RAINBOW REGISTERED – Adrenalin

Setting the Standard for Inclusive Practices

By Angela Kryhul

Rainbow Registered accreditation is emerging as a national benchmark for organizations committed to diversity and inclusion. PETER REMUS, senior manager, Rainbow Registered, with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), describes how sport organizations, venues and others can create safer, more welcoming spaces.

HOW DOES THE RAINBOW REGISTERED ACCREDITATION DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION?

Rainbow Registered isn’t just a label, it’s an official accreditation from CGLCC. To earn it, organizations must pass a rigorous assessment covering policies, training, communications, leadership engagement and accountability. This ensures that inclusion isn’t performative; it’s engrained in their corporate culture.

For athletes, performers, staff and fans who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, knowing a venue is Rainbow Registered sends a message that they are seen and respected.

WHAT DOES THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

We use independent assessors who meet with the applicants. We want to ensure that the organization, from the top down, is committed. For example, does the organization have anti-harassment policies and do they have policies to address an incident if it happens. Do they engage with the 2SLGBTQI+ community? Do they host fundraisers with proceeds going to the community? Do they celebrate Pride Month? 

We also look at social media channels to ensure they’re engaging with the community and using marketing materials that are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

We provide resources for training and have training available in most instances, however this accreditation ensures that the business or organization is training their staff appropriately in inclusionary components.

For example, orientation sessions that actively include topics on proper use of pronouns. All of this fundamentally contributes to a place or event being a safer and welcoming space for queer communities.

WHO CAN BECOME RAINBOW REGISTERED?

Our website lists 450 organizations that are Rainbow Registered and we have another 100 or so going through the accreditation process. Any size of organization or business, even sole proprietorships, in any industry can apply to be Rainbow Registered as long as they are located in Canada.

HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNICATE THAT THEY ARE RAINBOW REGISTERED?

Accreditation allows venues to feature the Rainbow Registered logo in promotions, directories, in consumer materials and on websites, as well as being listed on the Rainbow Registered online map of registered businesses, making them visible beacons within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Rainbow Registered venues can interact with 2SLGBTQI+ patrons with confidence, while also earning respect from sponsors, governing bodies, community partners and media—all of which increasingly value corporate responsibility and inclusion.

CGLCC makes funding available for assessments and first-year memberships
through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA),
FedDev (Southern Ontario) and FedNor (Northern Ontario)