LGBTQ Organizations

During June we seem to hear more about various LGBTQ businesses and organizations, but must of these operate all year long and they deserve our attention.  Even the Pride Celebration Committees don't just suddenly spring up and then go dark after the events.  It takes a lot of time and planning to make Pride happen.

LGBTQ owned and operated used to be an unknown.  Oh we would assume that the gay bars were gay owned (although not all are), but what else? Well, depending on where you live, there may be a LGBTQ organization that helps keep track of other LGBTQ organizations.

The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an advocate of the Nashville LGBTQ business community, representing over 400 businesses, community groups, and individuals in Nashville and Davidson County.  Check out https://www.nashvillelgbtchamber.org/ to find out more.  A similar group does the same thing for the Greater Los Angeles area and they are at http://www.laglcc.org/   Your community may have a place that does this.  Check with your local chamber of commerce.  Check with friends too and support the local LGBTQ owned businesses, especially those businesses which are invested in social justice, diversity, and equality.

Personally I don't like to deal with any business or organization that is anti-LGBTQ.  Sometimes they become well known when they campaign for a political candidate or cause.  Those are the companies to stay away from.  Then there are the solid supporters.  They may not always be LGBTQ owned, but if they are LGBTQ friendly, to me that means a lot!

The non-profits are important too.  There are some great national organizations and some that might be just local in your community.  I'd really like to say more about them and so I'll save it and devote tomorrow just to the LGBTQ nonprofits.