Small businesses in a Welsh town have been praised for posting inclusive LGBT+ stickers in their windows. Matt Legg, who lives in Chepstow, took it upon himself to enact some small and positive changes in his local community.
Contacting local businesses, he asked if they would be willing to put up inclusive LGBT+ stickers in an effort to make people feel more accepted. A small, yet mighty, gesture, Matt put the call out in an effort to showcase public displays of support for marginalised communities who live and shop locally.
Believing this could be powerful in places such as bars and pubs, Matt believes that stickers will underline that intolerance and discrimination will not be accepted on the relevant premises. "My plan is to take photos and do a short video to celebrate their [the businesses'] involvement ," he said.
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"I have spoken with the local council regarding how they can support this through their diversity and equality policy, which also includes the aging population and the disabled. I decided to take some action and contacted local businesses to see if they would be prepared to put a Progress Pride Sticker in their window to show their support for inclusivity, a small action that could have a large effect. I'm pleased to say that I had an overwhelmingly positive response and many businesses have pledged to display such a sticker."
Whilst Matt and many others are pleased to see businesses are representing the marginalised communities in Chepstow, some people were not too sure about the idea and how stickers will make a difference to improving equality. However, the responses from local businesses are nothing short of heart-warming.
"No need to convince us, we would be very proud to display a sticker. However we are moving to new premises next week and the windows will be replaced so we have to wait two weeks before doing it so. Feel free to chase us as we will be very busy, but we will definitely do it. Thank you for this wonderful idea and your commitment to this essential cause. Good luck, we are behind you," the owners of Tell Me Wine responded.
"Hi Matt, Thank you for getting in contact with us. Yes, what an amazing idea! We’re totally on board with this and will happily display a progress pride flag in our window," the owners of Albion House hair salon added.
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