Yelp Simplifies Support for LGBTQ-Owned Local Businesses

In anticipation of Pride Month, Yelp has rolled out a new feature designed to help users easily discover LGBTQ-owned businesses in their neighborhoods. As many have turned to Yelp during the COVID-19 pandemic to find and support local enterprises, this latest update comes as a welcome addition. With Pride Month approaching in June, Yelp now allows business owners to identify as LGBTQ-owned, making it simpler for consumers to support these establishments and locate safe, welcoming venues for Pride festivities.

New Features for Discovering LGBTQ-Owned Businesses

The updated feature enables users to search for LGBTQ-owned businesses—ranging from beauty services like hair and nail salons to restaurants and nightlife options—using the “Open to All” search filter. This initiative builds on Yelp’s 2019 partnership with a nonprofit organization of the same name, which aims to protect consumers from discrimination. This collaboration introduced a search attribute that allows businesses to showcase themselves as “safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability,” as noted by Yelp’s Chief Diversity Officer, Miriam Warren.

With the new feature, business owners can self-identify as LGBTQ+, clearly indicating to users during Pride Month and beyond that their establishment is LGBTQ-friendly. Starting June 1, businesses that are both LGBTQ-owned and “Open to All” will be marked with a rainbow pin on Yelp’s map view, highlighting these safe spaces for patrons.

Combating Hate Speech and Promoting Inclusivity

Yelp is also taking steps to combat hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community by actively monitoring pages and removing any content that violates their guidelines. This effort aims to empower LGBTQ-owned businesses nationwide and encourage consumers to support them, especially in light of rising hate crimes against marginalized communities. More than 581,000 businesses on Yelp have already declared themselves as “Open to All,” fostering a more inclusive shopping environment.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, local business owner Jamie Thompson expressed excitement over the new feature, stating, “We’re eager for people to find our business, support what we’re doing, and know they’re in a welcoming space.” Recent data from Yelp shows a 150 percent increase in searches for LGBTQ-owned businesses in April 2021 compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing desire for support among consumers.

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Possible Search Queries

Conclusion

In summary, Yelp is making significant strides to support LGBTQ-owned businesses through new features that enhance visibility and inclusivity. As consumers increasingly seek to make conscious choices, these tools will empower both business owners and shoppers alike.