FOSTERING, WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING SPACES
A GUIDE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Feelings of safety and comfort while in standard spaces in the community, such as local businesses, is a basic human right often overlooked by privileged majority populations.
Fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces can significantly increase the quality of life for LGBTQ+ people. Local businesses can play a significant role in building communal support and creating safe spaces! These steps will help expand economic opportunities for your business and for LGBTQ+ customers or clients.
ACTION STEPS
ADVERTISE AS LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY
Tag your business as LGBTQ+ friendly online or become certified through the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
USE ENVIRONMENTAL CUES
Incorporate visible indicators of your support, such as stickers, flags, or listing pronouns on employee name tags to signal that your business is safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
IMPLEMENT ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICIES
Set expectations for consumers and employees that harassment and discrimination are not welcome in your business. Anti-discrimination policies lead to improved job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and lower job-related stress. LGBT-supportive policies are linked to greater job commitment, increased job satisfaction, and better health outcomes among LGBT employees.
GET INVOLVED
Make an effort to become more involved and connected with the queer community by sponsoring or tabling at Pride events or being a space for queer events and groups to gather.
PRIORITIZE EDUCATION
Educate yourself and your employees on what it means to be an inclusive space. Email Ethan.Dahl@und.edu for more information on resources, recommendations, and training opportunities.
WHY?
LGBTQ+-friendly businesses obtain higher profits, and corporations obtain higher stock market valuations.
Businesses with the most diversity are 36% more likely to outperform the industry median.
49% of people are more likely to purchase a product from a brand if it supported diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Inclusive businesses are more competitive in the labor market by fostering the ability to attract, recruit, and retain talented employees of all identities.
AUTHENTIC ALLYSHIP
Being genuine in your allyship is vital to producing positive outcomes. To successfully implement these practices, you need to follow through on your commitment for inclusion. Hold yourself, your staff, and your patrons accountable for creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space!
For the complete toolkit, contact:
Ethan Dahl, PhD
Assistant Professor, Education, Health & Behavior
