Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative. This initiative, a collaboration between the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and SHOWTIME®, will celebrate and support Pride and the LGBTQ+ community by identifying and making significant donations to at least 25 LGBTQ+ serving businesses this year, selected based on the communities they serve and their financial need. Entering its fifth year, in 2024 Queer to Stay will have extended support to over 100 businesses since its inception.
The “Queer to Stay” initiative launched in June 2020, awarding 10 LGBTQ+ small businesses across the country by addressing the financial hardships faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the COVID-19 National Emergency has ended, LGBTQ+-serving businesses are still facing financial challenges and are at risk of closures. LGBTQ+ bars, centers and businesses often serve as safe and affirming places for large portion of the community, especially for young queer and trans people and communities of color. Studies have shown that since the 1980s, there has been a decline in LGBTQ+ bars across America because of assimilation, gentrification and the rise of dating apps.
At a time when LGBTQ+ businesses are working hard to stay open, they’re also faced with fighting against a wave of hate like we’ve never seen before. Opponents of progress seek to challenge the very existence of LGBTQ+ people and the spaces that they occupy. That is why LGBTQ+-serving businesses are so important; they provide a space for queer folks to be their authentic selves and live their best lives— and they’re not going anywhere. The Queer to Stay program aims to uplift these small businesses and provide them with the resources they need to continue making an impact in their communities— despite the aims of those who seek to silence us, we’re here to stay.
New this year, HRC and Showtime will be partnering with Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), a financial support system for small businesses on a mission to advance economic justice for all, to increase lending and resources to underinvested entrepreneurs. This partnership will advance economic mobility and wealth creation by connecting the extensive network of “Queer to Stay” grant applicants to AOF’s flexible capital and free coaching resources.
To be eligible for this donation, your business must meet the following criteria:
• The Queer to Stay initiative is specifically focused on supporting US-based, for-profit businesses. Nonprofit organizations and international businesses are not eligible for funding through the Queer to Stay initiative.
• Your business should primarily serve/cater to the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ Communities of Color, the LGBTQ+ Women’s Community, and/or the Transgender and Non-Binary Community.
• Your business must explain how they have been negatively impacted financially due to COVID-19.
• Special consideration will be given to businesses that are owned by members of the communities we are trying to serve through this initiative — queer people of color, queer women and transgender and non-binary individuals. We will also prioritize funding for businesses that did not receive a donation from the Queer to Stay initiative previously.
This is a one-time taxed donation, and HRC will select successful applicants in its sole discretion. Each recipient will be required to sign an agreement before receiving funds. The agreement will include specific terms and conditions relating to the award. Awardees will also be required to sign a conflict of interest certification and describe how funds were spent. HRC reserves the right to review progress at any time.
The application period closes at 11:59:59pm on August 31, 2024. If you have any questions on the Queer to Stay initiative, please email [email protected].
