BATL was built upon the tenet of “being good to one another” and an idea like that is more important than ever these days as we see folks facing the horrible reality of having their rights as human beings taken away. Our communities are made up of folks from all walks of life and we know how important it is to stand up with (and stand up for) anyone being treated as less than. No one, no matter where you live, should have to face prejudice or bigotry from other people or even their government – but for those who do, trust that BATL is committed to being a safe space and that they’re not alone in this. Within the walls of our venues – no matter how you identify – to us, you are unequivocally a friend.
Having said all that – we recognize that a company putting up a few pictures and some nice words doesn’t do much for any cause. What’s important is that folks follow through and take action to make a difference in their own communities. There are wonderful organizations out there doing the actual work to help communities.
We are proud to support our staff, customers and community members.
BATL'S PRIDE MISSION STATEMENT
During Pride Month and beyond, we celebrate the lives of those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ *, and their continued fight for equality and freedom of expression. Transphobia, gender based hate, homophobia, and racism have no place at BATL, at any time. We strive to build a community where no matter who you love or how you identify, you will be welcomed and valued. Our work is ongoing to educate ourselves and to strengthen and affirm BATL’s commitment to providing a safer and truly inclusive space, in BATL venues, at BATL events, and online.
*2-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, et al - or LGBTQ+ or Queer for short.
BATL’S INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT
Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to implementing unbiased and inclusive policies, maintaining a working and league culture that is consciously anti-racist, that is representative of our communities’ makeup and truly welcoming to all, and supporting diverse members of our community through outreach and partnerships.
Our League Code of Conduct has been implemented since August 2020 for all league members to abide by, in addition to our Staff Code of Conduct.
Our Hamilton location hosts a Queer League weekly and we have held annual Pride Tournaments for our community and staff members. We are also working on inclusive signage for our bathrooms at all locations as well as Pride flags and stickers around the venue to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome.
If you are looking to volunteer or give back to the community we encourage you to do some research for local causes and charities that may need your help. We know that everyone may not be able to donate money but your time is just as valuable to help support those in your community. We have found a few websites that can help get you started:
GLAAD
As a dynamic media force, GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation that rewrites the script for LGBTQ+ acceptance.
PFLAG
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
PFLAG CAN
A national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family understand their LGBTQ2S children.