How Restaurants and Venues Can Promote LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Acceptance
As a restaurant operator or venue manager, you have the power to create an inclusive atmosphere that embraces diversity and makes every guest feel valued and accepted, regardless of their background or identity. Let’s explore some valuable ways you can cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance that allows you to do what you do best—providing hospitality to all.
In today’s society, almost 8% of adults identify as LGBTQ+, with the number rising. As a restaurant and event venue, it’s a wise business decision to maintain a wide customer base and welcome folks of all orientations to dine and celebrate at your location.
Here are several tips for restaurants to implement in order to become more queer-friendly:
1. LGBTQ+ Inclusive Language
It is important to use inclusive language in both face-to-face communication and written materials, including emails, contracts, and marketing materials. Use gender-neutral language, and avoid gendered terms like “ladies and gentlemen” or “sir and madam” in favor of “folks” or “friends.” This shows that your venue is considerate of your customers no matter what their identity is.
2. Diverse Representation
Showcase diversity in marketing materials and imagery, including LGBTQIA+ people. This will show the positive experiences that past patrons have had at your venue. Aside from general imagery and content, you can also have an explicit statement on your website, search engine profiles, and other marketing materials that express that your venue is a safe and friendly space for everyone.
3. Facilities and Amenities
Provide gender-neutral restrooms. Especially if you have single-stall restrooms, consider removing signs denoting specifically “Men” and “Women.”
4. Staff Training
Train staff on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, including recommended language, understanding pronoun usage, and ways to respect all identities. Your staff is a direct representation of your venue. Ensure that they are educated about the unique needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ guests and any intentions, resources, and policies that you have regarding inclusivity.
5. Vendor Collaboration
Your reputation as a queer-friendly venue extends outside of your direct establishment. It is important to partner with LGBTQ+-friendly vendors and ensure they share your commitment to inclusivity.
6. LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Policies
If you don’t already have them, implement non-discrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity and ensure that these policies are explicitly visible and communicated to all customers and staff.
7. Community Engagement
A true show of your venue’s commitment would be participating in LGBTQ+ community events and pride celebrations and/or donating to or partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations. This is a way to not only support the community but also to make connections with other queer-friendly vendors and partners. This could be as easy as a drink special with proceeds going towards a non-profit of your choice.
8. Feedback Mechanisms
Lastly, it is important to be open to feedback to become a gay-friendly venue. You may be unaware of something that is not sitting right with your staff or guests. Create a safe and anonymous way to provide feedback on their experience, and then act on that feedback to continuously improve your venue’s inclusivity.
By adopting these practices, your restaurant or event venue can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Are you ready to grow your event business? Schedule a Tripleseat demo to take a closer look at our event management features.
