Pride Month: How Gable Partners Create Supportive Work Environments for the LGBTQIA+ community

As you may already know, at Gable, we take Pride Month seriously and support the LGBTQIA+ community all year round. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to our partners, and we’re proud to showcase and highlight some of them that also support, elevate, and empower the community inside their spaces.

Read on to find out more about how Gable partners support the LGBTQIA+ community 👇

Maggie Segrich and Meredith Wheeler (she/her), Sesh Coworking

How do you create a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in your space?

Sesh Coworking began by building community first which not only allowed to build our space based on their needs but learn to be agile to their changing needs and environment. Ways that we create a safe and inclusive environment include designing an approachable space, meeting our community where they are, and supporting the organizations that are doing the hard work.

What are some ways your space/organization supports the community year-round?

We support the community year-round through partnerships with non-profits & organizations to raise awareness on the anti-lgbt legislation trying to be passed in our state capital, showing up to represent our community at the state capital, calling state reps, sharing headlines on social media that explain the impact of bills should they pass, fundraising for community supportive organizations, and providing a safe space for our community to gather.

What impact can inclusive workspaces have on the LGBTQIA+ community?

Consider not being able to show up at work or in your community as yourself, not being able to talk about your partner, or not being able to express the impact of hearing constant rhetoric being spewed by politicians – that’s the impact we have. We are a safe place for people to not just work, but to gather, organize, and grow together.

Rebecca Pan (she/her), Trellis

How do you create a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in your space?

The first sign people see when they walk through the door explains that Trellis is founded by LGBTQIA+, POC, and/or Women. All of our staff fall into one or more of these categories, and this was intentional.

What are some ways your space/organization supports the community year-round?

Every event we throw and marketing message we share passes through the lens of our LGBT team members, which helps us curb our bias and increase our sensitivity.

How can organizations like yours authentically support the LGBTQ+ Community?

Everyone deserves a safe space to connect and be productive. By providing this for the LGBTQIA+ community we help foster marginalized entrepreneurs and provide support for those historically suppressed.

Organizations of all kinds can help by speaking from our hearts, actively listening, and working hard on our internal communication to make sure each voice is equally heard.

Adrian Simpson (he/him), The Yard

How do you create a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in your space?

At The Yard, creating a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community is a top priority. We strive to foster a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Some key measures we take to achieve this include:

Non-Discrimination Policy: We have a comprehensive non-discrimination policy in place that explicitly includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This policy ensures that all members and staff are treated fairly and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.

Inclusive Language and Communication: We use inclusive language in all our communications, including signage, website, and member materials. This helps create a welcoming environment and ensures that all individuals feel seen and respected.

Community Events and Resources: We organize regular community events that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. These events create opportunities for networking, education, and engagement within the LGBTQIA+ community and promote a sense of belonging. A recent one was a Queer Coworking Day held at our Gowanus, Brooklyn location last month ahead of Pride Month!

Feedback: We have an open-door policy and encourage members and employees to provide feedback on their experiences within our space. This enables us to address any concerns promptly and make necessary improvements to ensure an inclusive environment.

Collaborations and Partnerships: We actively seek collaborations and partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations and initiatives to further support the local community. This includes hosting events, providing mentorship opportunities, and offering discounts or sponsorships to LGBTQIA+ businesses.

By implementing these measures, we aim to create a coworking space where members of the LGBTQIA+ community feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. We continuously strive to improve and evolve our practices to ensure an inclusive environment for all.

What impact can inclusive workspaces have on the LGBTQIA+ community?

Inclusive workspaces can have a profound impact on the LGBTQIA+ community, providing numerous benefits and fostering a more equitable and supportive environment. They create a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals. When they feel accepted and valued for who they are, they are more likely to thrive both personally and professionally. This sense of belonging contributes to higher job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.

This creates a safer and more supportive environment, allowing employees to focus on their work without fear of mistreatment or prejudice. Inclusive workspaces offer the chance to connect with supportive networks and communities within the LGBTQIA+ community. These networks can provide emotional support, mentorship, and valuable connections, enabling individuals to navigate professional challenges, find role models, and build meaningful relationships.

The impact of inclusive workspaces goes beyond the workplace, positively influencing society as a whole by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Reminder on how we’re supporting Pride Month in 2023

This June, we’ll be celebrating Pride Month by supporting the LGBTQIA+ community!

All Gable bookings that take place any day in June will contribute towards Gable’s donation to The Trevor Project - we’ll be donating 1% of our profit to The Trevor Project and the amazing work they’re doing to empower the community, offer resources, and support, and help battle societal pressure and stigma!