Showing up and being seen: Luciana’s journey at M&S
As part of our Pride Month series, we spoke to Luciana Magalhães, a Hospitality Manager in our Marble Arch store. She shares her experience working at M&S alongside her wife Fabiana, what Pride means to her, and how everyday actions help to create a workplace where people feel accepted and supported.
Luciana Magalhaes has been with M&S since 2021, and for her, joining the business wasn’t just about finding a job. It was about finding a community.
Originally from Portugal, Luciana met her wife Fabiana, who now works as a Suit Fitter at M&S Pantheon, in London. “It was love at first sight,” she says. They’ve been together six years, married for five, and often work together at the Pantheon store.
Now a Hospitality Team Manager, Luciana is proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community and to work somewhere she feels genuinely accepted and celebrated. “It’s not just about the job. It’s about being somewhere I can grow and be myself.”
One of her proudest moments was getting married in Brixton during the height of COVID restrictions - a small wedding with 19 guests, but a moment full of meaning. “Being able to legally get married in the UK is something we don’t take for granted. It shows how far we’ve come thanks to those who fought for our rights.”
Luciana says Pride month has become more personal to her over time. “It’s not just a celebration. It’s about representation. I used to feel nervous to tell people I was married to a woman and I wouldn’t correct them when they asked about my ‘husband’. Now, I don’t hide it. Pride means being visible, being valued, and being free to love who you love.”
At M&S, both Luciana and Fabiana have felt genuinely supported. One standout moment? Fabiana was invited to DJ outside the store during the London Pride parade. “That meant so much to us. I showed my mum back in Portugal and she was so happy. It sent a clear message that this is a workplace where we’re not just accepted, we’re celebrated.”
Luciana wants anyone thinking about joining M&S to know: “You’re safe here. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been out for years, M&S respects and supports you. You’re welcomed with open arms.”
As a couple and a family, with Luciana’s teenage son Bryan watching, being supported at work takes on even more meaning. “It gives me peace of mind to know that Bryan sees me working in a place where I’m respected for the job I do and the person I am, no matter who I love.”
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