Benchling Inclusion & Diversity

What does Pride mean to you? Feel free to share a specific word, story or example that comes to mind. How does Pride make you think of history, the current moment or the future?

Pride means being able to show up as myself without hiding any part of my identity. It’s also about honoring the people who risked — and continue to risk — their safety, comfort and lives so others can live more freely. I try to balance gratitude for the progress we’ve made with the responsibility to keep pushing for more. Pride, to me, is a celebration and a call to action.

What does Pride look like at Benchling? What is Pride Month typically like? Are there any specific ways Pride manifests year-round?

Pride at Benchling looks like belonging. I don’t have to code switch or filter myself — I feel welcomed as I am. Pride Month can include everything from drag bingo to do-it-yourself art nights to a queer media club. I really appreciate that Pride doesn’t stop in June; our Bloom community is active all year with upcoming plans for book clubs, letter-writing campaigns and virtual events. We also maintain a Slack channel where we connect, celebrate each other, and process hard news together.

Why is it important for your team to include LGBTQIA+ inclusivity as part of its cultural makeup? What does Benchling get right?

It’s important because people deserve to feel seen, safe and valued — without needing to explain or justify who they are. When inclusivity is woven into a team’s culture, it means we show up for one another as whole people. At Benchling, that looks like support that’s both personal and structural. Our Bloom community creates space to connect, process and celebrate together, backed by real investment and leadership support.