Workplace discrimination, social stigmas, financial inequality, and physical and mental health conditions are just a few of the issues disproportionately affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community, and while we’ve seen signs of progress in recent decades, the situation for many LGBTQ+ hospitality workers remains dire.
So dire, in fact, that the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, recently issued a State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ individuals for the first time in its 40-year history. The move came in response to lawmakers proposing more than 540 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in state houses across the nation, which, when combined with a growing number of discriminatory state laws taking shape across the country, have created an increasingly hostile and dangerous landscape for LGBTQ+ Americans.
That’s why Another Round Another Rally chose to create a new fund in support of LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant professionals, with the Hospitality Workers LGBTQ+ Relief Fund delivering real-time support, emergency aid and professional development assistance to members of this marginalized community.
Currently spearheading fundraising efforts for the Hospitality Workers LGBTQ+ Relief Fund is Another Round Another Rally Advisory Council Member Chris Cabrera, who calls the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights the “Civil Rights Movement of Our Time.” Chris, a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and hospitality industry vet, will help raise money for the fund during next month’s Tales of the Cocktail trade conference and festival, set for July 23 through 28 at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Chris worked in close conjunction with Mover & Shaker Co. shirts to produce custom T-shirts and tanks featuring the phrase “Love Over Hate” alongside the logo from Club Q, the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ club where a shooter took five lives and injured 17 others in November 2022.
The tees and tanks are on sale now and available for pickup during next month’s Tales event, with proceeds from sales going toward rebuilding efforts at Club Q. Those looking to donate to the fund but don’t plan to attend Tales may also do so through the Another Round Another Rally website. In addition to helping pay for a permanent onsite memorial for the victims of the tragedy, funds generated through shirt sales will help finance the bar’s new buildout, including an array of new safety features ranging from a bulletproof bar top and DJ booth to behind-the-bar hiding spaces.
“After a tragedy like this, safe spaces usually don’t reopen,” Chris said. “Club Q is one of only two such places in Colorado Springs, and these efforts help ensure the LGBTQ+ community still has somewhere to go.”
While proceeds from this particular tee and tank fundraiser will benefit Club Q, future fundraising efforts for the Relief Fund will help the LGBTQ+ community in other ways, such as by expanding educational and professional development opportunities for Black trans hospitality workers and other LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant workers.
Looking to help further the cause, but lacking the financial resources to do so? Chris recommends taking a strong stance as an ally and letting LGBTQ+ hospitality workers know that, in you, they have a safe space.
“Volunteer at Pride events, or with organizations like the Ali Forney Center, The Trevor Project and The Phluid Project,” Chris said. “And exercise empathy – it’s a lack of empathy that’s hurting us. People are scared of what they don’t know, and our objective is to humanize what we’re going through.”
Chris also encourages hospitality workers, employers and others to help create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals by acting as allies and using workers’ requested pronouns. He also recommends taking the time to get to know members of the LGBTQ+ community before passing judgment and helping stop “fearmongering” by educating those who spread misinformation.
“Being a good ally is being part of the solution,” Chris said. “It’s also important to recognize that, by NOT taking a stance, you ARE taking a stance.”
To purchase a tee or tank for pickup at Tales of the Cocktail in support of Club Q, or to make a donation to the Hospitality Workers LGBTQ+ Relief Fund to help finance future efforts, visit Give.AnotherRoundAnotherRally.org.