US Open Tennis Championships Declared an LBGTQ Safe Space

On August 21, the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) named the US Open Tennis Championships, which began qualifying matches earlier this week, an LGBTQ safe space.

SIGBI, the charitable arm of the historic Stonewall Inn, certifies businesses and venues as a SIGBI Safe Space through a 10-step process that ensures organizations are advocating for the equality of LGBTQ customers and employees. The process includes the verification of an LGBTQ-friendly code of conduct, consistent donations to LGBTQ nonprofits, and policies and procedures that facilitate a diverse, and inclusive work. environment.

“We want to make sure that public venues and businesses actually earn the right to say they authentically support our community by having proper training, policies, and standards that ensure they are creating a safe space for their LGBTQ employees, LGBTQ customers, and advocating for equality,” the SIGBI website states.

The United States Tennis Association worked with SIGBI to complete the certification process prior to the start of the Opens. USTA, and US Open employees also completed inclusivity training with Jennifer Brown Consulting, a partner of SIGBI and a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm.

The USTA’s chief DEI officer, Marisa Grimes, and former doubles player Rennae Stubbs accepted the certificate from Stonewall co-owners Stacy Lentz and Kurt Kelly at the historic location on Monday.

“The Stonewall Inn is the original Safe Space, and we are thrilled to expand our reach by certifying the US Open,” Lentz says. “We believe this certification sets an example for sporting events across the globe and ensures that all LGBTQ+ athletes and fans feel welcome and safe.”

“Having the US Open certified as a Safe Space elevates the voices of the LGBTQ+ community on tennis’ grandest stage,” Grimes says. “(It) is another example of our efforts to spread the message of freedom, equality, and safety for all.”