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(Courtesy Miller Lite)
Miller Lite is teaming up with LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Equality Federation to create Open & Proud, an initiative that aims to make bars safer and more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.
As part of this effort Miller Lite is donating $250,000 to Equality Federation to help advance workplace fairness and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals at national and local levels.
Together, the organizations will develop training materials intended to be distributed to bar owners and employees of 55,000+ establishments across the US.
“Miller Lite is a brand that champions people being their true selves and those come-as-you-are connections,” says Lauren Cassel, associate marketing manager for Miller Lite told Beer & Beyond. “We know being yourself is also really important to the LGBTQ+ community, and so we want to help consumers in those communities feel comfortable truly being their authentic selves.”
“By listening directly to the unique intersectional needs of the LGBTQ+ community, Miller Lite is aiming to create safer, more accepting spaces where we can have a direct influence – bars” Cassel says. “Miller Lite has always stood strong in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and we advocate for individuals being the most authentic versions of themselves, whoever or wherever they may be.”
Miller Lite and Equality Federation will host a series of town hall events at bars in markets across the US where LGBTQ+ community members will share their own experiences, and thoughts on how bars can be more inclusive.
The two organizations will then use feedback from these events to develop training materials for bars and restaurants across the U.S., as well as Molson Coors employees.
Miller Lite, as well as the Molson Coors Beverage Company it’s part of, have long supported the LGBTQ+ community. Miller Lite’s support dates back to the 1970s, and it first sponsored New York’s Pride parade in 1997.
“Lots of brands lead with awareness before they lead with impact and change,” Cassel added. “We think Open & Proud will create change directly in the communities that we serve.”
