UK LGBTQ+ charity Out Together has announced the launch of Spaces, a new initiative that aims to build a more inclusive society by growing a network of organisations, venues and service providers whose values align with those of the Rainbow Flag – who actively pledge to create truly inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people and help tackle ongoing barriers and stigma that individuals still face in many areas of society.
The launch comes at a time when Pride events are taking place across the country, and the charity encourages organisations from across the UK to sign up and take action to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community – one that goes beyond simply displaying the rainbow flag this Pride season.
All organisations that sign up to be part of the Spaces directory are publicly committing to the principles in the Spaces Out Together Inclusion Pledge of:
- Using correct names and pronouns
- Respecting gender identity, including access to appropriate facilities
- Having a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination
- Creating welcoming, affirming environments
- Committing to ongoing learning and staff awareness
Sharing why the Spaces initiative is important for creating a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ people, Thomas Porteus, Chair of the charity, Out Together, commented: “Too often, LGBTQ+ people are left wondering whether a service, business or organisation is genuinely safe and welcoming, or simply displaying a rainbow logo for a month.
“Out Together Spaces was created to remove that uncertainty. It’s a trusted, validated directory of organisations and businesses that go beyond performative inclusion and demonstrate real, practical commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ people every day. Spaces is about helping people find places where they can show up as themselves with confidence.”
Out Together charity aims to keep growing the Spaces directory over the years in the hopes that this will encourage organisations to stand up in a clear, community-led way to signal their commitment and help create a more inclusive society overall, by highlighting the great work many organisations are already doing behind the scenes as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Phil Sharp, Manager at Flamingos Coffee House, said:
“As a city centre venue, we welcome people from all walks of life every single day, and we believe everyone should feel comfortable, respected and able to be themselves when they walk through our doors.
“That’s why becoming one of the first organisations to join Out Together Spaces was such an easy decision for us. It’s a practical way of showing our commitment to creating an inclusive environment, while also helping people identify businesses and organisations that genuinely share those values.
“Initiatives like Spaces are important because they move the conversation beyond words. They give businesses the opportunity to make a visible commitment to inclusion and help build a society where LGBTQ+ people can feel confident, safe and welcomed wherever they choose to work, socialise or access services.”
The directory is designed to be an easy way for organisations and individuals to find trusted suppliers for their businesses, supportive employers, and safe, welcoming spaces to visit and access services.
All types of businesses and organisations, including healthcare environments, faith organisations, community groups, hospitality venues, retail stores and professional services, are being encouraged to sign up and take part in helping make a real difference in tackling the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ face, to create a better society for current and future generations.
