For over 20 years, I have been a member of LGBT Chambers of Commerce working to convince businesses large and small about the impact of discrimination to their businesses.
Today, I stand in appreciation of efforts nationwide by many who have tirelessly and consistently worked toward the same goals. Workplace equality, tax equity, reduced discrimination, a healthier work environment, with benefits to those businesses who pursue these goals.
These business have benefited from a larger talent pool attracted to them, a loyal and appreciative market segment, and more profitable bottom lines are only some of the benefits of inclusion and the pursuit of equality for all by Corporate America.
Nearly 300 companies have filed a brief arguing that the law — called DOMA for short — hits them where it counts: their bottom lines. This was reported by NPR .
Today's public support by corporations and chambers opposing DOMA is clearly a result of those in Chambers of Commerces just like GSDBA all over the country. It is a reward from efforts of employees in large corporations, including many Employee Resource Groups, individual employees, professionals, and business owners pursuing equality where they work, challenging discrimination, coming out, being talented, pushing for workplace equality, education others in their place of businesses, and supporting organizations like GSDBA.
When someone asks me why I belong to GSDBA and other LGBT Chambers, I tell them it is because we are the only Chambers who work for LGBT values with a goal of stronger business in the community. Today, the work continues to be recognized but our purpose does not change. GSDBA is leading efforts in many areas of business to support those who want equality where they work.
The value of being a member of GSDBA should not be measured solely on what individual benefit a member receives each year. The value of membership in GSDBA is a more vibrant LGBT Community, more financially successful LGBT individuals in the community, a thriving community for financial support and networks, places of business where LGBT individuals are treated with dignity and equality, where big business can seek strong supplier diversity channels that include LGBT resource businesses, where businesses can learn and develop workplace equality, address areas of discrimination, and develop understanding of how to benefit from our loyal LGBT community consumers.
The benefit of being a member of GSDBA is certainly enhanced by being visible in a Directory that reaches thousands, but the essence of the value of membership results from our achievements large and small. Those achievements can be simply educating new LGBT members on successful marketing but can be as significant as convincing large businesses to sit around a table and institute transgender health benefits.
GSDBA is more than an organization that publishes a valuable directory of services provided by GSDBA members in our community. GSDBA works to support LGBT business owners and LGBT professionals in areas of advocacy, marketing, business development, and so much more. GSDBA members join together to meet, learn, lobby, educate, organize and lead a transformation for the betterment of the LGBT community and businesses themselves.
Today, when an Amicus Brief of nearly 300 businesses and business organizations opposing DOMA from across America to the Supreme Court, we affirm our value to the LGBT Community and our members.
For those who are members of the GSDBA, today is a fabulous day to celebrate. For those who are professionals and business owners but are not, now is the time. Being part of a Chamber so relevant to today is certainly the place to be. We are committed to equality, to our LGBT communities, and to business where everyone can pursue a future that is profitable for all who care about equality.
GSDBA has been working since 1979 for LGBT inclusion, Equality in the workplace, and a financial strong LGBT community. We will keep on working. The benefits continue to build. Join the Chamber. Enjoy the results. Remember membership has its privileges. Certainly today is one of them.
And, at this Chamber, I couldn't pass up including an anthem Will you join in our crusade for equality?
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