Safe Space Training Certificate

Support the Community by Committing to LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Creating Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community

The Safe Space Certification process is accessible to every business, small or large. Developed by Stonewall to identify stores, businesses and other public venues, as safe places for LGBTQ+ community members to visit. This program identifies establishments as safe for LGBTQ+ individuals and also ensures that staff members are trained to be respectful allies and supportive of the queer community.

The Business Case for Inclusion

“Companies committed to diversity show a 39% increased likelihood of outperformance (Forbes)”
“Gender-diverse executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability (McKinsey)”
“Diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets (Harvard Business Review)”

Become A Safe Space: The Certification Process

After completing the program, you'll be added to the growing, impressive list and heatmap showcasing Certified SIGBI Safe Spaces, and have access to creative assets like the official Safe Space logo. Display it on your social media channels, in your window, on your website- anywhere you want to tell your customers that you value equality, dignity, and respect for all.

  1. Email safespaces@stonewallinitiative.org

  2. Schedule a meeting with a team member

  3. Get started and get stoked!

We polled the LGBTQ+ community and found

“86% feel safe spaces should be vetted by a trusted LGBTQ+ organization”
“97% believe the LGBTQ+ community would benefit from more safe spaces”
“89% believe that most spaces are not aware that LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe”

What’s Involved in Becoming Certified

The Safe Space training lives on a digital portal where you will also upload all of the required documentation for certification. After documenting the certification process and having the majority of employees complete two learning modules, you'll receive official notice, be included in SIGBI's certified Safe Space list and heat map, and gain access to creative assets. 

Certification Criteria include

  1. Conducting SIGBI staff training on LGBTQ+ inclusivity

  2. Supporting LGBTQ+ organizations through donations

  3. Publicly sharing your code of conduct

  4. Providing at least one gender-neutral bathroom on-premise

  5. Demonstrating year-round support for LGBTQ+ initiatives

  6. Implementing inclusive workplace policies and procedures

  7. Respecting and using all individuals' pronouns

  8. Avoiding partnerships with anti-LGBTQ+ organizations

  9. Refraining from donating to anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers

Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusion Changes Lives

By participating in LGBTQ+ safe space training and supporting SIGBI, you become part of a global movement that stands up for equality, dignity, and justice for all. Every action, every donation, every voice raised makes a difference. Let's continue the legacy of The Stonewall Inn together and create a world where everyone can live openly, safely, and authentically.

FAQs

  • We partnered with Jennifer Brown Consulting, a leading anti-bias training consulting firm, to host virtual town halls and travel 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. 

  • International sports and entertainment company AEG and co-working members club Spring Place, JetBlue, Brooklyn Brewery and Saks Fifth Avenue were the first organizations to become Safe Space Certified.  

  • Our Safe Space Community Partners are The Borderland Rainbow Center, El Paso, Texas; Just Us at Oasis Center, Nashville, Tennesse;, The Magic Center Acceptance Center, Birmingham, Alabama; The Gulf Coast Equality Council, Gulfport/Biloxi Mississippi; The Utah Pride Center, Salt Lake City; and Kansas City Center for Inclusion, Kansas City, MO.