Welcome home
At IKEA, we believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and given equal opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our aim is to create a place where everyone feels accepted and can truly say, “This is where I belong.”
Let’s welcome one another with care and compassion, and say “Welcome home,” so that everyone can feel, “Happy to be home.”
A guide for becoming an everyday ally
This guide reflects our commitment as IKEA, to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected and free to be themselves. Use these tips on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) and, most importantly, every day to make a positive difference in the lives of LGBT+ people around you.
Learn by Listening
Take time to learn inclusive language and about the challenges LGBT+ people face. Listen actively and acknowledge their lived experience. If you slip up, simply apologize and move forward respectfully.
Use inclusive language
The words we choose can sometimes welcome or exclude people. Try using ”everyone” rather than ”ladies and gentlemen” or saying ”partner” instead of assuming ”husband” or ”wife.” Families come in many forms and small changes can help everyone feel they belong.
Be respectful
Everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of who they are. Take the initiative to connect through thoughtful conversation and listen to understand rather than respond. Small gestures create spaces where everyone belongs.
Respond to hurtful comments
Words carry weight, even when people don’t intend harm. When you hear LGBT+ terms used negatively or inappropriate jokes, calmly explain why they’re harmful. Check in privately with those affected to offer support.
Own your mistakes
We’re all learning and growing, and sometimes we get things wrong. Don’t panic. Simply acknowledge what happened, offer a sincere ”I’m sorry,” and continue the conversation.
Inspire others
Start by exploring resources like books and podcasts by LGBT+ people. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. Join LGBT+ events like Pride parades. Your presence shows solidarity and inspires others.
Uplifting diverse voices
LGBT+ people from different backgrounds have different life stories. Find books, videos, and podcasts by LGBT+ people from many cultures, especially voices not often heard.
See the whole person
Being LGBT+ is just one part of who someone is. People also have different backgrounds, abilities, beliefs, and cultures that shape their lives. These different aspects work together to create unique experiences.
Respect names and pronouns
Names and pronouns are important to people’s identity and helps transgender and non-binary people feel seen and valued. If you’re not sure which pronouns someone uses, it’s okay to politely ask. If you make a mistake, apologize and continue the conversation.
Avoid assumptions
It’s easy to judge someone based on appearance. Instead of guessing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, create space for people to share who they are on their own terms. This helps everyone feel seen for who they truly are.
Support gender diversity
Transgender people often face unique challenges in their daily lives. When they share their lived experiences, listen without questioning. Notice everyday activities that can be barriers for transgender people. Your consistent support helps transgender people feel valued and respected.
How IKEA takes action for the LGBT+ community
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. In 1994, an IKEA commercial on TV featured a male couple searching for the right dining room table. Widely believed to be one of the earliest LGBT+ advertisements, the commercial made headlines around the world.
As an employer, our LGBT+ inclusion approach and policies help us create an inclusive workplace where LGBT+ 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.
There are lots of terms specific to the LGBT+ community. Explore our LGBT+ glossary here.
Related reading
Thank you for supporting Tokyo Pride 2025!
At IKEA, our goal is to become the most inclusive company in the world. Every day we work on actions to make our spaces more welcoming, more inclusive, and a place where everyone can feel they belong no matter their background, history, or identity.
This year, during Pride Month in June, we once again had the amazing opportunity to join Tokyo Pride as IKEA Japan. Our goal this year was simple - to engage and support our LGBT+ community, co-workers, society and allies.
Our booth was designed with two things in mind:
- A space where everyone can feel the belong and be themselves through art, drawing, and leaving their message
- A space where everyone can take photos together, learn from each other, and, most importantly, have fun
The AFTONSPARV design was used because outer space is a place of so much diversity and beautiful uniqueness. It is filled with color, light, and so much more. At the booth, with our co-workers and customers, we filled that space with all of our own unique messages and art.
We created that awesome space together.
Thank you so much to everyone who supported us, visited us, volunteered with us, and stopped by to say “Hej”! We’re really looking forward to seeing you again at Tokyo Pride 2026.
Happy Pride!
