Belmont Welcomes
Belmont Welcomes is a program sponsored by the Belmont LBGTQ+ Alliance for town-wide business and community partners to show that they welcome and support LBGTQ+ People, Families and Allies.
We believe that visibility and inclusivity are key to making our town a more welcoming place for all.
Please support the businesses and community groups who have become Business Stakeholders and Community Partners.
Look for the Belmont LGBTQ+ stickers at local businesses and institutions and their websites — to show that everyone is welcome.
Business Stakeholders have agreed to understand what is at stake by studying educational content and having LBGTQ+ friendly policies.
Community Partners are community groups who support the Belmont Welcomes initiative to make our town a welcoming Town
Check out our RESOURCES page for national, regional and local organizations, support groups, transgender resources and much more!
Belmont Welcomes is comprised of volunteers within the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance, business stakeholders and community partners, which include members of religious institutions, the local schools’ Gay Straight Alliance, business leaders, and other caring members of the community.
Why?
Representation matters. Two recent studies have captured the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face.
The Belmont Wellness Commission study in 2021 of middle school and high school children found that…
65% of gender queer youth have considered suicide (almost 3 times their cis gender classmates);
53% of gender queer youth have made a suicide plan (almost 5 times their cis gender classmates)
A joint study by the Human Rights Campaign and UConn of more than 12,000 LGBTQ+ youth found that…
77% of LGBTQ+ teenagers surveyed report feeling depressed or down over the past week;
95% of LGBTQ+ youth report trouble sleeping at night;
More than 70% report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in the past week;
Only 26% say they always feel safe in their school classrooms -- and just 5% say all of their teachers and school staff are supportive of LGBTQ+ people;
77% report that they’ve heard family members make negative comments about LGBTQ+ people.
Growing up is hard. Growing up LGBTQ+ is even harder.
Belmont Welcomes can make it better.
Our town is filled with thoughtful, caring adults who can send simple signals that these young people and adults are welcome here… and you can help by putting a sticker in your business window.
