During our session, we explored the LGBTQIA+ community and discussed how we as Local Guides, can contribute to fostering LGBTQ+ friendliness and inclusive, safe spaces on Google Maps. We were thrilled to have 17 Local Guides join us for this insightful conversation.
@Manishhh shared valuable insights into the history of Pride Month and its origins, as well as how Pride Festivals and Walks are celebrated globally during June. He also provided essential information on how to use pronouns respectfully within our community.
From sharing information on how to add in gender-neutral bathrooms on Google Maps to sharing LGBTQ+ Friendly Attributes by @Kumaarsantosh, we covered a lot of ground. We also discussed the importance of adding inclusive media, such as photos of signage or inclusive atmosphere, and how to include keywords like “safe”, “welcoming” & “LGBTQ+ friendly” in our reviews to provide information for a local guide/user. Furthermore, we walked through the practical steps of how to edit place attributes to ensure information remains accurate and inclusive.
Throughout the presentation, we covered essential topics such as exploring LGBTQIA+ definitions, using pronouns respectfully & the importance of adding inclusive media, such as signage, flags & accessible facilities, as visual evidence to help others identify safe & welcoming spaces.
Every small edit we make helps build a safer and more welcoming space for everyone on Google Maps.
I would like to extend a special thank you to @Manishhh & every attendees for the incredible support in making this meetup a reality & your contributions was valuable to our success.
That was indeed a wonderful meetup @Rahul001 and thanks to you and @Manishhh for bringing out this topic for discussion. The insights shared by our Local Guides are very informative and interesting. As I always say every meetup has something to take away. I learnt many new things.
@Rahul001 this is well curated recap..I must say you are very prompt and it was indeed a beautifully done meet-up.. thank you to @Manishhh and you for this meaningful meet-up
It was a wonderful meet-up @Rahul001 and @Manishhh I learnt a lot of new things and being a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s invaluable information which was shared.
Dear @Rahul001 & @Manishhh Congratulations and huge round of applause for successfully pulling off one of the toughest topic ever discussed so openly in the community
The session was meaningful and engaging. Many queries answered, there were many takeaways for me, specially understanding the difference between unisex toilets vs gender neutral.
Thank you @Gurukrishnapriya for your valuable comment and words . It was wonderful to have you join us. I am so glad you found the session informative & you are absolutely right that every meetup offers a new takeaway & your participation made the discussion even more meaningful. Let’s keep working together to make Google Maps a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
Thank you @ShreyaMusings for your valuable comment and words . I truly appreciate your kind words & for being such a wonderful part of this discussion. It was a pleasure to collaborate with @Manishhh & I am so glad you found the recap helpful and the meetup meaningful. Your support helps us continue to build a more inclusive community together.
Thank you @Ruchee2 for your valuable comment and words . It was truly a joy to have you with us, and your active participation and enthusiasm added so much value to the session. I am glad that you found the knowledge shared by everyone to be so worthy & insightful. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can continue to make a meaningful difference together.
Thank you @Ssiddharth2000 for your valuable comment and words . It is wonderful to have such passionate allies in our community. I am truly glad that you found the information shared during the session valuable & your presence and support made our discussions even more impactful. Let’s keep working together to ensure our spaces are safe and welcoming for everyone.
Thank you @SonamW for your valuable comment and words .
Your support truly means a lot & we are so pleased that you found the discussion on such an important topic to be meaningful, engaging & full of takeaways.
It was our pleasure to help clarify concepts like the difference between unisex & gender-neutral facilities and it’s wonderful to see the community come together to learn and grow. We also want to echo your appreciation for @AjitThite and @Kumaarsantosh where their contributions were absolutely essential to the success of this meetup.
We are already looking forward to our next session and are so happy to have you as part of this journey to make our community and maps more inclusive.
Dear @Rahul001@Manishhh
Thank you, for hosting such a valuable and informative meetup on editing the LGBTQ+ Friendly attribute on Google Maps. It was a great learning experience and highlighted the importance of making Maps more accurate, inclusive, and helpful for everyone. I truly appreciate your efforts and dedication to the Local Guides community.
As I mentioned during the meet-up, this was one of the best meet-ups I have attended this year. I humbly request you, @Rahul001 and @Manishhh, to conduct more such meet-ups, virtual or in-person, and also in different languages to reach many local guides and educate and listen to them as well. My best wishes to you.
This was undoubtedly one of the most well-organized, engaging, and purpose-driven meet-ups I have attended in recent times. The topic itself was extremely relevant, as creating awareness around inclusivity is essential for building more accessible, welcoming, and equitable communities.
Both of you did a remarkable job in not only presenting the subject thoughtfully but also connecting it directly to the Local Guides community. What I particularly appreciated was how the discussion focused on practical ways in which Local Guides can contribute towards inclusivity through observation, documentation, and meaningful contributions on Google Maps.
During the interactions throughout the meet-up, it became evident that there is still a significant gap in awareness and understanding around many aspects of inclusivity. Often, this lack of understanding leads to missed opportunities to observe, recognize, and highlight accessibility and inclusion-related features. Meet-ups like this play a vital role in bridging that gap and empowering Local Guides to become more mindful and impactful contributors.
As I mentioned during the session, the community would greatly benefit from having more discussions and meet-ups on similar themes. Continuous conversations, shared experiences, and practical examples will help strengthen awareness and gradually foster a culture where inclusivity becomes a natural part of our contributions and everyday observations.
Thank you both for taking the initiative to host such an important discussion and for creating a platform that encourages learning, reflection, and action.
Wishing you both continued success and looking forward to many more insightful meet-ups in the future.
That’s the true power of community and positivity. When intentions are genuine and efforts are focused on creating value, they naturally attract goodwill, support, and encouragement from others.
Thank you, @Rahul001, for your kind words, but the credit truly belongs to you and your dedication. We have all seen the passion, commitment, and consistent effort you have invested in driving this initiative forward and leading from the front. Your willingness to take ownership, bring people together, and create meaningful impact is truly commendable.
Kudos to you, dear friend, for your leadership, perseverance, and the positive energy you bring to the community. Wishing you continued success in all your endeavors.
respectfully within our community.
on Google Maps to sharing LGBTQ+ 
to provide information for a local guide/user. Furthermore, we walked through the practical steps of how to edit place attributes to ensure information remains accurate and inclusive.
Congratulations and huge round of applause 
for successfully pulling off one of the toughest topic ever discussed so openly in the community 
once again.
. It was wonderful to have you join us. I am so glad you found the session informative & you are absolutely right that every meetup offers a new takeaway & your participation made the discussion even more meaningful. Let’s keep working together to make Google Maps a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
