As a queer woman (queer is an all-inclusive term used in the LGBTQ+ community), I am proud of the strength and resilience of my community. We have faced many challenges and we will continue to draw on the strength of our community and allies to withstand the current attacks against our livelihoods, lives and relationships.
The protections for LGBTQ+ people that have been enacted over the years have given us the right to not be discriminated against in housing, employment and health care. Although this still happens, when there are laws banning discrimination, it allows us some recourse when it does occur.
That said, as we enter into an America where the president promotes political hatred against the LGBTQ+ community and signs executive orders removing protections, the landscape becomes overwhelming. Allyship is more important than ever.
Many of us are being bombarded with information about the political back and forth happening at the federal level. However, in addition to the executive orders and judgements coming from Washington, D.C., we also face legislative battles here in Arizona.
LGBTQ+-owned businesses contribute nearly $2 trillion to the U.S. economy, with certified LGBT Business Enterprises employing over 33,000 people. In Arizona, the number of certified businesses represents less than half of the total LGBTQ+-owned businesses based on our experience.
LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners face systemic economic disadvantages and many LGBTQ+ businesses struggle with securing funding due to bias from lenders and investors. Also, access to networks and resources essential for growth remains limited.
The growing movement against corporate and governmental DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — initiatives have already started to impact our businesses, organizations and community at large.
The chaos and uncertainty around these executive orders have caused corporations to decrease funding and other resources previously provided to promote DEI and supplier diversity.
General chaos and uncertainty also has caused a significant decrease in spending among consumers, according to our small business owners, and it’s forced organizations to enact layoffs, further exacerbating the financial challenges in our community.
The current political climate has emboldened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, leading to an increase in online harassment and physical attacks. Hate speech and misinformation campaigns threaten the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, businesses and organizations.
The current onslaught of information and hate speech is not only exhausting, it takes a serious toll on our mental health. Anyone who has owned a small business knows that is already a challenging and often stressful role which has now become even more difficult for LGBTQ+ business owners.
As an ally, please stand up for us, especially when you are in the room and we are not.
• Defend DEI and supplier diversity programs. Advocate for the preservation and expansion of these critical initiatives to ensure LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals have equitable access to opportunities.
• Implement inclusive workplace policies. Businesses should stand up for their LGBTQ+ employees and explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity in nondiscrimination policies and offer inclusive health care benefits.
• Support LGBTQ+ businesses. Companies should continue to promote diversity and seek out LGBTQ-owned businesses for partnerships, while individuals can shop at and promote LGBTQ+ businesses. You can find a directory of LGBTQ+ and allied businesses on the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce’s website.
• Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Support policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and oppose discriminatory legislation. Call and email your representatives. Let them know you stand with the LGBTQ+ community and do not want to see our rights taken away.
• Take a stand against online and in-person attacks. If you see something, say something. Many of us have received threats online and/or in person. Please take a stand when you can.
• Provide financial and organizational support. Many of us have had conversations with people we know who did not vote in our favor and then say they did not vote on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights and do support us. Prove it. Donate to LGBTQ organizations, use your voice for change, be an ally, volunteer. This action does not undo your vote, but if you truly care, the community needs you now more than ever.
Editor’s note: Michele White is executive director of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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