Nominations open for LGBT+ hospitality champions
LGBT+ hospitality network Checking-IN is inviting nominations for its 2023 LGBT+ Champions List, which will be announced on 31 May.
The list aims to shine a light on the LGBT+ people and allies in the sector who are making positive contributions to the community, acting as role models, and ensuring that hospitality is a safe, welcoming, diverse and inclusive sector for both employees and customers.
Founded in 2018, Checking-IN is a community of LGBT+ professionals and allies working in hospitality which provides resources and support to help the industry create inclusive environments.
To be nominated for the 50 LGBT+ Champions List 2023, individuals must work in hospitality (broadly, but not limited to: hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, venues, serviced apartments, co-working and contract catering) and should:
- Positively impact the LGBT+ community and their workplace
- Work to promote hospitality as an inclusive and diverse industry
- Champion LGBT+ issues in the industry
- Be a visible member of and role-model for the LGBT+ community
A panel of judges from across the sector will consider all the nominations received and select the 50 candidates who will make up the final list. Nominations will close on Friday 31 March and can be submitted online by employers, peers, team members, clients or individuals themselves. The list will be published on Wednesday 31 May, and a gala event will be held to celebrate.
Checking-IN co-founders Liam Rezende and Will Davies said: "Hospitality deserves its reputation as a welcoming, inclusive industry to work in for the LGBT+ community, but it's important not to be complacent and to recognise that that doesn't happen by magic. It's thanks to the visibility, hard work and example of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people blazing a trail in hospitality, and who we are seeking to celebrate with Checking-IN's 50 LGBT+ Champions List 2023."
Rezende, assistant director of global brand, marketing and communications - diversity, equity and inclusiveness at EY, and Davies, director at HBD Partners Hospitality Recruitment, founded Checking-IN to advocate for LGBT+ people working in the industry.
Checking-IN hosts regular networking events, as well as panel discussions, round-table events and presentations and online content.
