Take action today!

Philz Coffee Reverses Pride Flag Ban

After 14,000+ supporters joined the Human Rights Campaign's call to action, CEO Mahesh Sadarangani apologized and reinstated Pride flags at Philz Coffee locations.

On April 9, 2026, Philz Coffee CEO Mahesh Sadarangani announced that Pride flags would be removed from all store locations nationwide. The company claimed this decision was part of a broader policy to create a "more streamlined aesthetic" and maintain a welcoming environment for all customers.

The Human Rights Campaign unequivocally rejected this justification. Removing Pride flags doesn't make a space more welcoming — it makes it less safe. For years, those rainbow flags have been a promise to LGBTQ+ customers, employees and community members that Philz Coffee is a place where they belong.

This decision came at a particularly dangerous time. Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are under unprecedented political attack. When businesses that once stood with our community suddenly go silent, it sends a chilling message: that our visibility is negotiable, that our safety is a branding choice, that corporate interests matter more than civil rights.

Employees spoke out first. Thousands signed a petition expressing how this decision left them feeling "confounded and unsupported." Then HRC mobilized our members, allies, and the broader public to demand accountability.

On April 17, 2026, CEO Sadarangani reversed the decision, publicly apologized, and reinstated Pride flags at Philz Coffee locations. This victory proves that when our community stands together, we have the power to hold corporations accountable and protect LGBTQ+ visibility. Will you send a message today to Philz?

CEO

Mahesh

Sadarangani

Philz Coffee

Andi

Trindle Mersch

Philz Coffee

Jenn

Teter

Philz Coffee

Jessica

Mitchell

Philz Coffee

{contact_data~title} {contact_data~firstName} {contact_data~lastName} {contact_data~suffix},
{contact_data~organization}

Dear Philz Coffee CEO Mr. Sadarangani and all Philz Coffee employees,

On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign and the more than 14,000 supporters who joined our call to action, thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for reversing your decision. And thank you for publicly acknowledging what our community has always known: "The Pride flag is a symbol of safety and belonging for people who don't always find that in the world."

Mr. Sadarangani, your statement that "I made a mistake, and I am sincerely sorry" took courage, and your commitment that "every Pride flag that is up stays up, and any Pride flag that was previously removed can be put back up" is exactly the leadership we asked for. This is what accountability looks like.

We welcome you back as a partner in the work of creating truly inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people. We also remind you — and every business leader watching — that this partnership requires ongoing commitment. Pride flags aren't just decorations. They are promises. They tell LGBTQ+ employees, customers and community members that we are seen, valued, and safe. We will continue to hold you and all corporations to that promise, especially in moments when it's difficult or inconvenient.

Thank you for doing the right thing. The Human Rights Campaign and our community are here to support businesses that stand with us — today and every day.

To all Philz Coffee baristas and employees, thank you for continuing to welcome and serve ALL. We’re proud of you.

With gratitude and resolve,

The Human Rights Campaign and the undersigned supporters

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}
{user_data~CITY} {user_data~State}
{user_data~Zip Code}

YOUR INFORMATION

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Zip Code

Country

Cell Phone

HRC wants to know more about our members and supporters who are fighting for LGBTQ+ equality alongside us. Answers to these questions are optional and will be kept confidential.

You'll receive email updates from HRC. You can unsubscribe at any time. By providing my mobile phone number, I agree that HRC and its agents may contact me by mobile phone call or text message regarding HRC programs, events and membership.