We, the undersigned workers and organizations are outraged and disappointed that the LGBTQ bar association would honor a Starbucks Corporate Counsel with the Out & Proud Award. On Thursday, 9/28, Starbucks was found to have broken federal labor law in boosting wages and benefits for non-union employees only, and will be forced to "compensate thousands of unionized workers for the wages and benefits they were unlawfully denied, in the most expansive ruling against the coffee giant to date," according to the Seattle times. Prior to Thursday's ruling, National Labor Relations Board administrative law judges ruled that Starbucks violated U.S. Labor law over 250 times times in attempting to prevent their workforce, disproportionately LBGTQ, from seeking union representation. Nearly 70 more complaints alleging over 1100 violations, including 67 worker terminations, are outstanding or currently under review.

Starbucks also shut down two stores, both in Capitol Hill staffed by predominantly LGBTQ workers and serving the LGBTQ community, after they voted to unionize. Furthermore, Starbucks has caved to public pressure and removed Pride decorations from stores around the country this year, resulting in a massive backlash from LGBTQ workers and allies. LGBTQ Starbucks workers walked out on strikes in 150 stores to protest the policy changes, while hundreds of workers and allies turned out at Seattle Pride to march in solidarity with Starbucks workers who were fighting to protect their right to express their identity at work. We note that you have decided to hold the awards ceremony at a non-union hotel, a further affront to workers.

Awarding Cynthia Hill with an honor that “recognizes legal professionals who advance LGBTQ+ equality through words and actions to create more secure and welcoming workplaces,” will provide validation and political cover to Starbucks, while they engage in a concerted, documented, and illegal campaign against union workers that is a direct contradiction of the spirit and basis of this award. This award will not only serve to invalidate and silence the thousands of LGBTQ workers who are fighting for union rights on the job at Starbucks, but undermine the credibility of the LGBTQ Bar Association as a champion of LGBTQ rights.

Our ask is simple: Rescind the award from Ms. Hill, and instead recognize a legal professional who truly stands up for LGBTQ workers and workplaces. We are happy to suggest alternatives.