How Ingka Group supports LGBT+ communities through local action

This year, under the theme ‘Make room for love’, Ingka Group will highlight the actions we can all take to create inclusive spaces where people feel welcome, respected and free to be themselves. Across several countries, co-workers are working closely with communities, partners and organisations to support LGBT+ people in ways that reflect local needs and realities.

While International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is an important moment, this work continues throughout the year, including during Pride season. From the everyday actions we can all take as allies, to longer-term partnerships and initiatives, co-workers are supporting LGBT+ communities in different ways.

From supporting individuals in vulnerable situations, to working with organisations that are helping create safer, more inclusive spaces, these efforts show how both small and large actions can make a difference.

“Creating a better everyday life for the many people is our long-term vision and includes a commitment to creating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, are treated with respect, and are given equal opportunities. IDAHOBIT reminds us that inclusion is something we build every day, together. This is reflected in the actions we are taking across our markets, where co-workers are supporting local communities in different ways, from partnerships with organisations to initiatives that create safer, more inclusive spaces, and that’s where we see our vision and values come to life,” says Buks Akinseye, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Ingka Group.At IKEA, the ambition is to create a workplace where people feel they can be themselves, are treated with respect, and have equal opportunities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This work is guided by the IKEA approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, and frameworks such as the United Nations Standards of Conduct for tackling discrimination against LGBT+ people. *

Today, 85% of co-workers say they feel they can be themselves at work, according to a recent survey of more than 135,000 Ingka Group co-workers. While progress has been made, Ingka Group recognises that work remains to be done to close the gap within its workplaces, and in society. Across IKEA Retail markets, co-workers are making positive contributions through local partnerships, initiatives and everyday actions in their communities.

IKEA Canada – Turning a simple cake into meaningful impact
Since 2024, IKEA Canada has partnered with Rainbow Railroad to support LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution because of who they are. Through a Rainbow Cake initiative, customers have been invited to take part. Each year, from June 1 to July 31, 100% of sales from IKEA Canada’s Rainbow Cake (up to CAD $200,000) are donated to Rainbow Railroad. This year marks the partnership’s third year and a total of CAD $600,000 in donations to date, helping support hundreds of people in finding safety and starting new lives. It’s a simple idea, but one that shows how small, everyday actions can contribute to something bigger.

“Supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada is deeply rooted in our values. The Rainbow Cake initiative reflects our belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and truly at home in every aspect of their lives. Pride is not just a moment; it’s a movement, and we’re proud to stand as allies every day of the year,” says Selwyn Crittendon, Country Retail Manager & CSO, IKEA Canada.

IKEA Germany – Supporting organisations across Germany
In Germany, support for local organisations comes through national donations funded by the rainbow STORSTOMMA shopping bag. Proceeds are donated to three organisations, dgti e.V., one of the country’s leading organisations supporting trans, non-binary and intersex people; PROUT AT WORK, which focuses on advancing LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace; and CSD Deutschland e.V., the national umbrella organisation supporting Pride movements across Germany.

In 2025, the total donation amount was around EUR €80,000. Together, these organisations work across different areas, from advocacy and workplace inclusion to strengthening Pride networks nationwide, helping to drive progress for LGBT+ communities across the country.

IKEA Japan – Creating space for community
In IKEA Japan co-workers have worked with local organisation Tokyo Rainbow Pride to support the creation of Queer Space Tokyo, an inclusive community space where LGBT+ people and allies can come together, engage in dialogue and join programs focused on everyday themes such as life planning, careers and well-being.  

Through interior design expertise and in-kind donations of 180 furniture items and accessories, IKEA Japan has helped shape a space that feels welcoming and safe. It’s an example of how home furnishing knowledge can go beyond the home, helping to create places where people feel they belong.

”Queer Space Tokyo is designed to be inclusive, flexible and full of personality – far from a typical office. It supports different ways of coming together, from quick chats to larger events with comfortable seating, colorful tables and sofas. Different activities can happen at the same time while still feeling calm and comfortable making it easy to share ideas, moments, and be creative together.” says Shuet Nei Queenie Lee, Home Furnishing Direction Leader, IKEA Japan. 

Across countries and communities, these efforts may look different, but they are connected by a shared ambition: to create inclusion so that everyone feels welcome, respected and able to be themselves. From everyday individual actions, to working with partners, to creating more inclusive environments, co-workers show how everyday actions can help build a more inclusive IKEA, for co-workers, customers and communities.

Related links:

• Read more about Ingka Group’s work to support the LGBT+ community
• IKEA Canada Pride Cake – Supporting Rainbow Railroad – IKEA CA
• Read the allyship guide: Allyship begins with us. Be an everyday ally – IKEA

* Tackling Discrimination against LGBTI people in the private sector: Standards of Conduct for Business | OHCHR

Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 32 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.