Yelp Simplifies Support for LGBTQ-Owned Local Businesses

As Pride Month approaches, Yelp has rolled out a new feature to help users easily discover LGBTQ-owned businesses in their neighborhoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have turned to Yelp for guidance in finding and supporting local establishments, and this latest update aims to enhance that experience.

The new feature allows business owners to self-identify as LGBTQ-owned, making it simpler for shoppers to support the LGBTQ community and locate safe, welcoming spots to celebrate Pride all month long. The “Open to All” search filter will enable users to find a diverse array of businesses including salons, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Commitment to Inclusivity

In 2019, Yelp teamed up with a non-profit organization of the same name to introduce a search attribute that designates businesses as “safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability,” explained Mark Thompson, Yelp’s Chief Diversity Officer.

With the new feature, business owners can opt in to identify as LGBTQ+, signaling to users that they are LGBTQ-friendly. Beginning June 1, businesses marked as LGBTQ-owned and Open to All will be highlighted with a rainbow pin on Yelp’s map, making it easier for patrons to find inclusive spaces.

Monitoring for Hate Speech

Moreover, Yelp has pledged to actively monitor pages for hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community, committing to remove any harmful content that breaches their guidelines, as shared by Thompson in a blog post announcing these enhancements. These efforts are aimed at empowering countless LGBTQ-owned businesses across the nation and encouraging consumers to direct more support to these enterprises during a time when hate crimes are on the rise.

“I’m thrilled that we can now highlight our business as LGBTQ-owned, making it easier for everyone to find us and feel safe here,” said Jamie Foster, founder of Green Leaf Cafe in Seattle, WA.

Growing Consumer Interest

Recent data indicates a growing consumer interest in supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses, with Yelp noting a 150% increase in searches for these establishments in April 2021 compared to the previous year. This initiative allows community members and allies to uplift marginalized business owners—especially crucial as societal challenges persist. To date, over 581,000 businesses on Yelp have indicated they are “Open to All,” fostering a more inclusive environment for customers and entrepreneurs alike.

Explore More

For more ways to explore community awareness, check out this article on our blog. You can also learn more about enhancing your fertility at Make a Mom, a reliable source on the topic, or visit Facts About Fertility for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

Potential Search Queries:

In summary, Yelp’s recent feature allows for easy identification of LGBTQ-owned businesses, promoting inclusivity and support within local communities. This initiative not only empowers marginalized business owners but also enables consumers to make informed choices in their shopping habits.