More Than a Listing. A More Visible Commitment to Inclusion.
The Choose Love LGBTQ+ Affirming Business Program is a Lancaster County Chooses Love initiative designed to help LGBTQ+ customers find businesses that welcome them while giving participating businesses greater control over their public profile, improved visibility, and practical tools to strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The program builds on Lancaster County Chooses Love’s community-powered Affirming Business Directory and Map.
Your Choose Love LGBTQ+ Affirming Business profile can help LGBTQ+ customers find you based on what you offer and how you serve your community. Program participants receive an enhanced directory profile and access to an expanded list of searchable tags.
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses may also receive additional tags based on practices and policies reviewed through the verification process.
The result?
A business profile that provides more useful information to customers while making your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion easier to see.
Why Participate?
Be Found: Help LGBTQ+ customers find your business through expanded directory information and searchable tags.
Be Seen: Show your commitment through an enhanced directory profile, social media and newsletter recognition, and Choose Love affirming window decals, stickers, and web images.
Build Trust: Give customers more information about your services, practices, and customer experience.
Keep Learning: Access LGBTQ+ inclusion resources and receive discounts on training and consulting through the Choose Love Inclusion Institute.
Join the Community: Connect with other businesses and organizations committed to creating welcoming spaces.
Support The Mission: Your participation helps support the administration of the program while also contributing to Lancaster County Chooses Love’s year-round work through direct support, community programming, education, and advocacy.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your business has already been recognized by the LGBTQ+ community, you can take the next step by joining the Choose Love LGBTQ+ Affirming Business Program.
Choose the level that fits your organization’s goals.
Publicly demonstrate your commitment.
The Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming level is designed for businesses and organizations that are ready to take a visible step toward LGBTQ+ inclusion and participate in an ongoing customer feedback and inclusion program.
Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses will be asked to complete an LGBTQ+ inclusion questionnaire and agree to participate in the LGBTQ+ customer experience survey program. This level provides businesses with enhanced directory visibility and opportunities to publicly demonstrate their commitment to creating an affirming experience for LGBTQ+ customers, clients, and community members.
Participation Requirements
Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses must:
- Complete an LGBTQ+ inclusion questionnaire.
- Agree to participate in the LGBTQ+ customer experience survey program.
- Maintain accurate business and directory information.
- Renew participation annually to maintain program benefits and enhanced listing features.
Directory Listing Benefits
Participating businesses receive an enhanced directory listing that includes:
- Searchable business and service tags to help customers find you.
- Display of your website and phone number.
- Display of your social media handles.
- Display of your business logo.
- Additional information about your services and customer experience.
Recognition & Program Benefits
Participating businesses will also receive:
- A social media announcement recognizing your commitment to being an affirming business.
- A newsletter announcement of your participation.
- Annual LGBTQ+ Affirming Business window decal, stickers, digital image files showing your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- A 20% discount on LGBTQ+ inclusion training and consulting through the Choose Love Inclusion Institute.
- Access to LGBTQ+ Inclusion Quick Guides and Fact Sheets.
- Access to the LGBTQ+ & Allied Business Q-munity Group.
Application & Renewal
The first year of participation is an application fee based on organization size.
| Organization Size | First-Year Application |
| Micro | $120 |
| Small | $240 |
| Medium | $480 |
| Large | $960 |
Paid program participation renews annually in January. Renewal fees are 50% of the first-year application fee.
| Organization Size | Annual Renewal |
| Micro | $60 |
| Small | $120 |
| Medium | $240 |
| Large | $480 |
At renewal, businesses will confirm that their listing information remains accurate or provide updates. This helps ensure that the directory remains useful and current for the community.
If a business does not renew, its enhanced program listing and benefits will end and the business will return to Community Recognized status, if an existing community recognition remains on file.
All paid program benefits, enhanced information, tags, recognition materials, and discounts will end when participation expires.
Demonstrate your commitment through action.
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming business level is designed for businesses and organizations that are ready to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through documented policies, practices, and customer experience.
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses participate in a comprehensive review of policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The verification process recognizes that organizations differ in size, structure, and resources and evaluates each business fairly based on the policies and practices that are appropriate to its organization.
Participation Requirements
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses must:
- Complete an LGBTQ+ inclusion questionnaire.
- Agree to participate in the LGBTQ+ customer experience survey program.
- Participate in the LGBTQ+ inclusion verification process.
- Provide applicable policies, practices, and other information requested as part of the review.
- Maintain accurate business and directory information.
- Renew participation annually to maintain the Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming designation, program benefits, and enhanced listing features.
Verification Review
The verification process may include review of:
- Nondiscrimination policies.
- Employee handbook or relevant DEI policies.
- Vendor policies and practices.
- Political donation policies and disclosures.
- LGBTQ+ inclusion statements and commitments.
- Customer experience practices.
Important notes about Verification
- We recognize that smaller and newer businesses and organizations may not have or need all of the items that may be included in the review. Lancaster County Chooses Love has created an evaluation process that ensures that a business can be vetted fairly and equitably without being penalized for not needing some of the policy elements that larger organizations need in order to maintain an LGBTQ+ affirming culture and atmosphere.Important Note About Verification
- A Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming designation does not mean that every possible inclusion practice is present. Individual Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming tags are awarded only when the applicable practice or policy meets the program’s established criteria.
Directory Listing Benefits
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive all Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming directory listing benefits, plus:
- An LGBTQ+ Inclusion Score.
- Additional directory tags based on practices and policies reviewed through the verification process.
Recognition & Program Benefits
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive all Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming-level benefits, plus:
- Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming Allied Business recognition.
- An LGBTQ+ Inclusion Score.
- A 25% discount on Inclusion Institute training.
- Policy and practice review.
- Recommendations for strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion, when appropriate.
Application & Renewal
The first year of participation is an application and verification fee based on organization size.
| Organization Size | First-Year Application |
| Micro | $250 |
| Small | $500 |
| Medium | $750 |
| Large | $1,000 |
Paid program participation renews annually in January. Renewal fees are 50% of the first-year application fee.
| Organization Size | Annual Renewal |
| Micro | $125 |
| Small | $250 |
| Medium | $375 |
| Large | $500 |
At renewal, businesses will confirm that their listing information remains accurate or provide updates. This helps ensure that the directory remains useful and current for the community.
If a business does not renew, its enhanced program listing and benefits will end and the business will return to Community Recognized status, if an existing community recognition remains on file.
All paid program benefits, enhanced information, tags, recognition materials, and discounts will end when participation expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
No.
Community Recognized is a separate, free directory designation. These are businesses that have been recommended by an LGBTQ+ community member who has personally experienced the business as welcoming and affirming.
Community recognition is community-powered. Lancaster County Chooses Love does not independently review, verify, or certify businesses at this level.
Businesses do not need to apply, pay a fee, or participate in the Choose Love LGBTQ+ Affirming Business Program to receive Community Recognized status.
Community Recognized status is intended to reflect recognition from the LGBTQ+ community. A business can encourage customers or community members to share their experiences, but Community Recognized status is not a business application or self-certification process.
If a business wants to take an active role in the program, it can apply to be listed as a Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming or Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming business for an annual fee.
Absolutely.
The paid program is designed to give businesses that have already been recognized by the community an opportunity to take the next step.
A business can move from Community Recognized to Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming or Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming by applying to participate in the paid program and meeting the applicable requirements.
Yes.
Businesses can move to the Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming level when they are ready to participate in the more comprehensive verification process.
If your business was added through Community Recognition, your listing will remain available as a standard Community Recognized listing.
You can choose to join the Choose Love LGBTQ+ Affirming Business Program to gain greater control over your listing, improve your visibility, access expanded tags and promotional opportunities, and receive program benefits.
Directory Listings
A standard Community Recognized listing may include:
- Business name
- Brief description or details
- Physical address
- General business category
For an online-only business, a website may be listed instead of a physical address.
Nonprofits and healthcare organizations, including mental health providers, often function as community resources rather than simply as places to purchase goods or services.
Because direct access to these resources can be especially important, Community Recognized nonprofits and healthcare organizations may have both a phone number and website listed.
This does not change the structure of the directory or map. It simply provides community members with information they may need to access an important resource.
Paid program participants receive an enhanced profile that can include:
- Phone number
- Website
- Social media handles
- Business logo
- Additional information about services
- Additional information about customer experience
- Expanded searchable business and service tags
- LGBTQ+ ownership status, when provided by the business
This gives businesses significantly more control over how they are represented in the directory.
Paid participants have an opportunity to provide and update the information included in their enhanced profile.
Businesses are responsible for providing accurate information about their services, practices, and characteristics.
Lancaster County Chooses Love may review information to ensure that directory tags and designations are applied consistently with program guidelines.
Searchable Tags
Tags are searchable descriptors that help community members find businesses based on what they offer, how they operate, and the needs they serve.
For example, someone might search for a business that offers gender-affirming services, accepts Medicaid, provides accessible services, offers online appointments, or is LGBTQ+-owned.
A business directory is most useful when people can find the right business for their specific needs.
Tags allow customers to search beyond a basic business category and discover businesses based on services, accessibility, customer experience, ownership, service model, and affordability.
Paid program participants receive access to an expanded set of searchable tags.
Community Recognized businesses receive only the basic directory information appropriate to their listing.
Tag categories include:
- Business Type
- LGBTQ+ Services
- Customer Experience
- Accessibility
- Business Ownership & Community Connection
- Service Model
The available tag list may be updated as the program develops.
Certain tags describe practices and policies that are specifically reviewed during the verification process.
These may include:
- LGBTQ+ Staff Training
- LGBTQ+ Customer Feedback Program
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Dress Code
- Inclusive Name & Pronoun Practices
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Marketing
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies
A Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming designation does not automatically mean that a business receives every Verified-only tag. Each individual tag must be supported by the verification process.
Verification
No.
Lancaster County Chooses Love recognizes that smaller and newer businesses may not need the same policies, procedures, or documentation required by larger organizations.
The verification process is designed to evaluate businesses fairly and equitably based on their size, structure, and actual needs rather than penalizing a business simply because it does not have policies that are unnecessary for its organization.
Verification is intended to be an opportunity for assessment and improvement, not simply a pass/fail exercise.
If current policies or practices do not meet the program’s standards, Lancaster County Chooses Love may recommend changes that would strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Businesses may need to implement recommended changes before receiving Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming status. If Lancaster County Chooses Love requires some changes to receive the Verified status the business will be listed as Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming until the changes are implemented. In the event that a renewal period is reached before the changes are implemented the business will be offered the opportunity to renew at the Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming Rate.
Customer Experience & Feedback
A business’s policies and intentions are important, but customer experience matters too.
The customer experience survey gives LGBTQ+ community members an opportunity to share feedback about their experiences with participating businesses.
This helps businesses understand what is working, identify opportunities for improvement, and make their commitment to inclusion more meaningful.
Fees & Renewals
The program fees help cover the actual costs of operating the program, including:
- Staff time required to administer applications and renewals
- Directory and map technology
- Forms and data management
- Customer feedback administration
- Verification and policy review
- Ongoing communication and program support
Program contributions also help fund the year-round mission of Lancaster County Chooses Love, including direct support, community programming, education, and advocacy.
When a business participates, it is helping support both the program and a more welcoming Lancaster County.
Lancaster County Chooses Love wants participation to be accessible to organizations of different sizes.
A sliding scale recognizes that a small local business and a large organization may have very different resources available for participation.
The program uses the following general definitions:
| Organization Size | Employees | Annual Revenue |
| Micro | 1–10 | Under $1 million |
| Small | 11–50 | $1–5 million |
| Medium | 51–200 | $5–25 million |
| Large | 201+ | $25 million+ |
At renewal, businesses will confirm that their listing information is still accurate or provide updates.
This helps keep the directory current and ensures that customers are receiving reliable information.
Businesses may also need to confirm that information supporting their applicable tags remains accurate.
Reviews of policy changes must be completed for Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming Businesses.
If a paid program participant does not renew, the enhanced program listing and paid program benefits will end.
The business will be returned to Community Recognized status if an existing community recognition remains on file.
Paid program benefits, including enhanced information, tags, recognition materials, promotional benefits, and discounts, will end when participation expires.
Recognition & Promotion
Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive an annual Declared Affirming Business window decal, stickers, and image file.
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive Verified Affirming Business window decal, stickers, and image file. The business listing will include an LGBTQ+ Inclusion Score.
Yes.
Paid program participants receive a social media announcement recognizing their participation and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
They will also receive a newsletter announcement.
Yes, for paid program participants.
Business logos are not included in standard Community Recognized listings.
Yes.
Social media handles are an available feature of paid program listings.
Yes, for paid program participants when the business has explicitly provided that information or it has otherwise been established through an approved program process.
Inclusion Institute Benefits
The Choose Love Inclusion Institute is Lancaster County Chooses Love’s training and consulting program focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and related organizational practices.
Declared LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive a 20% discount on Inclusion Institute training and consulting.
Verified LGBTQ+ Affirming businesses receive a 25% discount on Inclusion Institute training and consulting.
Paid program participants receive access to LGBTQ+ Inclusion Workshops, Webinars, Quick Guides and Fact Sheets.
Self-paced online training modules will be launching in 2027.
