LOCAL
Project aims help restaurant workers respect gender identity
The following is from LGBTQ Allyship:
This project is geared towards Seattle restaurant workers as a professional development opportunity that encourages respecting all workers and customers around their gender identity, gender expression and gender.
All too often LGBTQ customers are unintentionally misgendered at restaurants which can be a jarring experience. Redwolf Painter, a mixed blood trans resident says, “I am often misgendered in restaurants and don’t feel safe correcting folks. I leave angry and vowing to not return to that establishment. I’m so grateful to Allyship for starting this dialogue and training to restaurant staff! I love the idea of restaurants taking the Talk Gender to Me pledge and I look forward to places I can eat or drink without worry.”
Many restaurants on Capitol Hill serve LGBTQ customers and are committed to preserving an LGBTQ friendly culture on the Hill. Co-owners Shelley Brothers and Martha Manning of the Wildrose Bar said, “We have seen a lot of changes over the years. The hill has become less welcoming to the LGBTQ community, but many LGBTQ individuals still come here to drink, eat, seek community and be visible. Being gender considerate in your establishment is respectful, inclusive and builds your customer base. We hope more restaurants commit to taking the Talk Gender to Me pledge.”
General Manager, Christine Kennerly, at Coastal Kitchen sums up their commitment to Talk Gender to Me, “We at Coastal Kitchen are a safe place for the LGBTQ community and want everyone to feel comfortable; this includes not gendering – but we admit we’re far from the goal on this as it’s purely habitual for a server to greet with “hi ladies..etc”. We’ve had situations arise when misgendering a guest has caused upset for both staff and guest. This is a bummer for all involved. We desire to give exceptional food and beverage experience – regardless of gender….so it’s time we educate our team and make the stance.”
Talk Gender to Me is also sponsored by Restaurant Opportunities Center Seattle (Seattle ROC), Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), Entre Hermanos, POCAAN, Capitol Hill Eco District Committee and Seattle Areas Support Groups (SASG).