Starbucks announced that it will turn 97 of its Seattle stores into LGBT safe spaces. For many members of the LGBT community, bigotry and hate crimes are a real fear. Starbucks wants to teach business how to be better LGBT allies by making its stores a safe space for everyone.
In order to implement the new program, Starbucks is teaming up with the Seattle Police Department. The new Safe Place program is run by Jim Ritter, who acts as the department's liaison to the LGBTQ community. With Ritter's help, Starbucks plans to turn 97 of its Seattle stores into LGBT safe spaces. Ritter will teach employees how to respond to hate crimes and bigotry in the hope of making businesses better LGBT allies. As Starbucks’ regional director for the Seattle metro area Heather Jennings explains, "Anyone who needs a place to go to feel safe, to call the police, we want to be there for them."
The new program could set a precedent for other businesses to provide special training on LGBT issues.
LGBT-Friendly Coffee Shops
This Chain is Turning Several Stores in LGBT Safe Places
Trend Themes
1. LGBT Safe Spaces - Creating designated spaces that are inclusive, accepting, and safe for the LGBT community presents opportunities for businesses to connect with and support this market segment.
2. Business Allyship - Teaching businesses how to be better allies to the LGBT community can lead to more inclusive and diverse workplaces, improving company culture and attracting a broader customer base.
3. Training on LGBT Issues - The need for specialized training programs on LGBT issues may arise as businesses recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers and employees.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee Shop Chains - Coffee shop chains can adopt the concept of LGBT safe spaces to create inclusive environments where customers can feel supported and accepted.
2. Hospitality and Retail - The hospitality and retail industries can benefit from implementing LGBT allyship training programs to improve customer experience and cultivate diverse and inclusive workplaces.
3. Training and Education - The increasing demand for training on LGBT issues creates opportunities for training and education providers to develop specialized programs that support businesses in becoming more LGBT-friendly.