Living
A dream fulfilled
MLK memorial, years in the making, resonates with LGBT community
(UPDATE: The MLK Memorial dedication ceremony has been postponed due to Ā Hurricane Irene. It is expected to be rescheduled for September or October.)
When a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is dedicated this weekend, it will mark more than the addition of a new monument to Washington, D.C.’s landscape.
It will symbolize the civil rights leader’s success.
The stone likeness rises as the first monument to a man of color on the National Mall, 48 years after King described his then ground-breaking dream, and in a nation where ā at least ostensibly ā much of that dream has been realized.
The movement was a model for countless others, including the LGBT rights push, which has shared nonviolence tenets and even leaders like gay, black activist Bayard Rustin.
Yet most similarities end there.
While fruits of the civil rights movement are evident in modern America ā apparent in a widening black middle class and a black first family in the White House, for instance ā the gay rights movement’s successes have been slower coming.
Same-sex marriage rights remain tenuous and limited to a handful of states; despite hate crime legislation, the threat of violence continues to deny many gays and lesbians a basic sense of safety in their hometowns.
As the nation prepares to welcome King to the National Mall, community leaders share their outlook on the LGBT movement with the Washington Blade ā from a California group using civil unrest to humanize the struggle; to the partner of late gay and civil rights icon Bayard Rustin working to keep his ideals alive; to former NAACP leader Julian Bond, who uses his status as a key historic civil rights figure to promote the LGBT rights struggle as a modern civil rights fight.
They point to entrenched faith-based bigotry, and even a lack of movement cohesion, as obstacles. But each believes that by using King’s model of continued struggle, the LGBT dream of full equality can be achieved.
Images of change
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. sitting in an Alabama jail cell. Firefighters battering blacks with powerful jets of water. Jeering whites pouring condiments over the heads of stoic lunch counter protesters.
They’re images that moved activist Robin McGehee, as a child growing up in Jackson, Miss.
And today as executive director of GetEqual, she organizes demonstrations to create actions and images she hopes will drive home the plight of gay and lesbian men and women just as powerfully. An absence of such visual tools encouraged McGehee to form the group, with offices in Berkeley, Calif., and Washington, D.C., in January 2010.
“We had that in reference to the AIDS movement in ACT-UP, and fighting for adequate health care. But in reference to a full civil rights fight for equality, I couldn’t think of one iconic action,” she said.
The group has orchestrated more than 40 actions in the last year, including one in which military veterans handcuffed themselves to the White House fence to protest “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
The group honed use of such actions at the Highlander Research and Education Center, a New Market, Tenn., center that trained members of the original civil rights movement. McGehee and other LGBT equality activists underwent training at the historic center in January 2010.
“Not until you can give literal imagery to that discrimination do people really resonate or get it,” McGehee said.
Yet despite mirroring the earlier movementās successful tactics, activists’ success in mainstreaming LGBT rights remains light years behind that of racial equality ā something McGehee blames on entrenched religious bigotry.
“We’ve gotten into a moment where people are using the Bible as a weapon,” said McGehee, pointing out that while religious rhetoric once justified slavery and racism, cultural changes eventually erased such thinking. “… I don’t think we’ve jumped that hurdle with regard to gays.”
McGehee is encouraged, however, by more subtle success in incorporating gays and lesbians socially. Just a few years after Ellen DeGeneres thought twice about coming out on TV, realistic portrayals of gays and lesbians are common on TV.
“In time,” she said, “I think we’re gonna get there.”
A life of service
Walter Naegle had certainly heard of Bayard Rustin, the relentlessly active civil rights agitator who gained as much notoriety for his efforts to win black equality as for his open homosexuality.
But on the day he ran into the civil rights legend on a New York City corner in April 1977, he didnāt recognize him: Rustin wasn’t carrying his trademark walking stick.
“When he gave me his name, I knew,” said Naegle, whose chance meeting with Rustin lead to a 10-year relationship that ended only when the activist died in 1987.
More than two decades later, Naegle keeps Rustin’s ideals alive, working with filmmakers to promote “Brother Outsider,” a portrayal of Rustin’s story, executing his estate and generally overseeing the use of his image.
He believes Rustin’s courage, openness and tireless work ā he was in his 70s and still agitating when he died ā have helped make him resonate as an icon of the human rights movement.
By the time Naegle met Rustin, the activist had long been a legend. Rustin had worked with A. Philip Randolph to strengthen relationships between blacks and labor unions, but was perhaps best known for his role organizing the 1963 March on Washington.
He’d also become a gay rights icon before it was fashionable: Rustin was essentially outed in 1953 when he was arrested on a “morals charge,” yet he refused to deny the charges or his sexual orientation.
“He didn’t have to hide anything,” he said. “He was just going to be who he was and let the chips fall where they may.”
Rustin would pay the price for that openness.
“Whenever he would rise to a certain level, particularly in the African-American civil rights movement but also in other movements, something would happen and someone would try to chop him down,” Naegle said.
Nonetheless, “He was not defeated. He didn’t turn around and stop his activism ā he just worked on the sidelines.”
Rustin remained active with several organizations, including the A. Philip Randolph Institute and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, at the time of his death.
Years later, his story still has the power to inspire. Naegle said a book of his letters is slated for publication in March, in time for what would have been Rustin’s 100th birthday.
Naegle believes his partner would have been “heartened” to see marriage equality happen in even one state. But he wouldn’t have been satisfied with limited success.
“It’s fine to have these victories in urban areas,” Naegle said. “But people all over the country should be entitled to the same thing.”
āGay and lesbian rights are not āspecialā rightsā
Julian Bondās new fight
Where others may see conflict between the black and gay rights agendas, Julian Bond sees similarities.
Both groups struggle against bigotry based on personal characteristics. Both are entitled to basic rights by the same Constitution. And both benefit from each others’ successes.
Indeed, he argues, “People of color ought to be flattered that our movement has provided so much inspiration for others ā that it has been so widely imitated,” Bond, who works as an adjunct professor at American University, told the Blade.
The man who has worn many hats as a Georgia lawmaker and leader with both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP, has more recently directed his outspoken energies to the conflict between civil rights and gay rights advocates.
It’s a particularly touchy dispute. Old school civil rights leaders and even some black gays bristle at LGBT activists’ use of King’s rhetoric to promote their agenda as aĀ modern civil rights movement. Some site racial divisions within the LGBT movement, and argue that discrimination faced by gays isn’t as harsh as that faced by blacks.
Yet for Bond, there isn’t much of a dispute: The two groups must lock arms.
“Many gays and lesbians worked side by side with me in the ’60s civil rights movement. Am I now to tell them thanks for risking life and limb helping me win my rights, but they are excluded because of a condition of their birth?” he said. “That they cannot share now in the victories they helped to win?”
Bond has lent his outspoken rhetoric and organizational skills to many causes over the years.
While a student at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, in the ’60s, he helped organize the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he was the first president of the SPLC and was board chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1998 to 2010.
He’s become one of the most vocal mainstream voices in the movement to promote equal treatment for gays and lesbians, going as far as to boycott the funeral of King widow Coretta Scott King in 2006 after the services were arranged at an anti-gay church.
In July, Bond spoke at an NAACP forum discussing gay and lesbian issues in the black community, featuring openly gay black comedian Wanda Sykes and CNN anchor Don Lemon.
“People of color carry the badge of who we are on our faces. But we are far from the only people suffering discrimination,” Bond said. “Sadly so do many others. They deserve the law’s protections and civil rights too.”
Bondās comments stand in contrast to the black community’s historically conservative stance on gay issues.
Yet he said one need only look at the personal examples set by the lauded civil rights leaders to see whether such thinking is in line with King’s dream.
“We cannot know what Dr. King would have thought about today’s GLBT movements,” Bond said. “But if we consider the prominent role his widow, Coretta Scott King, occupied in speaking out on GLBT rights, it is hard to believe that he would not have done the same.”
Real Estate
Transform your home with energy-efficient LED lighting
Add sconces, lamps, outdoor accents, and more
The light-emitting diode (LED) is todayās most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology. Quality LED light bulbs not only last longer but are more durable and provide comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting. In fact, the inventors of the LED were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for their groundbreaking invention. This simple bulb has transformed how we light our homes, significantly reducing energy usage and reshaping the future of home lighting.
When incorporated effectively, LED lights into your home can create a visually appealing as well as an energy-efficient environment. Letās both save on electricity bills and also do this aesthetically well.
As the real estate market in Washington, D.C., continues to evolve, landlords are constantly looking for ways to make their properties more appealing to tenants. One of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades a property owner can make is improving the lighting in their rental units, particularly by using LED lighting. LED technology offers a range of benefits that can transform spaces, improve energy efficiency, and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Incorporating Downlighting with LED Technology
LED downlights are a popular choice for those looking to add modern, subtle lighting to their homes. According to a post on Quora by contributor Nick Chris, “LED downlights can be installed in ceilings to provide direct and focused lighting, perfect for task-oriented areas like kitchens or bathrooms.” The post also highlights that downlights can be used in living rooms to create ambient lighting, adding that “LED downlights are a great option for areas where you want to minimize the visibility of the light fixture itself while maximizing the impact of the light.”
By using LED downlights strategically, you can direct light exactly where you need it, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Lighting Dark Spaces: Transforming Basements and Beyond
One of the biggest challenges landlords face is making dark or poorly lit areas more inviting, especially in basements. LED lighting, particularly flat ceiling spots, can dramatically change the ambience of these spaces. Many basements in older homes or rental units can feel dark and uninviting, but by installing LED ceiling fixtures, landlords can make these areas bright, warm, and attractive. Tenants often respond positively to these improvements, as a well-lit basement can shift the overall perception of a property from gloomy to welcoming.
The key benefit of these LED fixtures is that they donāt require much ceiling space, making them easy to install in areas with lower ceilings. This is particularly useful in basements, where ceiling height is often limited. Additionally, these lights can be strategically placed to maximize illumination without overcrowding the room, allowing for better use of the space.
Customizing the Mood
LED lighting provides not only brightness but also versatility. One of the standout features is the ability to adjust both the color temperature and the brightness level. This allows for light customization, from bright, crisp white to a softer, more soothing yellow. For landlords, this flexibility helps in creating comfortable and appealing environments that can suit a wide range of tenant preferences, whether in living rooms, bedrooms, or basements.
Many LED fixtures also come with dimmable options, giving both landlords and tenants more control over the lighting. In practice, this means the lighting can be adapted for different times of the day or for various activities, making it a versatile choice for rental properties.
Energy Efficiency
Another major advantage of LED lighting is its cost-saving potential. LEDs consume only a fraction of the energy required by traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs, leading to significantly lower electricity bills. This is beneficial for landlords in common areas or in rental units where utilities are included in the rent, as well as for tenants who are responsible for their own utility payments.
With LEDs, landlords can also reduce maintenance costs, as these bulbs last much longer than traditional ones and do not need to be replaced as frequently. This durability is a major asset, particularly in rental properties where long-term reliability is essential.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Lighting improvements aren’t limited to interiors. LED bulbs can also be used effectively in exterior fixtures to enhance curb appeal. Bright, efficient lighting in entryways, pathways, and parking areas not only makes properties more attractive, but also improves safety for tenants returning home after dark.
By installing LED lighting outdoors, landlords can create a welcoming and secure environment for tenants, further increasing the value and desirability of their rental properties. Additionally, the long-lasting nature of LED bulbs means exterior lighting can remain functional for extended periods without the need for frequent replacements.
Tailoring LED Lighting to Each Property
When it comes to lighting solutions, one size does not fit all. LED lighting offers the flexibility to tailor lighting solutions based on the specific needs of each property. Whether upgrading overhead fixtures in living spaces or installing adjustable LED spots in dim basements, landlords can use LED lighting to enhance their properties’ function and appeal. By investing in high-quality fixtures and leveraging the energy efficiency, versatility, and brightness of LEDs, landlords can improve tenant satisfaction and retention, making their properties more competitive in the rental market.
Practical and Decorative Uses for LED Lights
LEDs arenāt just for basic lighting needs; they can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces. Here are some creative ways to incorporate LED lighting into your home:
Accent Lighting: Under-Cabinet Lighting: LED strips installed under kitchen cabinets not only illuminate your countertops but also add a sleek, modern touch.
Bookshelves and Display Cases: Showcase your favorite books or collectibles by integrating LEDs into your shelves.
Toe-Kick Lighting: Installing LED strips along baseboards or under bathroom and kitchen cabinets adds a subtle and modern glow.
Task Lighting
Desk Lamps: For workspaces, LED desk lamps provide focused, bright light, which can reduce eye strain.
Reading Nooks: Place LED floor or table lamps in cozy corners to create well-lit spaces perfect for reading.
Ambient Lighting
Cove Lighting: Install LED strips in ceiling recesses or coves to create indirect lighting that adds depth and softness to any room.
Wall Sconces: Use LED sconces in hallways or living rooms for soft, ambient lighting.
Decorative Lighting
Fairy Lights: String LED fairy lights over headboards, furniture, or windows to create a whimsical and cozy atmosphere.
LED Candles: Opt for LED candles that offer a flickering effect without the fire risk, perfect for creating a warm ambiance.
Outdoor Lighting
Pathway Lights: Enhance safety and beauty by lining your walkways with LED pathway lights.
Deck Lighting: Embed LEDs into decks or stairs to illuminate your outdoor spaces for nighttime gatherings.
Holiday Decorations
Christmas Lights: LED lights are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree or mantels, providing a festive and energy-efficient glow.
Functional Lighting
Closets: Brighten up closets by installing small LED fixtures for better visibility.
Garages and Basements: Use powerful LED lights in garages and basements for well-lit, functional spaces.
Tips for Effective LED Lighting
Plan Your Design: Thoughtfully plan your LED lighting layout to enhance both functionality and design.
Choose the Right Color Temperature: Warm white (2700K-3000K) is perfect for cozy spaces like bedrooms, while neutral white (3500K-4100K) works well in kitchens and workspaces. For bright areas, opt for daylight (5000K-6500K).
Ensure Dimmer Compatibility: If you plan to use dimmable LED lights, check that they are compatible with your dimmer switches.
Energy Efficiency: Always look for LED lights with high energy ratings to maximize your savings.
Whether you’re upgrading your homeās lighting or planning for a renovation, LED lights offer a versatile and energy-efficient solution that can significantly reduce your electricity costs. By incorporating LED technology into your lighting design, youāre not only creating a more comfortable and appealing living space but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager at Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com.
Business
Small businesses and a big plan
Kamala Harrisās plan could impact D.C. small LGBTQ-owned establishments
One of the unique aspects of living and working in Washington is that residents constantly witness how presidential elections shape policy and, in turn, how those policies directly impact daily life.
For some people, policy changes seem irrelevant, but for a growing number of Americans working in small businesses, presidential policy is crucial. These policy shifts that change with the sitting president can often mean the difference between having a thriving business, or no job at all.
In September, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her economic plan to help small businesses grow. This plan, which she has called her āEntrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Plan,ā attempts to address some of the biggest issues that small business owners face when starting and growing their businesses.
The Washington Blade sat down with several LGBTQ business owners in Washington to discuss how they feel the vice presidentās plan could impact them if she gets elected.
David Burton, the owner of the Capital Candy Jar, a candy maker and shop, was excited to hear about the policyās goal to increase access to capital for underserved communities, especially within the LGBTQ community.
When he began his candy business 10 years ago, Burton lacked the large access to capital he needed to get things started, so he relied on generous hello from family and friends.
āThis is going to be a game changer for a lot of startups,ā Burton said. āWhen I was first starting out I was calling friends and family and maxing out every credit card I had, begging people to loan me money for three or four months until I could get through the holiday season and pay them. Luckily, I had some very generous and really kind people in my life that were able to help me.ā
This issue of high startup costs is not unusual for small businesses. These high initial costs can act as a barrier for potential entrepreneurs.
Jimmy Hopper, owner of Three Fifty Bakery in Dupont Circle, says he experienced these issues when he opened the bakery 10 years ago.
āFor new business, it’s really tough,ā Hopper said. āYou can either use your own money or you get loans from friends because banks will not give you a loan unless you have collateral. When I opened the bakery, I pretty much spent all of my savings, my retirement, everything to open the bakery, because there was nothing available for me.ā
One of the ways the vice president is attempting to alleviate this stress of high startup costs is by launching the largest-ever direct federal investment in small business incubators and accelerators. This program would provide small businesses with resources, mentorship, and networks during the first few years of the company to encourage growth.
In her policy, Harris wants to change the startup expense deduction of $5,000 to $50,000, which is 10 times bigger than it stands now.
Joshua Hill, the co-founder and principal at Hill & Hurtt Architects and president of the Equality Chamber of Commerce, Washingtonās nonprofit LGBTQ business organization, feels this policy could especially help LGBTQ business owners when starting up.
āI think so many LGBTQ businesses, and potential future business owners are starting at a disadvantage, potentially, right?ā Hill said. āThey have been discriminated against in their workplace. So they launch their own business. And in the D.C. area, it’s a lot better than it is in other parts of the country, for sure, or other parts of the world, but they’re still starting at a disadvantage.ā
Hill continued, saying that providing this access to capital is one clear way to alleviate these disadvantages.
āMost people don’t have the opportunity to sock away 50K for living expenses while they’re making nothing and building their business,ā he said. āI think that, certainly for me, would have helped just move things along more quickly.ā
Another large aspect of Harrisās Entrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Plan is to simplify tax filing for small businesses.
The way that taxes are collected for small businesses in the U.S. is very complex and requires lots of information from the business owner. A very simplified view of this process includes finding the right tax form (singular owners use one tax form whereas corporations and partnerships each have their own different set of forms), report on the income and payroll of the business, calculate their sales tax, claim deductions and credits for various business expenses, calculate state tax, and then pay off the taxes.
This complex taxing process has lots of places where one error in reporting could cost a business time, money, or possibly jail time.
Harrisās plan advocates for the development of a standard deduction in the tax code, like how individual people file taxes that Harris argues can save small businesses time and money by simplifying filing.
Every person the Blade interviewed did say they hire a tax expert, either an accountant or a tax attorney, to help them keep their taxes in line. Collectively, the business owners felt that by simplifying how the business taxing process goes, their businesses could save time and money.
āOnce you get into business, unless you’re an accountant, you probably have to pay someone to do your business taxes,ā Burton explained. āThe problem is, the bigger you get, the more they charge you. And that can add up very quickly, the bigger you get in the more complex it gets.ā
Another concern raised by some LGBTQ business owners is the lack of a unified system for filing different levels of taxes, which makes the process more challenging.
āI think that’s where the most challenges were because you have the state, the local, federal, and it’s a lot of filings to keep track of, especially someone who doesn’t have a huge tax background,ā said Hopper. āAnd a lot of the forms, in my opinion, are unnecessary but you still have to file them- even if they’re [the tax] $0, or you get assessed with a penalty.ā
Hill, whose architecture firm works in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., felt that he was having difficulty making sure that he complied for every state he worked in.
āAs an architect where our business is in D.C. but we do work in Maryland, the income that we make from clients in Maryland has to be reported differently, and it’s taxed differently,ā Hill said. āThat goes for any companies that are a service based company. So it can get complicated pretty quickly. The more simple it can be, that’s another win on the financials, with time and money savings. Wouldn’t you rather be spending that time building your business or marketing or doing the things you love, instead of filling out tax forms or paying someone to do that?ā
Harrisās plan also calls for 25 million new small business applications by the end of her first term. The plan explains this can be achieved by reducing excessive occupational licensing requirements, encouraging states and local governments to cut red tape, expanding capital to underserved communities ā including the LGBTQ community, and by expanding the rural partners network nationwide to all states and territories.
The business owners also mentioned this ambitious goal, which reflected many of the points they had made earlier ā specifically by supporting small businesses and simplifying red tape.
āI think you have to make it easy for people to start businesses, because there are a lot of regulations and roadblocks,ā Burton said. āIt seems that it’s very challenging to learn all the regulations as you start a business. So you might have a great idea, but then all of a sudden, you go to get your business license and find out āOh, there’s all these other things you have to do.ā
I think anything that can be done to remove regulatory roadblocks to starting businesses is going to help, because it’s not just LGBT ones. And then the second one, I, as I said before, I think is access to capital. I was super fortunate that I had savings and things that I could live on for the first year and even partially for the second and third years. But most people don’t have that, and so you might have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can’t afford to feed yourself, then you’re not going to start a business.ā
Hill was surprised to read that during the Biden presidency a record 19 million new business applications were filled and felt if the focus stays on nourishing the small business that make up America, Harris can do it.
āI was pretty impressed by that stat, because the 19 million in new recorded business applications was from the start of the Biden-Harris administration, so three and a half-ish years, and now our goal is 25 million in the first year,ā Hill said. āIt’s a huge jump. I kind of see this as two, as two parts.
āOne is the investment in the main streets and even the bids, would be really important. It’s interesting, because you can walk down the street and you can, like, all over the city, and there’s lots of missing teeth. There’s lots of shops that closed after COVID or shops that have closed because the COVID impact was just too much for them. And it seems like it’s taking a long time to get new folks to move in and start up. I feel like that, as a broad generalization, is happening all over the country. We live in D.C., where I think things are generally more stable than most parts of the country.ā
āI think the other thing would be to not just focus on those main streets and bids in general, but also specifically in areas that need more money,ā Hill added. āPlaces that have been either devastated by natural disasters that are low income, the places where parts of the infrastructure that need to be updated, that are that are falling apart. I feel like we really need to focus on those parts of our cities and do it in a way that, I mean, this is me getting on my soapbox a little, but do it in a way that really is about lifting up the people in the communities that are there, and the cultural heritage of those communities, and not just tearing things down and moving people out and gentrifying the area.
I think that if you’re really serious about this 25 million new business applications in the first year then I think that those are places where you can do a lot.ā
Hopper, on the other hand, felt the focus should not be on getting a goal of applications in, but rather on supporting the small businesses currently struggling.
āSo what gets me there a little bit, is applications,ā Hopper said. āIt’s easy to get applications, but how hard is it going to be for those applications to get any kind of funding? It is kind of everything we’ve talked about with helping a small business. If you don’t do that, you can have all those applications, but none of them turn out to be a business that’s actually opened unless you really back it up.ā
Then, Michael Graham, Hopperās partner, chimed in and explained he felt this could be achieved if more support was provided as the business grows through a sort of government assisted networking or mentorship program.
āI drive by coffee shops in areas, and I’m like āI know what it takes to run that here,ā Graham said. āāWe’re in Dupont, I know how many cups of coffee you have to sell, how many people you have to have come in to make it.ā So when you see a business that opens and you’re like āOkay they just, if they did this, and if they did this it would make them successful.ā So I think maybe if the government had a better understanding, or putting that information out there through all of the agencies that you have to deal with, with opening a business, if you knew your LGBTQ contact for that department that would be super helpful, at least.ā
One thing not mentioned in Harrisās plan that these business owners felt would greatly help improve the growth of LGBTQ businesses is to get a designated protected class status for the LGBTQ community. This status would safeguard LGBTQ people against discrimination from businesses and government entities.
This, although it would greatly help all aspects of being a member of the LGBTQ community, is difficult to achieve. This would require congress to pass legislation codifying the group as a protected class into law.
Burton believes that gaining this protected status and securing access to the 5 percent minimum of jobs reserved for minority-owned businesses within government contracts would strengthen the LGBTQ business community.
āThe full 10 years we have been as an LGBT owned business, and every year, especially during pride month, I get a lot of business from people wanting to support LGBT owned businesses. There is nothing in the federal government right now that requires the federal government to support specifically LGBT owned businesses. Putting that in, I think that it would benefit all LGBT owned businesses.ā
Hopper and Graham agreed, but felt the status impact on directly protecting discrimination lies at the heart of it.
āLet’s be real,ā Graham said. āWe are a minority, and we’re still fighting for our rights every single day.ā
āIf we were both straight white guys and we were opening a business anywhere, we’re not going to ever be discriminated against,ā Hopper added. āA building owner isn’t going to be like, āOh, you’re two straight white guys. I don’t want to lease to you.ā But I could see some businesses where you could go to the landlord and be like, āWe want to lease your space for a kitchen,ā only to find out that they are not going to lease to you because they don’t agree with you being gay. I think being a protected class, a protected minority, would help keep you from being discriminated against, and that affects you opening your business, running your business, or any of that.ā
Hill read through the policies and noticed LGBTQ businesses werenāt highlighted like other minority groups were. That caused him to start thinking as both a business owner and as president of the Equality Chamber of Commerce, where he felt this protected status would allow for a broader sense of community within the LGBTQ business community.
āOne thing that definitely made sense to me was this connection to organizations like the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and if there is a way to encourage more of LGBTQ owned businesses to join groups,ā Hill said. āThere’s so many people who don’t even know that this group exists, but that that is a key to giving those groups access to broader contracts. You know a lot more in terms of supplier diversity and really bringing money directly into the LGBTQ community.ā
When asked if they believe Harrisās āEntrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Planā would directly help them as an LGBTQ-owned business, each person emphatically said yes.
āI think so many people would benefit from this, and the people that we care so much about,ā Hill finished. āIt’s the American dream, Right? Finding something that you’re excited or passionate about and starting your own business. Everyone should have that opportunity.ā
Real Estate
Migration trends: LGBTQ buyers moving to suburbs, small cities
Finding welcoming communities beyond traditional urban strongholds
Over the past few years, a significant migration trend has emerged: many buyers are leaving urban areas in favor of suburban or smaller city life. This shift is largely driven by the rise of remote work, lower cost of living, and the appeal of a quieter, more spacious environment. For LGBTQ buyers, this trend offers unique opportunities and challenges as we seek welcoming, affirming communities beyond the big cities.
Why LGBTQ Buyers Are Considering Small City Living
Historically, LGBTQ individuals have flocked to larger cities known for their vibrant queer communities, social support, and acceptance. Cities like San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles have long been hubs for LGBTQ life. However, recent trends show a shift in priorities:
- Remote Work Flexibility: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, giving many the flexibility to live outside urban centers. LGBTQ individuals can now prioritize factors like home space, affordability, and lifestyle without being tied to a city office. This newfound freedom allows us to consider locations that may offer a more balanced quality of life.
- Affordability and Space: Urban centers have high costs of living, making homeownership a challenge. Many LGBTQ buyers are looking to build families and settle down, which often requires more space than city living affords. Suburbs and smaller cities typically offer larger properties and single-family homes at a more affordable price, making them appealing options for those seeking more space and financial savings.
- Emerging LGBTQ-Friendly Communities: While cities have traditionally been safe havens for LGBTQ individuals, many suburbs and smaller cities are becoming increasingly inclusive. With Pride festivals, community centers, and local businesses openly supporting LGBTQ causes, these areas are actively working to attract and retain LGBTQ+ residents
Considerations for LGBTQ Buyers in the Suburbs
Moving to a less densely populated area may offer financial and lifestyle benefits, but itās essential for LGBTQ buyers to research and ensure they are moving into a supportive environment. Here are some factors to consider:
- Assessing Inclusivity and Safety: Before moving, itās wise to visit potential neighborhoods to get a feel for the local culture. Researching online forums, LGBTQ community groups, and checking local nondiscrimination laws can also provide insight into a location’s inclusivity.
- Access to LGBTQ Services and Community: Many LGBTQ individuals value access to queer-friendly healthcare providers, legal support, and social networks. Some smaller communities may lack these resources, so itās important to verify that youāll have access to the necessary support services.
- Finding Local LGBTQ Groups: Community connection is crucial for LGBTQ individuals. Many suburbs have smaller but growing LGBTQ groups, often organized through social media or apps like Meetup. These groups can help you form connections, find local allies, and establish a sense of belonging in your new area.
Suburban Growth and Its Impact on LGBTQ Buyers
The migration to suburban areas has led to increased demand for single-family homes, which can lead to supply shortages and higher competition. In some LGBTQ-friendly suburbs, this demand has driven property values up as more people seek out homes that provide both the physical and emotional space they need to thrive.
Some suburban areas are responding to this demand by creating or improving amenities such as public transportation, dining, and cultural attractions, all of which contribute to a vibrant community. For LGBTQ buyers, this trend could mean greater access to the cultural and social opportunities they may miss from city life, alongside the benefits of suburban living.
The migration of LGBTQ individuals to suburbs and smaller cities highlights an exciting shift in lifestyle and priorities. As more suburban areas embrace diversity and inclusivity, LGBTQ buyers have the opportunity to find welcoming communities beyond traditional urban strongholds.
At GayRealEstate.com, weāre here to help you find LGBTQ-friendly real estate agents who understand your unique needs and can guide you through the process of finding your perfect home, wherever that may be. Whether youāre looking in a bustling city, a tranquil suburb, or a charming small town, our network is here to support you every step of the way.
Jeff HammerbergĀ is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc.Ā Reach him at 303-378-5526 orĀ [email protected].
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