It's June, and it feels like summer is off and running, which means it is Pride Month; hospitality partners around Raleigh and Wake County can celebrate in many ways, thanks to the multitude of Pride events happening. For partners looking to actively welcome LGBTQ travelers to the area, GRCVB offers various resources they can utilize.

visitRaleigh.com has LGBTQ shopping, nightlife and dining listings that any partner can share with visitors who are interested in finding dedicated, welcoming and safe places throughout the destination.

If your business is LGBTQ-owned, you can indicate that through your listing. Updating your listing can be done through our Partner Information eXchange Login (PIXL) or by emailing us directly.

For area accommodation partners, the Bureau offers an opportunity to inform travelers that your business has taken the steps to certify that it's LGBTQ-welcoming through our LGBTQ-Welcoming Hotels Program.

To qualify for the program, lodging partners must have the following:

  • Sexual orientation nondiscrimination policy
  • Gender identity nondiscrimination policy
  • Equal administration of personnel benefits
  • Diversity/sensitivity training for staff
  • Significant harm policy

After acknowledging and/or showing proof of these criteria, Wake County lodging partners will have their Places to Stay listing added to the LGBTQ-Welcoming Hotels listings webpage (no additional fees or advertising rates involved). We'd love to show off the inclusive welcomes provided year-round by our professional hospitality partners even more, and we especially encourage all 160+ hotel partners to complete the program paperwork.

If you are an area hotelier wishing to participate and attract more bookings this year, or you are an LGBTQ owner of another visitor-facing business in Raleigh and Wake County, let us know!

Throughout the year, not just during Pride Month, GRCVB aims for all visitors, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, to feel welcome in Raleigh and Wake County. We hope you join us in sharing the same welcomes.

Happy Pride to all!