Rainbow Registered: Maintaining a welcoming space for queer people in Kingston

Perched in the window-still of 20 Kingston businesses is a rainbow decal underscoring the establishments steadfast commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for queer customers and employees.

These businesses have gone through the process of becoming Rainbow Registered, a national registry spearheaded by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) in 2022 that connects tourists with inclusive businesses.  

Quick guide to Rainbow Registered businesses in Kingston: 

• Rainbow Registered businesses have gone through an accreditation process to confirm their commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ customers and employees 

• Rainbow Registered businesses are identifiable by rainbow decals 

• Rainbow Registered businesses in Kingston include restaurants, spas, hotels, stores, and museums 

• Full list of businesses can be found here and descriptions of the establishments are featured in the article 

Becoming Rainbow Registered 

To become Rainbow Registered, businesses must complete an extensive, four-step application process. After filling out an accreditation application, businesses gather written materials, polices, and documents proving their queer-friendly ethos. The information is reviewed by an assessor assigned by the Rainbow Registered Program Manager, who then conducts a short interview with the business.  

If the business makes it past the short interview round, they’re required to participate in a longer conversation with the assessor where they explain how queer acceptance shapes their policies, practices, and training. They also must demonstrate their commitment to inclusive leadership and show how they maintain a culture of inclusivity. The assessor reviews all the information gathered, makes a final decision, and notifies the business who—if successful—receives a rainbow decal, identifying to customers and employees their staunch commitment to welcoming and accepting the queer community.  

Tourism Kingston—a Rainbow Registered business—works closely with CQCC to help shops and restaurants in the city become Rainbow Registered. 

Kingston’s Rainbow Registered businesses  

Kingston has an eclectic array of Rainbow Registered businesses that allow queer tourists to dine, shop, and stay comfortably.   

Experiences 

• Cher-Mère: A West-end Kingston spa offering waxing, facials, manicures/pedicures, among other services. 

• Glow Spa: A downtown spa offering a luxurious thermotherapy experience, massages, facials, and other services. 

• Fort Henry National Historic Site: A nineteenth century military fort museum—overlooking the downtown core —which served as an internment camp during World War I and II.  

• Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts: The Isabel includes a concert hall with 500+ seats and hosts events and musical performances year-round. 

• Kingston Gaming Nexus: A downtown shop boasting a wide a variety of videos, board, card games, and events.  

• Kingston Pen Tours: Formerly the largest maximum-security prison in Canada, the Kingston Pen offers tours of its hulking interior throughout the spring, summer, and fall.  

• The Spire Art & Community Hub: A local performance venue located in an old, gothic revival church that hosts concerts.  

• Visitor Information Centre: Your one-stop shop for Kingston merchandise and advice on where to dine, shop, and stay in the city.  

Restaurants 

• Atomica: An Italian restaurant known for their pizzas and large selection of vegan and vegetarian options.  

• Black Dog: A cozy, rustic restaurant serving French-style pub food.  

• Pan Chancho Bakery & Café: A local grocer, bakery, and brunch restaurant with an outdoor patio during the summer.  

• Chez Piggy: Under the same ownership as Pan Chancho, the limestone restaurant offers meals made with the freshest, locally sourced produce. 

• Harper’s: A downtown restaurant serving burgers, fries, and hand spun milkshakes. 

• Dianne’s: A Mexican-East Coast fusion restaurant located on the Kingston waterfront.  

• The Cannery Kitchen and Social: A restaurant serving a diverse array of dishes in their classy interior fixed with a large bar and social space. 

Places to Stay  

• Courtyard by the Marriott Kingston  

• Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre  

• Doubletree by Hilton Kingston  

• Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront  

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Kingston  

• Kingston Marriott  

• The Smith Hotel  

• Queen’s Summer Accommodations