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In Partnership with

Inclusion Training Initiative: Building a More Welcoming Washington

As part of SeattleFWC26’s commitment to ensuring every fan, visitor, and resident feels welcome, the Inclusion Training initiative, in partnership with GSBA, equips local businesses and organizations with the tools to create authentically inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ customers, employees, and communities.

Learn More About GSBA

Key Activities

  • Four Inclusion Workshops: The workshops were hosted by GSBA, Washington’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce. 
  • Interactive Learning: Sessions focused on allyship, gender inclusion, and LGBTQ+ cultural competency in the workplace. 
  • Accessible Participation: There were two in-person trainings at GSBA’s Capitol Hill office (or other community venues) and two virtual workshops open statewide. 
  • Practical Tools: Participants received actionable guidance and resources to help strengthen inclusive policies, communications, and customer experiences.

Outcomes & Benefits

  • More Inclusive Businesses: Participating organizations gained the knowledge to create spaces that welcome all genders, identities, and relationships.
  • Community Visibility: Inclusion strengthens Washington’s reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism and community hospitality ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
  • Economic Impact: Inclusive environments encourage repeat visitation, word-of-mouth referrals, and stronger customer loyalty.
  • Sustained Legacy: Builds long-term capacity for inclusion that extends beyond the tournament, leaving a lasting mark on Washington’s business and tourism ecosystem.

Preparing for the wolrd stage

As Seattle prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, one of the most important investments we’ve made isn’t in infrastructure—it’s in people.  Through SeattleFWC26’s Inclusion Training Initiative, developed in partnership with GSBA, we worked alongside local businesses and organizations to strengthen Seattle’s readiness to host with authenticity, dignity, and care. 

 

Over the course of the initiative, 140 businesses and community organizations participated in inclusion trainings designed to create more welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ customers, employees, and visitors. 

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This work wasn’t theoretical—it was grounded in real-world application, helping businesses prepare for the scale, diversity, and global visibility of the World Cup. 

What We Accomplished 

  • More Inclusive Businesses: Participating organizations gained the knowledge to create spaces that welcome all genders, identities, and relationships.
  • Community Visibility: Inclusion strengthens Washington’s reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism and community hospitality ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
  • Economic Impact: Inclusive environments encourage repeat visitation, word-of-mouth referrals, and stronger customer loyalty.
  • Sustained Legacy: Builds long-term capacity for inclusion that extends beyond the tournament, leaving a lasting mark on Washington’s business and tourism ecosystem.

Tools to Support Inclusive Workplaces

Raise Awareness in your Workplace  

The Transgender & Non-Binary Affirming Employer Toolkit, published by the GSBA and the Transgender Economic Empowerment Coalition, is a comprehensive guide designed to help employers create inclusive and supportive workplaces for transgender and non-binary employees. 

Inclusion Playbook

Need Inclusion Training?  

Are you looking for a customized inclusion training for your organization? Have specific questions about pricing or content? Reach out to River at rivert@thegsba.org to discuss your unique DEI training needs.