Bend businesses show solidarity with LGBTQIA+, people of color

(Update: Adding video, comments from supporting businesses)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Some businesses in Bend are participating in a new campaign that aims to show solidarity and inclusivity with transgender, black, and indigenous communities, and with people of color.

The campaign is called You Are Welcome Here, a movement created by OUT Central Oregon. 

Businesses show their support by displaying a sticker of a version of the Pride flag, called the Progress Pride flag, at their business. 

OUT Central Oregon says the sticker sends a message to locals and tourists who belong to the LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC communities that they are welcome to shop there.

The Progress Pride flag design was created by Portland designer Daniel Quasar.

On Wednesday, NewsChannel 21 spoke with some of the businesses in Bend who have registered for the campaign.

“It’s kind of this big tent, a large umbrella, welcoming everyone,” said Michelle Poirot, the marketing manager at FootZone Bend. “Of course, that’s very important these days, when we’re all struggling for any number of reasons.”

Poirot said FootZone Bend and OUT Central Oregon had to cancel their annual Pride 5K this year, due to COVID-19. Starting Saturday, the event is going virtual and will last for 10 days.

“It’s a bummer for people not to get together, but it’s still a great way to build community,” Poirot said. “Of course, we want to get behind a community like that.”

Princess Athletic in downtown Bend also showed their support for the campaign by displaying the sticker at the front of the business.

“We have had Pride stickers before and things like that, so it’s not completely new to us,” said Kathleen Quinney, the marketing manager and buyer for Princess Athletic. “But we love that now it’s going to be everywhere downtown.”

Business owners said the Progress Pride flag is a powerful symbol meant to encourage positivity during a tumultuous time.

“We have LGBTQ+ staff members now and previously,” said Aaron Elston, the vice president of retail for Oregrown Industries. “No matter if you’re a person of color or indigenous, you’re welcome to be in our stores and you’re welcome to work in our stores.”

A full list of the registered businesses supporting the campaign can be found on OUT Central Oregon’s website.