ABSOLUT ALLY
As a steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ+ community for more than 40 years, we’re proud to rollout this global initiative. Absolut Ally aims to provide educational resources and monetary donations to champion creating safer and more inclusive spaces for the adult LGBTQ+ community, as part of a broader effort to help more people and more places be better allies.
ABSOLUT ALLY TRAININGS
Safe Bars, an organization that helps bars and restaurants create safer spaces for their 21+ patrons and staff, has partnered with Absolut to create an educational training program for local businesses as part of the Absolut Ally platform.
Establishments can receive an Absolut Ally Certification once 80% of front-of-house staff have completed an initial webinar followed by scheduled live virtual training with Safe Bars. Certification includes an Absolut Ally decal for download to display on premise and social channels to show that the establishment is an inclusive space for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Safe Bars was created to ensure bars and restaurants create welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces for all patrons and staff. Building on our legacy, we are proud to partner with Absolut to expand our trainings to serve the 21+ LGBTQ+ community and ensure hospitality spaces are truly safe for all. Absolut has always been an authentic supporter of the LGBTQ community and exemplified allyship through action – we’re excited to bring this program to life with a partner that reflects our values.” – Amie Ward, Executive Director of Safe Bars.
THE ABSOLUT ALLY INITIATIVE
Anchoring Absolut Ally is the Absolut Ally Initiative, a grant program operated by CenterLink, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ community-based nonprofit association, whose mission is to strengthen, support and connect LGBTQ+ community organizations. Absolut is donating $250,000 to CenterLink to support their work through the creation of the Absolut Ally Initiative, a grant program aimed to support the growth and success of CenterLink’s nonprofit member organizations and foster inclusivity, empowerment, and support for the 21+ LGBTQ+ community members they serve.
“By partnering with Absolut for the Absolut Ally Initiative, we can ensure that much-needed funding is going directly to LGBTQ+ organizations, empowering them to serve as essential pillars of support in the face of increasing threats of violence and discrimination to foster safe, inclusive environments for the 21+ LGBTQ+ community members they serve.” – Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink.
VICE NEWS: OUT LOUD REPORT
Absolut has partnered with VICE News on a special report, OUT LOUD. The documentary-style, one-hour special shines a light on the role LGBTQ+ bars have played in shaping culture and providing a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community—giving way to incredible art that enriches lives. Narrated by Big Freedia, OUT LOUD follows three groundbreaking queer artists who are redefining their genres. OUT LOUD premieres on June 15 on VICE News TV channel and YouTube channel.
HONEY DIJON
“Chicago. And there I was, at the beginning of a musical movement and subculture that we now know as House Music. This music was played predominantly in POC queer spaces all across the city. During this time, there was a lot of discrimination so black queer people had to build their own spaces to find community and acceptance and House Music was their soundtrack.
There was Rialto’s, The Muzik Box, Windy City, Cheeks, Normandy’s and Club LeRay. My favorite was Bistro 1 & 2. It was the first time I had found people that not only accepted me, but celebrated and encouraged me to be myself.
It was also in these spaces where I got a great musical education and learned a lot about fashion ‘cause everyone dressed up. These bars and restaurants have always been special spaces to discover, celebrate, and find mirrors of affirmations when the world others you for your uniqueness. To me, this is the beauty of the Absolut Ally platform – designed for everyone 21+ to feel included.”
– Honey Dijon, DJ, Producer & Designer.
PROUD PARTNERS
