OutCenter of Southwest Michigan Advances Equity and Inclusion for LGBTQ+ Community with Inclusivity Training, Advocacy

The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan is assisting local businesses and organizations develop practices and policies that embrace equal opportunity, employee dignity, and diversity. Working with Moersch Hospitality Group (MHG), owners of Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Free Run Cellars, and Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery, the center developed a training that will ensure the MHG team provides service in in a respectful manner to all patrons, including LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

Diverse patrons, including those that identify as LGBTQ+, are an important market for hospitality and tourism industries in Southwest Michigan.  

The OutCenter leveraged the talents of volunteer Caroline Jones, who applied a systematic approach to training to ensure the Inclusivity Training was targeted to the performance needs of MHG managers.  She worked with OutCenter Program Coordinator Kathryn McBride to develop experiential learning scenarios from restaurant related LGBTQ+ discriminatory instances. Using the scenarios, Trainees role-played and applied Risk Based Communication (RBC) Skills and MHG management standards to diplomatically address individual(s) feeling disrespected. RBC skills are effective communication skills to apply toward issues of concern, controversy, or of a sensitive nature.

The training introduces participants to terminology associated with LGBTQ+ persons, awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, regulations and challenges, and how management can enhance LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace, available resources and other important skills and knowledge for businesses and employees.  It is now available as a workshop and custom training for businesses and institutions seeking to create more inclusive and caring communities in Southwest Michigan. 

The training introduces participants to terminology associated with LGBTQ+ persons, awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, regulations and challenges, and how management can enhance LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace, available resources and other important skills and knowledge for businesses and employees.

“I’ve had a handful of those in attendance reach out to me either to express thanks or continue the conversation through questions or personal stories,” says MHG Director of Development, Nick LaFlex.  “MHG has always had an inclusive culture but it is very nice to keep the conversation going and continue to grow as both professionals and as an organization.” 

OutCenter recently had a role in the development and passage of the City of St. Joseph’s newly amended non-discrimination ordinance (NDO), which added sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as protections for persons of the LGBTQ+ community. The NDO prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations for all peoples including LGBTQ+ people. 

“We were so grateful to be a part of the team to bring this NDO to the City of St. Joe, the first of its kind in our tri-county area. And while we’re proud of this progress, we still have much work to do as LGBTQ+ people still are not specifically protected from discrimination in Michigan, save for the SCOTUS decision last month but that decision only covers employment discrimination,” says, Mary Jo Schnell, executive director of the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan.

OutCenter also serves the community through youth programming and the Safe Schools Collaborative, a multi-faceted project providing workshops to school staff and assistance to schools, youth and their families.