5 culinary experts who are proud members of LGBTQ+ community

Albert Rosales

June 13, 2022

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  In this time and age, inclusivity is no longer a matter of discussion. Gender preference shouldn’t hinder an individual to achieve their dreams. So, here are some food industry leaders who are proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community:

  Ted Allen – TV personality

  When it comes to inclusivity, Tony Allen mentioned that gender preference is not a criterion to be included in their show ‘Chopped.’ What matters is the food that’s on the plate.

  
  

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  A post shared by Ted Allen (@thetedallen)

   

  Cat Cora – 1st Female Iron Chef

  In Cat Cora’s situation, she saw a significant change when it comes to the inclusivity of LGBTQ+ members in her over 20 years of culinary experience. She’s an active voice when it comes to fighting harassment within the industry.

  
  

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Cat Cora (@catcora)

   

  Yotam Ottolenghi – Restaurateur and food writer

  Yotam Ottolenghi is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2013, he came out as a gay father, telling the story of conceiving his first son Max through gestational surrogacy.

  
  

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  A post shared by Yotam Ottolenghi (@ottolenghi)

   

  Deborah VanTrece – Chef and restaurant owner

  Queer African American woman Chef Deborah VanTrece revolutionized the preparation and presentation of peasant and soul food in the late 90’s. She’s managing her restaurant together with her wife, Lorraine Lane.

  
  

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  A post shared by Deborah VanTrece (@chefdeborahvantrece)

   

  Susan Feniger – Restaurateur, TV and radio personality

  Susan Feniger served on the board of the Los Angeles LGBT Center for several years. She’s known for starring in the cooking show Too Hot Tamales on top of other influential businesses in Los Angeles.

  
  

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  A post shared by Chef Susan Feniger (@susanfeniger)

   

  Why is it important to promote inclusion of LGBTQ+ community in the food industry?

  Inclusivity in the present time is just as normal as breathing. Currently, there are no existing laws in our country yet that safeguards the LGBTQ+ community. But, big companies already made an initiative to promote inclusivity.
  
  In fact, majority of Fortune 500 companies have introduced non-discrimination policies based on their employees’ sexual orientation. 67% of these companies also provided extended health and insurance benefits to all their families.

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