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On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump's administration ordered the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. As a result, several companies have quietly walked back or eliminated their own DEI programs. But for Brooklyn Brewery, it decided to stand with its core values rather than back down. Following Trump’s inauguration speech, the brewery made a statement of its own on Instagram, restating its commitment to inclusivity and condemning “xenophobia, homophobia and division rooted in hatred of any kind.”
According to President of Brooklyn Brewery Robin Ottaway, this is just part of doing the work. A longtime partner of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the brewery has long been committed to the cause, speaking out against anti-trans and drag bills and providing activist resources on its website. And since 2017, the brewery created a beer with the historic Stonewall Inn: The Stonewall IPA. We spoke with President Ottaway about why it is important to stand on your core principles as a company—now more than ever.
On January 22, Brooklyn Brewery's Instagram went viral for calling out Donald Trump's inauguration speech, specifically his belief that there are only "two genders." What has the response to the post been like?
Robin Ottaway: “The post resonated strongly with our community and quickly went viral with an overwhelmingly positive response. While there were a few negative comments, as expected, our community naturally stepped in. Overall, we spoke up because of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and inclusivity, because we believe everyone has the right to be whoever they want to be. Additionally, we invited our audience to join us as a SIGBI Certified Safe Space, a program created by The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) to establish safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in businesses, venues and public spaces. We're thrilled to see hundreds of people signing up on our site to learn more and get involved—to me, that is worth it.”
While other companies have walked back or completely removed their inclusivity programs since the start of the Trump Administration, Brooklyn Brewery made it a point to reiterate its support for the LGBTQ+ community. Why was it important to restate your values?
RO: “It was important for us to restate our values because our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is not a passing trend—it's a fundamental part of who we are. Our long-standing partnership with organizations like The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to supporting our community and creating safe spaces where everyone can be themselves. We continue to stand by our principles of welcoming everyone into our home and fostering a culture of genuine acceptance and integrity.”
Brooklyn Brewery Brewery first partnered with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) in 2017, resulting in The Stonewall Inn IPA. How did this partnership come to be?
RO: “The partnership began in 2017 when The Stonewall Inn reached out to a few breweries about co-creating a beer together. While several didn’t commit, we were the first to say, ‘HELL YES!’ From our very first meeting it was clear that this partnership was the perfect fit for both of us, and together, we could create something truly meaningful. The result was The Stonewall Inn IPA—a beer that has since expanded worldwide. Over the years, our collaboration has grown into a partnership where we raise funds, host events, support grassroots activists and amplify SIGBI’s work, to meaningfully support the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.”
In 2024, Brooklyn Brewery became a Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) Certified Safe Space. Can you tell us a bit more about what it entails and why it was important for your business to receive the designation?
RO: “Becoming a SIGBI Certified Safe Space in 2024 was a natural extension of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and our partnership with SIGBI. We went through the 10-step Safe Spaces certification process to ensure that our Tasting Room is truly welcoming for everyone. This designation isn’t just a badge—it’s a promise that every guest can expect a safe, respectful and inclusive experience when they visit us.”
Brooklyn Brewery has long been a champion of the LGBTQ+ community, championing inclusivity and standing up against anti-trans and drag bills. Why was it important to align your company with the queer community?
RO: “We believe that everyone has the right to be whoever they want to be. At Brooklyn Brewery, aligning with the LGBTQ+ community isn't just a business decision—it’s a core part of who we are and what we stand for. When we see anti-trans, drag bills and more that threaten the safety and dignity of our community, we feel a personal responsibility to use our platform, our voice and our space to stand up for what's right. We’re not only here to create great beer (although, we do!), but also to provide a home where everyone feels seen, celebrated and supported, especially in difficult times.”
What do you think about the companies that have reversed or eliminated their DEI programs in the wake of this administration?
RO: “We prefer to focus on what we’re doing—remaining true to our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and community. Our efforts are centered on creating safe spaces, supporting the LGBTQ+ community and upholding the values that have defined us over the years. We believe that our actions speak louder than any commentary on what others may be doing.”
What can people do to support the community moving forward?
RO: “Supporting the community means starting by creating environments where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We encourage venues, businesses and office owners to consider becoming Safe Spaces themselves. By adopting inclusive practices and joining initiatives like the SIGBI Certified Safe Space program, you can help build a network of environments that stand up for equality and inclusivity. Every step toward creating safe, inclusive spaces strengthens our communities.”
Here are some other SIGBI Certified Safe Spaces:
Spring Place, JetBlue, Brooklyn Brewery and Saks Fifth Avenue, which were the first organizations to become Safe Space Certified, as well as the TCS New York City Marathon and Moxy Hotel.