The Queer to Stay: LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative is a collaborative funding effort between the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and SHOWTIME®, established in 2020 to provide direct financial support to LGBTQ+-serving businesses across the United States. This initiative emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the disproportionate economic hardships faced by queer-owned businesses and continues to address ongoing challenges including gentrification, systemic marginalization, and lack of funding opportunities.
Each year, Queer to Stay selects at least 30 LGBTQ+-serving small businesses to receive significant financial donations. These businesses typically include bars, wellness centers, retailers, consultancies, cafes, and other local institutions that serve as vital cultural and community spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. The selected businesses are recognized not just for their service to the LGBTQ+ community, but also for their resilience and impact.
The program has no public application process listed, implying that beneficiaries may be nominated or selected through a curated process managed by HRC and SHOWTIME®. There is also no publicly disclosed application deadline, specific funding amount per business, or structured recurring timeline. However, each year since 2020, a list of beneficiaries has been released, confirming the program's annual recurrence.
The goals of the initiative include preserving the cultural and community contributions of queer-serving businesses, reinforcing their visibility and viability, and celebrating their roles as safe, affirming spaces. The recognition also includes public promotion and community support efforts from HRC, increasing exposure and community engagement for selected businesses.
