David’s journey & career at Boots – LGBTQ+ History Month
Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you identify?
I didn’t come out to my family until I was in my 30s, by which time I had been married, divorced, and had a son about to start senior school. Everyone was great towards me, and my son and his wife were at my wedding to my husband five years ago (my ex-wife would have been there too but she was too ill unfortunately). I still identify as gay, and I use he/him/his pronouns.
Initially, I began my career in retail and then moved into IT but it wasn’t until the early 2000s, after several years in software development that I was open about myself at work. This was mainly because the discrimination laws were not changed until 2003. I worked with many high-street and blue-chip retailers in the UK and US before joining Boots and 11 years later, I met my future husband.
Tell us a bit about your career with Boots so far?
I joined Boots in 2008 as a Software Engineer after 20 years in IT and Retail, relocating to Nottingham. We made the move because Boots is at the top of the tree in my field, with thousands of stores and tens of thousands of tills – so it was an easy decision. Although I had never been to Nottingham before my interview, I felt comfortable with both Boots and Nottingham as soon as I got here. The team and company made us feel very welcome from the start, and even though the role and team have evolved over time to fit the business, I still work alongside many of the original team members. It’s a great environment, and I continue to find the work enjoyable to this day.
What does LGBTQ+ History Month mean to you?
When I was born, being gay was illegal in the UK, but thankfully, changed as I grew older. Now we have a consistent age of consent, marriage equality, and anti-discrimination laws – all thanks to people making their voice heard and being seen. It’s also a reminder that LGBTQ+ people have been there throughout history, contributing to the world and everyday life for generations.
Personally, it reminds me that without the efforts of those who fought for my rights and acceptance, I wouldn’t be happily married today, and my life would be quite different. However, there’s still progress to be made – especially in certain parts of the world. That’s why a month of focus and celebration is so important, as it provides an opportunity to raise awareness. Also seeing Pride celebrations around the UK and Ireland, especially through Boots, always leaves me feeing uplifted and positive for a better future everywhere.
How have you been supported during your career as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
I’ve always been able to be the real me at work, but having Business Resource Groups(BRGs) at Boots has given me a voice that feeds directly into the business, which is wonderful. Seeing the company take on board feedback on everything from recruitment to advertising has been refreshing.
Working for such a large, truly inclusive company has made it easy to work, make good friends, and participate in Boots’ LGBTQ+ activities, both in stores and at the support office. I got married in 2020 and our reception happened to be in a restaurant that was originally the first Boots store in Nottingham, with several friends I had made at Boots attending. It was a perfect day for me representing my connection with Boots.
Each year, I time my visits to stores in Ireland to coincide with Dublin Pride, which Boots supports. This allows me to march with other Boots staff, executives, and even celebrities, celebrating and representing UK support for Pride.
What advice would you give to other Boots team members wanting to learn more about the Pride Alliance Business Resource Group?
Do it. Whether you want to be actively involved in the group or just be aware of what is happening, it’s a great opportunity. Equally if you are not part of the LGBTQ+ community then all allies are welcome too. The group is a great place to learn, talk, be yourself, and find out about all aspects of Boots LGBTQ+ activities and aspirations.
