Several businesses in Edmonton have recently received “Rainbow Registered” designation from the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC). The designation is more than just a pride sticker on a storefront window; it’s a process that businesses can go through to show they have implemented policies that are conducive to safe queer spaces. “Any business that has that accreditation has demonstrated what they’re actually doing through policies, through practices, through their training, their leadership, and the experience that they’re providing to customers and employees,” said Connor McKiggan, corporate business development manager with Rainbow Registered. The City of Edmonton has partnered with Rainbow Registered to have the accreditation more accessible to local businesses as part of its Beyond Belonging initiative. “We really heard so much from folks in developing the plan, the role that businesses play in helping them feel safe and included in our city, and Rainbow Registered is a program that helps people do that and helps people know what are safe places for them to go,” said Landon Turlock, social planner with the city. Through the city’s program, businesses can apply for accreditation free of charge, and once they’ve been approved by an appointed assessor, the city will also cover the cost of the annual Rainbow Registered membership. There are currently seven businesses in Edmonton that are Rainbow Registered, including Delavoye Chocolate Maker on 124 Street. “As a queer business owner, it was really important to make sure that our internal policies were in line with creating a safe space,” said Antoine Lavoie. “This accreditation basically helped us tweak everything to make sure that not only our employees, but our visitors are feeling safe at Delavoye.” Lavoie said when queer people are travelling, they are often seeking spaces where they will feel safe and respected. “The more safe they are, the more these individuals will come to those cities… We’ll definitely see an influx of tourists from the community,” Lavoie told CTV News Edmonton. Campio Brewing Co. is among nearly a dozen Edmonton businesses that have applied to be Rainbow Registered. “It’s really important to our community to show that there is a safe space for everyone,” said server Cody Kotyk. Kotyk says Campio already follows a lot of the policies that fall under the Rainbow Registered criteria, recalling when management had asked him what his pronouns are. The downtown location also does a monthly charity drag brunch with proceeds going to Edmonton’s longest-running LGBTQ2S+ non-profit, the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose. “As a local Edmontonian myself, I want to know that my money is going to good people, to good businesses,” said Kotyk. “It’s easy to put up a sticker. It’s a lot harder to talk the talk and walk the walk.” While being Rainbow Registered shows customers that a business is a safe space, the designation also benefits the business. “What we’re seeing right now from queer folks in the consumer market is that they really, really care about inclusivity being visible and tangible,” said McKiggan. “Knowing that businesses in their communities are actively saying ‘you’re welcome in our space,’ really matters, and we’re hoping that Rainbow Registered will give business the practical framework to put this in action. Since launching in 2021, more than 500 businesses across Canada have become Rainbow Registered. Businesses registered can be found online. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti
