We’re better together

This story is brought to you by our partners at IKEA.

Taking another powerful step toward inclusivity and allyship, IKEA is sharing its latest initiative, Embrace Your Space. Embrace Your Space is a holistic approach to authenticity and allyship during and beyond Pride. Building on last year's theme, Take Up Space, this new campaign extends the celebration of individuality to fostering a communal sense of belonging and support. With a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, IKEA's initiative encourages everyone to recognize and cherish their unique identities and spaces. This year, IKEA not only continues its tradition of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month but also solidifies its dedication to these values every single day.

The IKEA vision and mission have always been guided by a profound sense of inclusiveness, aiming to make life better for everyone. The Embrace Your Space initiative is a testament to this commitment, inviting co-workers and customers alike to live proudly in their spaces and to welcome and support others in doing the same. By embracing our spaces—whether they be physical environments, roles within an organization, or positions within a community—IKEA believes that each unique contribution strengthens the fabric of society.

Everyone deserves to embrace their space and have somewhere they’re welcome, included, and accepted—and for IKEA, that love starts in-house. IKEA supports the LGBTQ+ community through various means, including empowering Co-worker Resource Groups (CRGs) who provide platforms for education, storytelling, and dialogue, crucial in changing narratives and fostering a supportive workplace culture.

IKEA U.S. has also enhanced benefits by adding domestic partners to FMLA coverage and offering reimbursement for travel expenses for gender affirmation care when services are not available nearby. Additionally, they’ve implemented the Chosen Name Project, allowing trans and non-binary co-workers to use their chosen names on digital platforms.

These efforts highlight IKEA's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every co-worker feels valued and supported. That support builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging that’s carried out into the world. And it doesn’t end with their co-workers, IKEA’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond its internal policies to its products and design philosophy. The company’s versatile, beautiful, and functional solutions enable individuals to create spaces that reflect their unique identities. Their recently announced approach to trauma-informed design further exemplifies their leadership in life at home, focusing on creating environments that promote safety, well-being, and healing.

In addition to creating safe and inclusive spaces, IKEA U.S. is actively involved in advocating for progressive and equitable policies. Through partnerships with social justice organizations, public statements, and direct advocacy, IKEA opposes discriminatory legislation and supports positive changes that align with its values. This includes supporting the Respect for Marriage Act and opposing restrictive state legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

This Pride Month, one of the highlights of the Embrace Your Space campaign is the tangible support for LGBTQ+ youth and individuals facing global persecution. Sales from the IKEA Rainbow Cake and STORSTOMMA bags directly contribute to nonprofit organizationsTrue Colors United and Rainbow Railroad, respectively. These partnerships provide crucial support for vulnerable communities, including scholarships for advocacy training and assistance for refugees fleeing persecution.

IKEA's actions aim to create real and measurable change in the community and amongst allies. All IKEA U.S. stores raise the Progress flag on May 17th for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) as a learning opportunity outside of Pride Month and a signal of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Across the country, IKEA is dedicated to amplifying its impact, helping to raise awareness, show solidarity, and drive action toward greater acceptance and equality.

Embrace Your Space is not just about celebrating Pride Month; it's about a year-round commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for a more inclusive world. As IKEA continues to champion these values, it sets a powerful example for other organizations to follow, demonstrating that when we embrace our spaces and each other, we all thrive.

Learn more.