; we’re here to be here for you!”
Sam Roper, Local Executive Sponsor of the UK Pride and Allies chapter, added: “We know now that we want to bring a programme of ‘Education and Celebration’ to our TSM community, so that we can continue to promote an environment where diversity and inclusion thrives.”
We kicked off Pride Month at Henry Schein with an engaging session titled ‘Why Pride?’ that explored the significance of Pride, its historical roots, and the work that lay ahead.
The talk was opened by Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein. Stanley's leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion of Henry Schein’s LGBTQ+ TSMs made him the perfect person to kickstart our Pride Month celebration.
The presentation was led by Robert Vitelli, the Chief Executive Officer of LGBT Network. At LGBT Network, Robert has overseen the delivery of more than 30 programs and services dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Long Island and Queens.
The aim of the event was to promote understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals, fostering an environment where attendees could learn to be more supportive allies. Ben Greene, drawing from his own journey of coming out at 15 and extensive work with transgender youth, offered valuable insights into the transgender identity.
Ben guided participants by sharing advice and personal stories on how to become stronger allies throughout a young person's journey. The talk provided a platform for learning and growth, especially in the face of challenging political climates.
At a time when transgender rights are at risk in so many areas, and it can be difficult to identify trustworthy sources of information, this talk could not have been better placed.
The event concluded with an open and judgement-free Q&A session, encouraging dialogue and allowing attendees to share their experiences. By creating a safe space for discussion, Henry Schein fostered a supportive environment where attendees could learn from one another, without fear of being judged.
In a thought-provoking episode of The WLN Collective Podcast, we heard from three TSMs – Bill Nixon, Candice Chadwick, and Patricia Cook – as they shared their experiences and offered guidance on supporting family members who come out as LGBTQ+.
The conversation delved into the range of emotions, challenges, and questions that parents may face when their child comes out. Bill, Candice, and Patricia emphasised the importance of approaching the situation with love, and the power of open communication and fostering acceptance within the family.
By sharing their personal stories and insights, they provided valuable guidance on supporting loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community. The podcast episode serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of empathy and being an unwavering ally.
By embracing ‘Educate and Celebrate’ theme of Pride at Henry Schein, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society, where love and respect thrive.