Why “Welcome” the LGBTQ Community and their Allies?
The Welcoming Project was created to encourage businesses, health care/service providers, organizations, and churches to show their patrons that all are welcome. Our signs indicate “All Are Welcome” no matter who you are. Although the rainbow flag is the traditional sign for gay rights and straight allies often recognize this as a symbol of acceptance and support, we like to think that the “All Are Welcome” message shows your patrons that you support everyone, no matter their gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, etc. “This flag says that people who have different opinions can voice them freely. It represents anyone of any beliefs, any religion, any sexuality, any color” (Micah Silver, see page 12 in Perrotti and Westheimer, 2001).
A small gesture (like displaying a Welcoming Sign) can have an impact not only on LGBTQ people, but their straight allies who also support diversity and Welcoming Places. In a time where LGBTQ people and their straight allies are openly discriminated against in our communities and in the legislature, we feel The Welcoming Project and the “All are Welcome” signs are of great import.
As the LGBTQ community continues to grow in Norman, OK, and throughout the United States, LGBTQ individuals and allies are seeking businesses with a welcoming image. You can show this community of more than 30 million (that’s nearly 10% of the US population!) Americans that they are welcome in your establishment by displaying the ALL ARE WELCOME sign at your business and on your website.
Do Welcoming Signs Really Work?
Yes! Multiple studies of business marketing methods show that both LGBTQ individuals and allies are more likely to prefer products that are produced by welcoming companies and are more likely to purchase products from welcoming stores. Among gay and lesbian consumers, 8 out of 10 are more likely to buy products from companies they know are welcoming.
Health care and service providers can also greatly benefit from welcoming LGBTQ patients and clients in their offices. Being welcoming enables them to give the best care possible to as many people as possible. Displaying an “All Are Welcome” sign can help LGBTQ people to feel more welcomed and may encourage open dialogue between LGBTQ patients and health care providers, allowing LGBTQ patients to receive the best care possible.
