Iconic West Hollywood Gay Bar, The Abbey Food & Bar, Certified as a LGBTQ+ Safe Space by The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the Official and Only Non-Profit of the Historic Stonewall Inn in NYC
September 04 2024 - 11:01AM
Today, Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ landmark bar,
The Abbey,
and
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
(SIGBI) announced that The Abbey is officially certified
by SIGBI as a LGBTQ+ Safe Space. SIGBI, the official and only
charitable giving organization of the historic Stonewall Inn in New
York City, worked with The Abbey to provide the proper training,
policies and standards that ensure the iconic gay bar is creating a
safe space for LGBTQ+ employees, LGBTQ+ customers and advocating
for equality.
In addition to completing the 10-step Safe Spaces
Certification Program, The Abbey’s employees participated in a
training component designed by Jennifer Brown Consulting to ensure
that they are creating an inclusive environment.
On Friday, September 6, The Abbey, The Stonewall
Inn Gives Back Initiative, and STOLI will host an invite-only
celebration of The Abbey’s SIGBI Safe Spaces Certification at the
bar. The event will feature performances by Becky Peach (Legendary)
and DJ Brynn Taylor, and special guests comedian Bruce Vilanch,
SIGBI CEO Stacy Lentz, STOLI LGBTQ+ Ambassador Patrik Gallineaux,
and The Abbey owner and “The CEO of Everything Gay” Tristan
Schukraft.
“Gay bars have long been considered safe spaces
for our community but it’s important that they are actually safe,
and our entire community feels welcomed inside them. Being the
first nightlife venue in Los Angeles to be certified by The
Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative’s official Safe Spaces Program,
speaks to my personal commitment to keep The Abbey a safe space,”
said Tristan Schukraft, owner of The Abbey. “I hope other venues in
West Hollywood and across the country will join us and get
certified.”
“SIGBI is inspired by the legacy of The Stonewall
Inn as the original Safe Space and aims to establish new Safe
Spaces in order to uplift LGBTQ+ people and provide places to
celebrate, educate, thrive, work, shop, relax and live freely,”
said Stacy Lentz, CEO, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
(SIGBI). “SIGBI is thrilled to certify The Abbey, one of the most
beloved gay bars in Los Angeles, as a Safe Space and to show our
community that LGBTQ+ venues and bars take pride and responsibility
in providing Safe Spaces for all.”
“SIGBI has become a key partner to Stoli Group
since the launch of Stoli’s “Spirit of Stonewall” Limited Edition
bottle in 2019 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the
Stonewall riots, and the grass-roots work of the organization
world-wide is even more relevant to Stoli Group today with our new
global platform “The Spirit of Change”, said Patrik Gallineaux,
Global LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Stoli Group. “I am extremely proud
that Stoli as a global company became officially SIGBI Safe Spaces
certified itself as of June of this year, and nothing
speaks to “The Spirit of Change” better than to take action to help
facilitate similar accreditation for exceptional long-term partners
such as The Abbey, which now leads the way with the Safe Spaces
program in California”.
SIGBI launched its Safe Spaces Certification
Program during Pride Month in June 2022. The Safe Spaces
Certification Program was created in response to a survey SIGBI
conducted that 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.
SIGBI’s 10-step certification process was
developed in partnership with some of the brightest minds from
marginalized communities nationwide and is being rolled out to
entertainment venues, food and beverage locations, stores,
businesses, and other public venues, so they can become certified
as a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ members of the community.
SIGBI is motivated by the struggles and ideals of
the LGBTQ+ rights movement born from The Stonewall Inn riots of
1969. Through awareness campaigns, educational programming,
fundraising, and candid public dialogue, SIGBI supports grassroots
organizations and marginalized communities across the globe with a
focus on those where progress toward equality has been slow and
spreading The Stonewall Inn legacy to places where it is most
needed.
To learn more about becoming a SIGBI Certified
Safe Space, please
visit www.stonewallinitiative.org.
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About The Abbey Food & Bar® The
Abbey is more than just a West Hollywood institution; it’s
Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite pub and a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture
and nightlife. Beloved by celebrities, locals, and tourists alike,
The Abbey is the perfect place to meet old friends, make new ones,
enjoy a generous martini, and indulge in a great time out. Renowned
as “The Best Gay Bar in the World,” The Abbey has also earned the
title of the most popular drop-off and pick-up point for both Uber
and Lyft in the United States. Owned by the visionary Tristan
Schukraft, affectionately known as “The CEO of Everything Gay,” The
Abbey is a proud member of the Tryst Hospitality family. It’s been
33 years, but the party is just getting started. The Abbey is a
SIGBI Certified Safe Space. Experience the magic for yourself and
join the fun by following @theabbeyweho on social
media.
About The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
(SIGBI)The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the
official and only non-profit organization of The Stonewall Inn, is
inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ+ rights movement
born from the Stonewall Inn Uprising of 1969. Our overarching
mission remains unwavering: to persist in the fight for LGBTQ+
rights and complete global equality. Through SIGBI's Safe Spaces
certification program, we’ve collaborated with brands, venues, and
businesses worldwide all sharing the common goal of fostering
welcoming and inclusive spaces that prioritize the safety and
support of the LGBTQ+ community.SIGBI supports grassroots
organizations committed to advocacy and provides crucial support to
LGBTQ+ communities and individuals through awareness campaigns,
educational programming, fundraising, and candid public dialogue.
Our commitment funds organizations providing gender-affirming care
and mental health support across the U.S., supporting the first
LGBTQ+ organization in Iraq, and establishing LGBTQ+ homeless youth
shelters in Italy. We are committed to eliminating the social
intolerance that is profoundly impacting the lives of LGBTQ+
citizens throughout America and abroad. Find out more about
SIGBI’s work
here: stonewallinitiative.org | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
About STOLI Vodka:STOLI the iconic vodka
brand, has led the way in championing a better future and
perfecting vodka making since 1938, now bringing the “Spirit of
Change” to over 100 countries where it is distributed. Crafted at
Amber Latvijas Balzams, Latvia, STOLI vodka is produced from
the finest grain and pure artesian water, triple-filtered for
excellence. As one of the pioneers of the flavored vodka since the
1960’s, it continues to create complex flavors profiles
that resonate globally. With over 100 awards, including the
most prestigious ones, STOLI is
a world authority in the vodka category.
- The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood
Brian Rosman
The Abbey Food & Bar
323.443.7780
brian@dogandaduck.com
Gabrielle Flamand
SIGBI PR
gabrielle.flamand@civic-us.com