As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, it’s important to support businesses that are open and welcoming. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are a number of queer-friendly businesses to choose from both online and in your own neighborhood.
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has a business directory that highlights LGBTQIA2S+ owned and operated companies, including restaurants, bars, hair salons, and more. The directory is free to use, and it helps people find LGBTQ-friendly businesses and products. NGLCC’s directory also includes information about the businesses, including LGBTbusinesses near me whether they are LGBTQIA2S+ owned, and what kind of goods and services they provide.
Another great way to find LGBTQ-friendly businesses is through the Everywhere Is Queer worldwide map. Launched in January 2018, this website and Instagram page shines a spotlight on LGBTQ-owned businesses. The site contains a wide range of listings, from retailers like Housewife Skateboards in Los Angeles to coffee shops like Lussi Brown Coffee Bar in Lexington, Kentucky. It even includes cat cafes, therapists, and lodging, making it easy for users to find LGBTQ-friendly businesses in just about any city.
Other tools and resources for LGBTQ-friendly businesses include the Small Business Administration, which has a list of LGBTQ-friendly businesses that can be found on their site. Additionally, there are a number of LGBTQ-friendly business alliances that help connect business owners with others in their area. One example is the New York LGBT Business Enterprise Council, which has a membership program that offers networking events and workshops for LGBTQIA2S+ business owners.
There are also grants and scholarships available for LGBTQIA2S+ businesses. For example, Founders First CDC’s National Pride Grant awards $25,000 in funding to LGBTQIA+-led businesses each year. Applications for 2023 have closed, but you can sign up to receive a notification when the next round opens.
Intentionalist stresses the importance of spending with intention, and their site makes it easy to find LGBTQIA2S+ friendly businesses near you. Their easy-to-navigate map feature helps users find businesses that match their values and interests, and they are continually adding more listings to their database. Additionally, they have an app called GLPages that allows users to share their favorite LGBTQIA2S+-friendly places on Google Maps and Search. Finally, LGBTQIA2S+-friendly businesses can also get certified through the Center for Equality and Inclusion (CEI). The CEI certification process requires that a business commits to LGBTQ inclusivity in both their policies and practices. Businesses that are certified through the program can then promote themselves as LGBTQIA2S+-friendly to potential customers. This is especially important during a time when so many LGBTQIA2S+ individuals are experiencing discrimination and oppression in their daily lives. To learn more about the certification process, you can visit their website.
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