A survey conducted by SIGBI uncovered that 89% of the LGBTQ+ community believe that most spaces are not aware that LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe, and 97% believe the LGBTQ+ community would benefit from more safe spaces. Through a 10-step process, entertainment venues, food and beverage locations, stores, businesses and other public venues, can become certified as a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ members of the community.
"Safe Spaces uplift LGBTQ+ people by providing a place to celebrate, educate, thrive, work, shop, relax and live freely," said Stacy Lentz, CEO, SIGBI. "We are excited to open the visual representation of Safe Spaces to the community and look forward to seeing the incredible submissions we receive."
The logo contest is open from April 4-30, 2022. Entrants 21+ from across the country can visit https://www.jagermeister.com/en-US/safespaces to submit their logo design, which will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges from the LGBTQ+ community:
• Alex Weems: Member of the Mississippi Gulf Equality Council, and award-winning graphic designer
• Brenda Risch: Executive Director of Borderland Rainbow Center
• Dr. Marisa Richmond: Professor of History and Women's and Gender studies at Middle Tennessee University, and SIGBI Board Member
• Rachel Smallman: LGBTQ+ Nightlife Pioneer in Alabama
Judges will be looking for a logo that is creative, representative of the SIGBI Safe Spaces initiative and easily adaptable to become a sticker for a certified Safe Spaces door, email signature, event signage and more.
In addition to gaining recognition in certified Safe Spaces across the country, the winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City in June to celebrate Pride. More details on the prize included on the contest entry page.
"We are proud that Mast-Jägermeister US is committed to becoming one of the first certified SIGBI Safe Spaces," said Chris Peddy, Chief Marketing Officer, Mast-Jägermeister US. "As a strong supporter of both the LGBTQ+ and creative communities, including our recent partnership and fundraising efforts with The Lesbian Bar Project, we are thrilled to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to showcase their meaningful work."
To learn more about becoming a SIGBI Safe Space, please visit www.stonewallinitiative.org.
