Guide: How Coastal Rural Businesses Can Be More Inclusive to the Queer Community
Coastal rural communities often face challenges when it comes to inclusivity for the queer community. Businesses in these areas, however, can take proactive steps to create safer, more welcoming environments. Here are strategies backed by real examples and research:
1. Create a Visible Queer-Friendly Environment
Displaying inclusive symbols, such as Pride flags, stickers, or posters, signals that LGBTQ+ individuals are welcome in your business.
Example: Many businesses in Astoria, Oregon, display Pride flags during events like the Lower Columbia Pride. This visibility not only supports the local LGBTQ+ population but also attracts queer visitors from other areas.
Actionable Tip: Ensure your shop, cafe, or office has visible signs of inclusivity—partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations to access inclusive materials or resources.
2. Train Staff on Inclusivity and Sensitivity
Inclusivity training for staff is essential in ensuring respectful and supportive service. Training should cover proper pronoun use, avoiding assumptions about gender or sexuality, and understanding the specific challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community
Example: Businesses in Portland's queer neighborhoods often partner with organizations like Basic Rights Oregon to train staff on how to serve LGBTQ+ customers. This practice can be replicated in coastal rural areas.
Actionable Tip: Schedule regular inclusivity training for your team. Include role-playing scenarios that cover interactions with transgender or non-binary customers and how to address microaggressions.
3. Offer LGBTQ+ Inclusive Services and Products
Tailoring your offerings to the queer community shows intentionality. This could include gender-neutral bathrooms, menus with inclusive language, or hosting LGBTQ+-friendly events.
Example: At Xanadu and Sonny’s Astoria, Scott opened an openly queer space and revamped the cafe’s menu to focus on quality and inclusivity, ensuring that the environment remained welcoming to all customers. Opening a queer-focused or queer-friendly space with themed events can draw a more diverse crowd and foster community.
Actionable Tip: Review your business offerings and see where you can include gender-neutral language or offer items that cater to diverse gender expressions.
4. Partner with Local LGBTQ+ Organizations
Collaborating with local queer organizations helps businesses show their commitment to the community while also gaining insights into best practices. Partnering with these organizations can lead to sponsored events like Pride celebrations or educational workshops.
Example: Businesses in coastal Washington and Oregon often collaborate with the Lower Columbia Q Center in Astoria, which provides resources for the local LGBTQ+ community. These collaborations can include setting up donation programs, hosting LGBTQ+ networking events, or even sponsoring LGBTQ+-focused charity drives.
Actionable Tip: Reach out to LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in your state or region and explore partnership opportunities that fit your business model.
5. Support LGBTQ+ Causes and Policies
Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights through public statements or participating in advocacy campaigns can significantly boost your business’s standing in the queer community.
Example: Many rural businesses in Oregon support the LGBTQ+ community using their social media platforms to voice their stance on anti-discrimination policies.
Actionable Tip: Show your support for local and national LGBTQ+ causes by donating a portion of sales proceeds during Pride Month or advocating for inclusive policies in your community.
6. Address Internalized Homophobia and Bias
Recognizing and addressing internal biases is crucial in fostering a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in areas where the queer community may be smaller and less visible.
Example: Xanadu Astoria identified how even within queer circles, internalized homophobia can surface in the form of spreading misinformation about LGBTQ+ businesses. Combating this by promoting a culture of transparency and open dialogue is key.
Actionable Tip: Encourage open communication among your staff and community to challenge stereotypes and internalized biases. Consider offering anonymous surveys to gather feedback from LGBTQ+ customers and staff on how your business can improve.
7. Participate in Local LGBTQ+ Events
Actively participating in or sponsoring LGBTQ+ events such as Pride marches, queer film festivals, or queer nights in coastal rural areas fosters visibility and belonging.
Example: Lower Columbia Pride draws attendees from surrounding coastal towns and major cities, allowing local businesses to engage directly with the LGBTQ+ community and showcase their support.
Actionable Tip: Organize or sponsor LGBTQ+ events that align with your business values. These could include themed nights, charity events, or collaborative promotions with other queer-friendly businesses.
8. Advertise in LGBTQ+ Media
LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas often rely on online and print media to find inclusive businesses. Advertising in queer publications or on social media platforms where LGBTQ+ individuals are active can attract customers from neighboring regions.
Example: Coastal rural businesses in the Pacific Northwest have seen an uptick in queer tourism by advertising on platforms like Everywhere is Queer, Travel Gay, and other queer regional publications.
Actionable Tip: Explore LGBTQ+-friendly media outlets and develop ads or features highlighting your business’s commitment to inclusivity.
Conclusion
In coastal rural areas, where the queer community might not be as visible, businesses have a critical role in fostering inclusivity. By creating a welcoming environment, offering tailored services, and partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses can provide a safe and supportive space for all. These steps promote diversity and build stronger, more loyal customer bases in rural settings.
For more information, please check out these resources:
1. Basic Rights Oregon
2. Q Center in Portland
3. Lower Columbia Q Center