The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and SHOWTIME, who scored a perfect 100 on HRC’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index, partnered up to launch an initiative supporting and preserving businesses that serve the LGBTQ community.
“Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ Business Preservation Initiative” will celebrate and support the LGBTQ community by identifying and donating to a number of LGBTQ businesses with a focus on LGBTQ people of color, women, and the transgender community.
“We know that businesses like bars, restaurants and coffee shops often serve as affirming and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ people—including young people who may not have supportive families or communities at home,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “With a global pandemic and its economic impact threatening to shut down queer spaces, it’s important that we support and preserve those that have provided a space for LGBTQ people to express ourselves freely, find community, and be our authentic selves. We are grateful to collaborate with SHOWTIME on this initiative to protect and preserve LGBTQ-serving spaces.”
“Queer to Stay” is accepting applications until 11:59pm on Friday, August 14th. Eligible businesses can apply here; recipients will be notified and announced later this summer. To be eligible, your establishment must specifically serve/cater to primarily multiple-marginalized LGBTQ communities, including LGBTQ communities of color, the LGBTQ women’s community, and/or the transgender community and demonstrate negative financial impact due to COVID-19.