Rainbow cake in support of Rainbow Railroad
Today, LGBTQI+ people around the world face persecution and abuse in their communities, workplace, and even in their own homes. Sometimes their only option is to flee. Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that assists at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety.
For the second year in a row, from June 1st to July 31, 100% of Rainbow cake sales at IKEA will be donated to Rainbow Railroad up to $200,000.
We’re committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and accepting environment for all our customers and co-workers, including 2SLGBTQ+ people across the country. Visit Rainbow Railroad to learn more about the issues facing LGBTQI+ people in other countries, and the inspiring stories of how LGBTQI+ refugees have found safety and security with the help of Rainbow Railroad and the allyship of others.
Steps we can all take to make progress
Let’s make it rain-bow!
We’re committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and accepting environment for all our customers and co-workers, including 2SLGBTQ+ people across the country.
For the second year in a row, purchasing a slice of this colourful and delectable cake supports the goal of helping approximately 300 LGBTQI+ individuals create a better everyday life in Canada – where they can live openly and authentically.
How IKEA takes action for the 2SLGBTQ+ community
We are an ally to 2SLGBTQ+ co-workers and committed to providing safe spaces to share, learn, grow, and support one another in ways such as through our Rainbow Connections Co-worker Resource Group.
Find out more about working at IKEA Canada.
We have always stood for ‘the many people’, an idea that does not discriminate. We believe that everyone has a right to be treated fairly and provided with equal opportunities regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. More than that, we want our co-workers to be their true, authentic selves because individuality makes us better as a whole.
IKEA has been a long-standing advocate in its efforts to make people within the LGBT+ community feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated for who they are.
As an employer, our 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion approach and policies help us create an inclusive workplace where 2SLGBTQ+ co-workers feel welcome, safe and valued. We know there is still much work to be done and will continue focusing on equal opportunities at work, as well as championing equality at home.
We take pride in our people
Raising the Pride Progress flag for International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia
Every year on May 17, IKEA Canada recognizes International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by raising the Pride Progress flag together with co-workers at store locations across the country.
This symbolizes our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where customers and co-workers of all sexual orientations and gender identities can feel at home, not just at IKEA Canada but everywhere.
Pride marches
This summer, IKEA Canada co-workers will proudly march in Pride festivals in Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Calgary to celebrate the history, courage, and diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. IKEA Canada is also a proud sponsor of Pride Toronto and Pride Ottawa.
Join others in communities across Canada to stand up for 2SLGBTQ+ equality and justice.
Winnipeg, MB,: June 1
Toronto, ON: June 29
Halifax, NS: July 19
Vancouver, BC: August 3
Montreal, QC: August 10
Ottawa, ON: August 24
Edmonton, AB: August 24
Calgary, AB: August 31
7 actions to be an 2SLGBTQ+ ally
We’ve created a series of actions with the help of Stonewall’s Global Diversity Champions programme. They show how to be an ally. Use these actions to ensure the place you call home is somewhere 2SLGBTQ+ people feel welcome, included, and free to be themselves on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) and most importantly, every day.
- Listen and learn
There are lots of terms specific to the 2SLGBTQ+ community that you may not know. Take some time to learn inclusive language and understand the issues 2SLGBTQ+ people experience. That way, if someone wants to discuss their identity, orientation, challenges, or anything else, you can do so in the right way. - Ask open questions
If you feel a loved one might want to talk about their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other challenge but is finding it hard, try asking a friendly, open-ended question like, ‘How did things go at school/work today?’. It may just open the door to a bigger conversation. -
Call out hurtful language
If you hear someone use a word like ‘gay’ in a derogatory way or in place of another negative word like ‘stupid’, don’t ignore it. Gently remind them it’s not acceptable and suggest they think about how they could re-phrase what they said. -
Respond positively to LGBT+ people in the media
If an 2SLGBTQ+ person or character appears while you’re watching TV, reading or online with someone at home, use it as an opportunity to remind that person you’re accepting and supportive of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. -
Be patient
It may seem counter-intuitive but it’s best to wait for your loved one to open up to you. If asked about their sexual orientation or gender identity before they’re ready to discuss it, it may make them less likely to do so. Instead, create a warm, safe environment where everyone can speak freely, then let them find the right moment. - Use the pronouns they ask you to
Calling someone ‘he/she’ based on your own assumptions can make them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Using the pronouns ‘they/them’ is therefore very useful when you don’t know a person’s gender identity. And don’t be afraid to ask someone’s pronouns if you think they might feel comfortable sharing them. - Look after yourself, too
Caring for everyone in your home, especially if they’re experiencing negative feelings about themselves or their environment, can be hard. Be sure to have people around you who can support you too.
