Inclusivity at prince of Whales

At Prince of Whales, inclusivity and diversity are fundamental to our mission. We strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued, not just as guests but as part of our extended family. In recent years, we have launched several initiatives to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community both within our organization and in the broader community. Here’s an overview of our efforts to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity.

Supporting our staff

We offer various forms of support to ensure all staff feel valued and respected. This includes providing access to resources and networks to assist with any challenges they might face, inclusive policies with gender-neutral language, inclusive hiring practices, and access to gender-neutral bathrooms and spaces. We offer paid inclusivity training and online resources to promote a sense of inclusivity. We also encourage open communication and provide resources for employees wanting to learn more about the community. We have established comprehensive policies that ensure a safe and supportive workplace for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, and these policies are detailed in our employee handbook. To visibly demonstrate our commitment, 2SLGBTQIA+ flags are proudly displayed around our stores and administrative offices, signalling to guests and staff alike that Prince of Whales is a proud ally and a safe space.

Sponsoring events and initiatives

In our effort to support the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we are proud sponsors of a queer Vancouver football team playing for Out for Kicks. Sports can be a powerful tool for building community and fostering inclusivity, and by supporting this team, we aim to promote these values. Our sponsorship helps provide the team with the necessary resources to thrive and allows us to connect with the community meaningfully. We are thrilled to sponsor Metropol’s Diva at the Met Bougie Bingo by consistently donating tickets as door prizes. In the past, we have also had the pleasure of supporting the Saturna Pride and the volunteers at Victoria’s Pride Parade.

Engaging with our communities

We are vocal and proud of our support! We use gender-neutral language and communicate our support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through social media posts, public events, and partnerships with various organizations that promote equality and inclusion. We collaborate with openly 2SLGBTQIA+ influencers, as well as photographers and writers. One of the most vibrant aspects of our inclusivity efforts is our collaboration with a local Vancouver drag queen, Missunderstood.89. She participates in several of our events, bringing joy and a sense of celebration to our activities. Her presence highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and underscores our commitment to embracing all forms of expression and identity. We believe that visibility and vocal support are crucial in the fight against discrimination and in building a world where everyone can live authentically and freely. We are proud partners of Travel Gay, a platform that serves as a global travel guide and resource specifically tailored to 2SLGBTQIA+ travelers, offering recommendations, reviews, and insights on destinations.

Fundraising for our local Pride Societies

We recognize that financial support is as important as active participation in advocacy and education efforts. It ensures that necessary resources are available to create meaningful change and provide tangible assistance to those in need. We have proudly supported the Vancouver and Victoria Pride Societies through monetary and in-kind donations. We are happy to add that we have recently begun selling merchandise and distributing the proceeds to local Pride Societies. These organizations do incredible work to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and we are thrilled to contribute to their efforts. 

At Prince of Whales, inclusivity is more than just a policy; it is a core value that shapes our actions and initiatives. From supporting our 2SLGBTQIA+ staff to sponsoring community sports teams, engaging with local drag artists, and fundraising for Pride societies, we are committed to making a positive impact. We believe promoting diversity and inclusivity creates a richer, more vibrant community for everyone.