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Embracing Inclusivity: Transforming Hospitality into a Welcoming Space for All



In the hospitality industry, creating environments that welcome and celebrate diversity is not just beneficial—it's essential. As we strive to serve a global clientele, the importance of fostering spaces that are LGBTQ+ friendly cannot be overstated. This week's WHY Hospitality Wisdom newsletter is dedicated to sharing actionable insights on how businesses in hospitality can enhance their inclusivity. 


If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? - RuPaul

Here are the top 10 ways to make venues, processes, and systems more LGBTQ+ friendly and inviting:



Implement interactive training, inclusive signage, diverse imagery, celebratory events, and champion LGBTQ+ role models to foster a welcoming and representative hospitality environment.


Staff Training on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity


  • Create interactive and engaging training modules that include scenarios and role-plays to better understand LGBTQ+ experiences.

  • Consider integrating themes of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and unconscious bias into management development workshops to ensure leaders are well-equipped to foster an inclusive environment.


Gender-Neutral Restrooms


  • Signage should be clear and welcoming, avoiding stereotypes and promoting a sense of safety for all users.

  • Explore actively reconfiguring restroom facilities in venues to ensure accessibility and comfort for all guests, regardless of gender identity.


Inclusive Marketing and Imagery


  • Collaborate with LGBTQ+ artists and creators to ensure marketing materials are authentic and representative.

  • Champion the use of diverse imagery in all promotional content to reflect the inclusivity of the venue, making sure LGBTQ+ guests see themselves represented.


Community Engagement and Support


  • Partner with local LGBTQ+ charities to co-host events or fundraisers, highlighting your venue's commitment to the community.

  • Lead during Pride and LGBTQ+ History Months by theming internal newsletters and hosting events to celebrate diversity and provide a platform for community engagement.


Diverse Representation in Leadership


  • Implement mentorship programs to support LGBTQ+ employees in their career progression within the company.

  • Champion out and proud LGBTQ+ role models in the business, showcasing diverse pathways to success within the hospitality industry.



Create a feedback loop, consult an LGBTQ+ advisory board, celebrate diversity events, and vet partners to embed inclusivity and align values within your venue's operations.

Feedback Mechanisms


  • Ensure feedback forms are anonymous and easily accessible online and in physical spaces within the venue.

  • Establish a feedback loop for guests and staff to share their experiences and suggestions for improving LGBTQ+ inclusivity, leading to meaningful operational changes.


Inclusive Policies and Practices


  • Regularly review HR policies with an LGBTQ+ advisory board to ensure they remain relevant and inclusive.

  • Push for systemic changes in HR and LMS systems to foster inclusiveness, ensuring systems accurately reflect names for people who have transitioned, offer correct pronoun options, and have accurate gender and sexual orientation selections.


Celebrating LGBTQ+ Dates and Events


  • Utilize internal communication channels to educate and engage employees about the significance of these dates.

  • Embed crucial values into corporate culture by actively celebrating LGBTQ+ dates and events, reinforcing the company's stance on diversity and inclusion.


Safe Space Signage


  • Designate areas within the venue with visible safe space decals or plaques that signal to guests and employees that the space is committed to inclusivity.

  • Implement safe space signage across venues, reassuring guests and staff that the environment is supportive and secure for LGBTQ+ individuals.


Partnerships with LGBTQ+ Friendly Vendors


  • Vet suppliers and partners for their diversity policies and practices to ensure alignment with your venue's values.

  • Establish criteria for selecting vendors and partners that demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, reinforcing the venue's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment through its supply chain.


RAINBOW-WASHING is the act of using or adding rainbow colours and/or imagery to advertising, apparel, accessories, landmarks, etcetera, in order to indicate progressive support for LGBTQ+ equality (and earn consumer credibility) - but with a minimum of effort or pragmatic result. - URBAN DICTIONARY

While some companies may hesitate or resort to superficial gestures during significant LGBTQ+ events, true inclusivity requires more profound actions. Making LGBTQ+ customers and employees feel genuinely welcome and valued extends far beyond displaying a rainbow flag. It's about embedding inclusivity into the very fabric of our operations and culture.



Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, we've highlighted stories of figures like Sylvester and April Ashley and the wisdom of Oscar Wilde, emphasising authenticity and visibility in hospitality for a more inclusive future.


Throughout LGBTQ+ History Month, we've shared stories and insights that not only celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals but also underscore the importance of authenticity and visibility in the hospitality industry. From honouring trailblazers like Sylvester and April Ashley to reflecting on the wisdom of Oscar Wilde, these stories form the backbone of our commitment to a more inclusive future.


Let's continue to champion an industry that not only welcomes but truly celebrates the diversity of the human experience. At WHY Hospitality, we believe in the power of hospitality to unite, heal, and uplift, transcending boundaries to create a world where everyone can proudly say, "I am who I am, and that's mighty real."


Join us in transforming the hospitality industry into a beacon of acceptance and celebration for all.


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