Brooklyn Brewery is located in the heart of one of America’s most diverse cultural hubs — Williamsburg, Brooklyn — and recently the craft beer pioneer announced a significant milestone in its continued journey of inclusivity and diversity. The brewery has achieved the distinguished certification for both its headquarters and Tasting Room as a Safe Space by The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI). According to the press release:
This certification emphasizes the brewery’s commitment to creating spaces, both in the physical world and online, that are safe, accessible, inclusive, and respectful to all, and is part of Brooklyn Brewery’s broader commitment to foster inclusivity and diversity within itself and the wider brewing industry.
Brooklyn Brewery’s alliance with SIGBI dates back to its foundation in 2017. The brewery has been a vocal and active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by its year-round production of The Stonewall Inn IPA. This beer symbolizes the brewery’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and has been a cornerstone of their partnership with SIGBI. Since 2021, Brooklyn Brewery has been actively expanding its Create Space initiative. This global program, inspired by the legacy of The Stonewall Inn, uses the brewery’s worldwide platforms to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ activists. The SIGBI Safe Spaces Certification is the latest step in Brooklyn Brewery’s dedication to inclusivity and hospitality for all. From the release:
All of Brooklyn Brewery’s efforts align with the larger goals of SIGBI, which were inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ+ rights movement born from the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969. Through awareness campaigns, educational programming, and fundraising, SIGBI supports grassroots organizations and marginalized communities, with a focus on areas where progress toward equality has been slow.
The craft brewing industry can definitely use more diversity, so it’s cool to see organizations and breweries working together to earn certifications like these. Because it’s a lot of work. Brooklyn Brewery’s certification involved comprehensive training and policy development, ensuring the brewery upholds the highest standards of inclusivity and safety for LGBTQ+ employees, customers and partners. These spaces are also very much needed. According to the release, SIGBI established the Safe Spaces Certification Program following a survey they conducted that highlighted a significant demand within the LGBTQ+ community — 97 percent indicated a need for more safe space.
Robin Ottaway, President of Brooklyn Brewery, acknowledged the significance of this Safe Space certification: “Our journey towards becoming a SIGBI Safe Space reflects our deep belief in the importance of corporate responsibility in fostering social change. We have been privileged to collaborate with SIGBI since they first formed in 2017, and we are extremely proud to use this certification to set an example for the brewing industry and beyond. This demonstrates that our commitment to inclusivity and respect is not just a moral imperative but also a key to success in business.”
Brooklyn Brewery is leveraging its influence to encourage industry peers to embrace diversity and inclusivity. That’s being a good corporate citizen, plus we think it’s just a good business move. The brewery aims to inspire other members of the industry to join the Safe Spaces Certification Program, contributing to a more inclusive society. Check it out right here. Then learn more by watching the video above.
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