Yes, THEAPP.ONE is free for consumers to download and use.

Who is THEAPP.ONE for?

THEAPP.ONE is designed for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their friends, and allies.

How do businesses participate?

Participating merchants can engage through business advertising and by creating Action Pages on the platform.

Who publishes this page?

This guide is published by LGBTQ One LLC.

Know BEFORE You GO: Finding LGBTQ-friendly businesses

Q: What does LGBTQ-friendly mean for a business?

LGBTQ-friendly generally means a business is respectful and welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community, often indicated by non-discrimination policies or inclusive signage.

Q: How can I find welcoming businesses near me?

You can find welcoming businesses by using digital platforms like THEAPP.ONE, which helps members of the community and allies discover inclusive businesses and services before visiting.

Why knowing before you go matters

For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, even a routine trip to a cafe, a salon, or a retail store can carry an undercurrent of uncertainty. The mental energy spent scanning a room or wondering if a space is truly safe can be exhausting.

Seeking out environments where you don't have to explain your identity or defend your existence isn't just a preference—it's a fundamental part of community well-being. When we know a space is prepared to welcome us, we can focus on what truly matters: the experience, the service, and the connection.

Finding LGBTQ-welcoming businesses is about more than convenience; it's about finding places that respect and celebrate your identity. By learning how to Know BEFORE You GO, you can easily find welcoming businesses and navigate your world with greater peace of mind.

Friendly, Welcoming, or Inclusive?

While often used interchangeably, these terms reflect different levels of commitment to the community.

LGBTQ-friendly businesses

Often characterized by a lack of hostility. These LGBTQ-friendly businesses are respectful and polite, providing a neutral environment where community members are treated with standard courtesy.

Common Goal

LGBTQ-welcoming businesses

These LGBTQ-welcoming businesses take proactive steps to signal warmth. They may use inclusive language or display subtle visual cues that invite members of the community to feel at home.

inclusive businesses and services

The highest level of engagement, where inclusive businesses and services build inclusion into their systems. This includes diverse staff representation, gender-neutral facilities, and inclusive administrative processes.

The Pre-Visit Checklist

Use these signals to evaluate a business before you step through the door.

Progress 0 of 9 signals checked

Written Non-Discrimination Policy

Does the business state an inclusion or non-discrimination policy on their website or posted clearly in-store?

Staff Representation

Do staff photos, social media, or descriptions reflect a range of diverse identities and people?

Inclusive Digital Forms

Are there fields for pronouns or preferred names in booking flows and contact forms?

All-Gender Restrooms

Does the business explicitly mention or clearly label all-gender or gender-neutral restrooms?

Response to Inquiries

How does the business respond to questions about their inclusion policies or amenities?

Customer Sentiment

Do recent reviews describe respectful, affirming, or inclusive treatment from staff?

Family-Inclusive Language

Is the language used on their site welcoming to families of all kinds and structures?

Visible Welcome Signals

Are there visible cues (stickers, signage, or icons) that signal a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community?

Universal Accessibility

Does the business show consideration for physical and digital accessibility for all bodies?

How THEAPP.ONE helps you find welcoming businesses

Finding reliable information shouldn't feel like detective work. THEAPP.ONE is a nationwide, merchant-supported digital platform designed to bridge the gap between the community and the businesses that value them.

Our mission is simple: Know BEFORE You GO. Use our platform to find welcoming businesses.

Nationwide coverage of merchants.
Free for consumers to download and use.
A platform for members, friends, and allies.

For business owners: becoming a welcoming business

Creating an inclusive environment is an ongoing journey of learning and implementation. It is about moving from passive acceptance to active hospitality.

Essential Steps

• Draft and publish a clear non-discrimination policy.
• Provide staff training on inclusive language and protocols.
• Review digital touchpoints (forms, booking) for inclusivity.
• Ensure visible welcome signals are accessible to all.

Grow Your Reach

Merchants can reach the community more effectively through paid business advertising and by creating dedicated Action Pages on our platform. This is how you can foster inclusive businesses and services in your local area.

LGBTQ-welcoming businesses

Pro-Tips for Navigating New Spaces

Trust Your Instincts

If a space doesn't feel right, it's okay to leave. Your comfort and safety are always paramount.

Spot Subtle Cues

Look for pronouns on badges, pride stickers, or gender-neutral restroom signage as indicators of care.

Ask the Community

Local community groups and reviews are often the most reliable sources for finding welcoming businesses.

Be Patient

Inclusion is a continuous process. Some businesses are actively learning and improving every day.

Pro-Tips for Navigating New Spaces

Trust Your Instincts

If a space doesn't feel right, it's okay to leave. Your comfort and safety are always paramount.

Spot Subtle Cues

Look for pronouns on badges, pride stickers, or gender-neutral restroom signage as indicators of care.

Ask the Community

Local community groups and reviews are often the most reliable sources for finding welcoming businesses.

Be Patient

Inclusion is a continuous process. Some businesses are actively learning and improving every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does LGBTQ-friendly mean for a business?

How can I find welcoming businesses near me?

What is the difference between "Friendly" and "Inclusive"?

Is THEAPP.ONE free for consumers?

How can a business become more inclusive?

Who publishes this guide?

About the Publisher

This guide is provided by LGBTQ One LLC, a dedicated service provider in the LGBTQ+ community services and business discovery industry.

3833 N 57th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85031, U.S.A.

1-800-LGBTQ-01

Ready to start your journey?

Know BEFORE You GO