Safe Space Certification
Support the Community by Committing to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Creating Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) recognizes businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through staff training, inclusive policies and year-round support. Our team will guide you through the criteria, training and verification process.
INCLUSION ISN’T JUST GOOD VALUES. IT’S GOOD BUSINESS.
Genuinely welcoming environments can strengthen trust, employee experience and customer loyalty. These studies show why meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion matters to consumers.
77%
of U.S. LGBTQ+ adults say they would pay more for products or services from brands meaningfully supporting LGBTQIA+ issues and communities.
The Harris Poll, Inclusive Insights: Brands, June 2026. Online U.S. survey of 1,042 LGBTQ+ adults aged 18+, conducted May 19–27, 2026. This measures stated willingness, not observed spending.
72%
of the LGBTQ+ community agree that they will stop purchasing from brands that devalue their community.
Nielsen Attitudes on Representation Study, 2023, reported by Nielsen in 2024.
Survey-reported attitudes; populations and study years differ.
Become a Safe Space: The Certification Process
Contact our team and review the certification criteria.
Have at least 66% of staff complete both 15-minute training modules, individually or as a group.
Submit the certification form and supporting information for SIGBI’s review.
Once approved, receive confirmation and approved Safe Space certification assets.
Certified organizations apply for annual recertification.
Community-informed standards
SIGBI developed the program with input from LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, businesses and organizations from around the world to help turn support for the LGBTQ+ community into meaningful, everyday practice.
What’s Involved in Becoming Certified
Our team will provide the training modules, certification criteria and submission instructions. After at least 66% of staff complete both modules, submit your certification form and supporting information. SIGBI reviews your submission and follows up on any remaining items before approving certification. Approved organizations receive confirmation and access to official certification assets.
Certification Criteria include
Conducting SIGBI staff training on LGBTQ+ inclusivity
Supporting LGBTQ+ organizations through donations
Publicly sharing your code of conduct
Providing at least one gender-neutral bathroom on-premise
Demonstrating year-round support for LGBTQ+ initiatives
Implementing inclusive workplace policies and procedures
Respecting and using all individuals' pronouns
Avoiding partnerships with anti-LGBTQ+ organizations
Refraining from donating to anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers
Find a Safe Space
GET CERTIFIED. GET ON THE MAP.
Explore the Safe Spaces guide using the interactive map below. Select a location marker for details, or open the map in a separate tab.
Organizations that complete SIGBI’s Safe Spaces Certification can be represented on the global Safe Spaces map.
If you need help using the map or confirming a listing, email safespaces@stonewallinitiative.org.
FAQs
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We hosted virtual town halls and traveled to select towns to meet with local LGBTQ+ advocates and leaders. Together we discussed the most important requirements to support their advocacy and community building and what a safe space means to them.
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The program is open to businesses, venues and organizations of different sizes. Contact safespaces@stonewallinitiative.org to discuss your organization and how the criteria apply.
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Community voices helped shape the program’s standards and training. Early community partners included the Borderland Rainbow Center in El Paso, Texas; Just Us at Oasis Center in Nashville, Tennessee; Magic City Acceptance Center in Birmingham, Alabama; Gulf Coast Equality Council in Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi; Utah Pride Center in Salt Lake City; and Kansas City Center for Inclusion in Kansas City, Missouri. This reflects the program’s development history, rather than a current directory of certified organizations.