Happy World Pride Day!

Dominique has been with her wife Tanisha Griffin Leach for 10 years and married for five years. Tanisha, is also Dominique’s business partner and best friend.

To celebrate World Pride Day we sat down with Mariano’s Tastemaker, Chef Dominique Leach, local Chicago Chef and Owner of Lexington Betty Smoke House to talk about her experience in honor of Pride Month in June.

“I've come a long way since coming out at 15-years-old with a lack of love and support from my family,” shared Dominique Leach. “I spent a lot of time feeling and being treated like I was different,” continued Dominique. “Being black and gay is a fight every day and every day I fought. I had to be strong and fearless and demand respect. Today, I'm an asset and example of what black and gay greatness look like."

Dominique feels celebrated during Pride and that the month signifies love and is honored by “living our truth and recognizing the courage in all of us.”

“It's a beautiful community to be a part of,” said Dominique about the LGBTQ+ community. “I always feel embraced by it. I try to be an advocate to my LGBTQ staff members who look up to my wife and me.”

When asked how others can support the LGBTQ+ community, Dominique commented, “You can be most supportive by opening your heart up to what love looks like through our eyes.”