“Marketing and public relations agency Civic Entertainment Group will be the first agency to be named a Safe Space as part of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) and the 10-step SIGBI Certification Program.

SIGBI, the charitable giving organization of the historic Stonewall Inn, will work with Civic to provide the proper training, policies and standards that ensure Civic is creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees, LGBTQ+ customers and advocating for equality.

In addition to meeting criteria to become a certified Safe Space, Civic’s employees will also complete a training component designed by Jennifer Brown Consulting to ensure that they are creating an inclusive environment.

“Safe Spaces are vital in order to uplift LGBTQ+ people and provide places to celebrate, educate, thrive, work, shop, relax and live freely,” said Stacy Lentz, CEO, SIGBI in a statement. “The Stonewall Inn is the original ‘Safe Space’ and we are thrilled to expand our reach and work with Civic as the first agency certified.”

SIGBI announced the launch of its Safe Spaces Certification Program during Pride Month in June 2022. The Safe Spaces Certification Program was created in response to a survey SIGBI conducted that uncovered that 97% of the LGBTQ+ community believe they would benefit from more safe spaces.

“The SIGBI Safe Spaces certification is a natural extension of Civic’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. We want our LGBTQ+ community to know that they are supported and valued in bringing their whole selves to work.” said Nate Schreiber, co-CEO, Civic in a statement. “I’m proud that Civic is demonstrating true allyship and is embarking on this journey because it aligns with our civic spirit and because it’s the right thing to do.”

Arielle Santiago, lead of Civic’s employee resource group PRISM added that as the political and cultural landscape for LGBTQ+ people grows increasingly hostile, it’s important for the community to create and preserve Safe Spaces in both personal and professional lives.

“I hope that we at Civic are sending a clear signal to our industry that now more than ever, we have a critical responsibility to be agents of positive change, building and protecting a more inclusive, equitable future for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Santiago in a statement.

PRISM hosted a celebration at The Stonewall Inn on June 21 to benefit SIGBI and announce the initiative to the company in honor of Pride Month. The Stonewall Inn and SIGBI were introduced to Civic by their Jagermeister client who was one of the first companies to go through Safe Spaces training. Other partners include JetBlue, AEG, New York Road Runners and Moxy Hotels.” – Kyle O’Brien

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