LexPride Launches Open To All Campaign

[Lexington, MA] On July 23, 2018, the Lexington Pride Coalition (LexPride) launched an Open To All campaign in which local businesses and community organizations will pledge to serve all people equally, without discrimination. This is a local version of a national campaign. Its purpose is to build awareness about the importance of nondiscrimination laws—and to defend the principle that when businesses and other organizations open their doors to the public, they should be open to all.

Those who sign onto LexPride’s campaign will receive an Open To All window cling and digital graphic, their name on a participant list, and the opportunity to speak at an event. LexPride expects that many will also participate in anti-bias or diversity trainings. The Open To All graphic incorporates a panoply of colors to represent full inclusion, from racial to transgender.

“While we originally conceived this campaign after the Supreme Court’s wedding cake decision, we want to represent justice for all people, regardless of race/ethnicity, faith, abilities, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other identity,” said Valerie Overton, Co‑Chair of LexPride. “We hope this campaign will serve as a springboard to help make Lexington a more welcoming, inclusive community for all.”

Pre-launch responses have been enthusiastic. The Board of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to support the Open To All campaign. The Lexington Retailers Association, too, "is wholeheartedly ready to support the Open To All initiative,” according to President Eric Michelson. Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) Chair Neerja Bajaj also affirmed that “IAL will be honored to sign onto the Open To All campaign.”

Businesses and community organizations may participate in the Open To All campaign by registering online at https://goo.gl/forms/SGOUCyVJDnnBRMr33.