Miami Beach Creates Safe Places for LGBTQ People

MIAMI BEACH — Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who experience discrimination, harassment, or worse in this urban resort town will soon be able to seek immediate assistance at any business or organization displaying a rainbow-colored "Safe Place" decal.

Commissioners unanimously gave the go ahead to city officials to begin rolling out the program to businesses and other organizations in the city starting with the chamber of commerce, which offered to be the first "Safe Place" location.

“What the program entails is simply having businesses sign a one-page letter of understanding with the city of Miami Beach that they are going to act as a safe place for any member of the LGBTQ community who needs a safe place to go, whether it be protection from harassment, from bullying or from actual criminal behavior," explained Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco at a public meeting on Wednesday. "It's a safe place where they can call 9-1-1. They can either be behind the counter or they can be in a back office or whatever the case may be."

Grieco told fellow commissioners that he is aware of some recent incidents involving bullying and harassment over the past six months.

"It happened here in the city of Miami Beach," he said. "So, I don't want to see something happen. I want our folks to feel safe."

The “Safe Space” program is open to any business or organization in the city, but they must apply through the city.

Miami Beach Police Chief Daniel J. Oates commended the program and said that his officers would have to provide basic training for participating establishments.

"It will be relatively easy for us to implement this and I think it will be a comfort to the community and very helpful," the chief said.

To qualify, businesses and other organizations must agree to post a "Safe Space" decal outside the front entrance of their establishment, allow victims of LGBTQ-based harassment or crime to enter and remain at the establishment until police arrive; and call or assist LGBTQ victims in dialing 9-1-1.

Miami Beach officials cite findings by the FBI that show lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are the most likely targets of hate crimes in America.

“It's a fantastic thing for Miami beach," asserted Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE, which is dedicated to protecting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender against discrimination. "It's a fantastic thing to be able to set this example for the rest of Miami-Dade County and the state following Orlando after the Pulse massacre."