The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and SHOWTIME, announced the fourth consecutive year of “QUEER TO STAY: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative” that aims to uplift and preserve small businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community, particularly businesses that are owned by or empower LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community. This small business grant initiative comes at a time when the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and non-binary people, are experiencing historic discriminatory legislative attacks with over 520 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation this year alone. With some companies standing by their values of diversity, equity, and inclusion at this moment, the business community continues to face coordinated attacks from extremist groups and individuals whose sole aim is to push LGBTQ+ people back in the closet. The businesses will be selected based on the communities they serve and how COVID-19 has affected them. Queer to Stay is accepting applications now until August 31, 2023. Eligible businesses can apply at queertostay.org. Recipients will be notified and announced this coming fall. HRC and SHOWTIME have created a video highlighting former QUEER TO STAY recipients to help encourage LGBTQ+ businesses to apply.
#Queer Up Business