Embracing Pride! Sharing Benny’s Powerful Story
Happy Pride Everyone! While many others are embracing this month with inclusive product releases, and new donations, we want to take this time to share powerful stories of our team members and the community that is making a difference around the world. We had a chance to interview our very own Benny about his contributions, beliefs, and growth in the community.
Q: What do you do with Blush and what do you enjoy doing outside of Blush? Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Benny: I am one of the account managers at Blush. I’ve been with Blush almost seven years and I love it. I love to travel and Blush affords me the opportunity to be able to do that. When I’m home, it’s getting together with friends for dinners or drinks. I feel like we lost so much social time in the last few years, that it’s really special to be out and about again without fear of illness. It’s California, so there’s so much to do in California and the weather is so mild year-round so I get outside any opportunity I can.
Q: What does Pride mean to you personally?
Benny: Pride is feeling completely at ease in who I am, and feeling comfortable being the real me with people I care about.
Q: What strides are being taken in the industry to become more inclusive?
Benny: I think we are lucky in that our industry is very inclusive . A lot of non gender specific items are being created. Which I think is great. I am seeing a lot more items for Trans people and that makes me so happy. One of our favorite lines is our Pride by Avant. Beautiful artisan silicone pieces that are inspired by all the Pride flags.
Q: What does it mean to be someone in this industry who’s also a member of the LGBTQ community?
Benny: That I am certainly not alone. This is the most accepting industry a person could be in. I am told by a lot of store associates that they love their job because they can be who they are and they feel they are in a safe space. But what I can tell you is that working for Blush, I’ve made a lot of suggestions for toys and items to be more inclusive and they really listened to that. And I have a somewhat different point of view than others at Blush because I’m part of the LGBTQ community. The wonderful thing is Blush is very open to it and does take action from my suggestions. I am very appreciative of that.
Q: What benefits do Blush products offer to the LGBTQ community?
Benny: Well, it’s part of our slogan. We produce toys for ALL bodies. We donate to LGBTQ causes as well as celebrate diversity in all our social media. We treat everyone as individuals and LOVE to hear feedback on what they like, don’t like, or what they’d like to see Blush produce.
Q: Do you have a message that you’d like to just send to the community?
Benny: Not only be proud of who you are, be proud of how far we’ve come. We have a ways to go, but we are making great strides. I love seeing so many youth today that are so open. They have friends of all types, which I think is amazing. Be your authentic self, enjoy who you are because everyone is unique and Blush will always have your back. I wish I could look back and tell my 18 year old self who was terrified of being who he was that it really does get better!
Q: What’s just a fun fact about you?
Benny: I’m obsessed with True Crime the Housewives franchises!