Financial
Inclusion? Nike just does it
Apparel company, NFL Players Assoc. among groups with pro-LGBT clothing lines
By RYAN ROSADO
There was a time when the thought of professional sports supporting the LGBT community was unthinkable.
But those days are coming to an end as major sports apparel companies and professional sports associations are coming together to raise awareness for respect and acceptance of the LGBT communityās presence in sports.
This display of support was most evident in June when sports apparel powerhouse Nike expanded its #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 line. The #BeTrue line aims to promote awareness of LGBT respect and acceptance working in tandem with Nikeās LGBT partner, the LGBT Sports Coalition, whose goal is to end anti-LGBT discrimination in sports by 2016. Net proceeds from the lineās purchases also go to the Coalition.
FIND MORE OF THE WASHINGTON BLADE SPORTS ISSUE HERE.
Released in June 2012, the Nike #BeTrue line saw further growth this summer with an expansion including more apparel items such as sandals, graphic T-shirts, tanks and iPhone cases. Nike has also amped up its LGBT outreach efforts by gaining an unofficial spokesperson for the #BeTrue line, recent out pro-NBA athlete Jason Collins. The basketball star took to Twitter showing his support for the Nike line by donning a #BeTrue T-shirt while attending the Boston Pride parade in June.
Although Collins hasnāt officially been announced as the #BeTrue line spokesperson yet, a Nike spokesperson recently said, āJason is a Nike athlete. We are a company committed to diversity and inclusion.ā This statement comes just after Collinsā recent endorsement contract with Nike.
Another out athlete who recently signed an endorsement deal with Nike is Brittney Griner. The female NBA athlete has recently been seen bedecked in Nike gear.
The apex of Nikeās recent outreach efforts to support the LGBT sports community this Pride season was further reinforced through the second annual Nike LGBT Sports Summit held in Portland from June 12-15. The event brought together a wide range of college and professional athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, political figures, LGBT advocates and journalists all in support of furthering respect and acceptance of LGBT athletes.
Also entering the sports marketing LGBT movement is the NFL Players Association. In June, the Association launched a collection of Pride T-shirts called the āOne Team Pride Shirts.ā The Association is working with a nonprofit organization, Athlete Ally, in support of its mission of promoting equality in organized sports.
The T-shirts feature the names of nine NFL straight allies in support of raising awareness of respect and acceptance of LGBT athletes including: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Connor Barwin, Scott Fujita, Steve Gleason, Chris Gocong, Chris Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, Terrell Suggs and Eric Winston.
The One Team Pride Shirts feature black T-shirts with rainbow-colored graphics. All net proceeds from sales of the shirts go to Athlete Ally.
Another organization that shares the same mission as Athlete Ally is the You Can Play Project, which seeks āto challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athleteās skills, work ethic and competitive goals.ā
To achieve this mission, the You Can Play Project has produced a line of apparel products that sport the organizationās logo with hoodies, fleeces, caps and bag tags.
The You Can Play Project has also acquired straight LGBT allies in both the professional sports arena and celebrity arena such as various athletes from the Bay Area (San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders) and hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The You Can Play Project supporters have been featured in various public service announcements vocalizing their support in promoting the You Can Play Projectās goals.
These efforts are starting to make business sense as well. According to a recent Pew Research Center study of LGBT consumers, 51 percent reported refusing to purchase a product or service due to ālack of support for LGBT rights.ā
As springtime fills the air, cherry blossoms are blooming, much of the year still lies ahead and many have started to think about how they are progressing with their 2024 goals. If the dream of buying a house was put on hold when the interest rates went from 3% to almost 8%, and life got in the way of an idea that had gotten onto your to-do list, maybe now is the time to dust it off.
Mortgage lender Tina Del Casale from Sandy Spring Bank says, āThere is still hope the Fed will be happy with inflation numbers by June to finally pull the trigger on lowering interest rates.ā
The rates might not be as low as they were in 2021, but historically, they are still not as high as they were 20 years ago. Some peopleās parents remember getting interest rates that were 12%, 14% or even higher.
One of the biggest questions I get at homebuyer seminars is about is the process. What is buying a house ACTUALLY like? I usually tell them that itās like anything else. One step at a time. One form at a time. One bank transfer at a time. One house showing at a time. One home inspection at a time. If you have the wherewithal to plan a vacation, you can buy a house.
- Finding a Realtor
- Finding a lender to get pre-approved (how much is your budget and what is a comfortable monthly payment)
- Are there any first-time buyer programs that could be used? Is there down payment assistance?
- Looking at the houses.
- Finding one you like, and putting an offer together:
- An offer usually involves a sales contract, any special forms that the jurisdictions require (lead-based paint acknowledgements, what appliances and systems in the house are included/excluded, if the home is part of a homeowners association, or a condo association, etc.)
- Any forms related to getting an inspection done.
- Who is selling the house, who is buying the house, how much is it being sold for, where it is exactly, and who are the others involved in the transaction (title company, agents, etc.)?
- Getting any inspections done.
- Negotiating any changes in the sales price or terms, or credits for inspection items.
- Getting the final approval for the loan and then going to settlement.
Many people get interested in buying a house, but the āunknownā of it all can be daunting. It could be that the best way to think about it, is that like most things in life, you canāt cross every bridge BEFORE you get there. You just take it one day at a time. Some things will be surprisingly easy. Some things will require the advice of experienced lenders, Realtors, home inspectors and title attorneys.
But if the process doesnāt begin somewhere, somehow, the idea just stays in oneās head in the āto do listā file. And then 3 years go by, 5 years go by, 7 years go by. And your friends that DID buy a house laugh themselves to the bank when they go to sell the house they bought 3 years ago, 5 years ago, or 7 years ago.
If you need any recommendations for a local lender or Realtor, please donāt hesitate to ask.
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at [email protected] or 703-587-0597.
Real Estate
Down payment strategies: Financing your home purchaseĀ
Understanding the options key to unlocking the door to a dream home
Navigating the path to homeownership can be a complex journey, especially when it comes to accumulating the necessary down payment. For members of our LGBTQ community, understanding the available options for saving and financing this crucial aspect of home buying is key to unlocking the door to their dream home. Let’s explore effective methods and resources specifically designed to support LGBTQ individuals on their path to homeownership.
Traditional Savings Strategies
Saving for a down payment often begins with traditional methods such as setting aside a portion of your income into a dedicated savings account. High-yield savings accounts and automated savings plans, some offering up to 5% interest in today’s market, can expedite the process, providing a disciplined approach to accumulate funds over time. Additionally, exploring investment opportunities that match your risk tolerance can offer potential growth for your down payment savings.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
A variety of down payment assistance programs exist to help homebuyers with their initial costs. These programs often offer grants or low-interest loans to first-time homebuyers or those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years.
It’s essential to speak with a GayRealEstate.com agent to determine what programs may be available, plus online research into local and state assistance programs, as many are designed to support individuals in specific communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
For medical professionals, police, teachers, firefighters, and other community heroes, there are several special loan and assistance programs designed to help with home purchases, often offering benefits like down payment assistance, reduced closing costs, and more favorable loan terms.
The Hero Home Loan Program provides first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, with benefits such as lower interest rates and reduced closing costs. This program aims to make homeownership more accessible by offering more flexible credit score requirements and down payment assistance .
For educators, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals, the Everyday Hero Housing Assistance Fund (EHHAF) offers closing cost assistance through gift funds. This program is designed to support those who serve their communities by making homeownership more affordable, with no repayment required for the grant fundsāā.
The HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program offers up to 50% off the list price of homes for law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. This initiative aims to encourage community revitalization by assisting these professionals in homeownership within the communities they serveāā.
Homes for Heroes provides assistance specifically to first responders and offers significant savings through Hero Rewards when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. On average, participants save $3,000, with the program offering real estate and mortgage specialist connections tailored to the needs of first respondersāā.
LGBTQ-Friendly Lending Options
Finding a lender that understands and supports the unique needs of our LGBTQ community can make a significant difference. Some lenders and organizations specialize in offering inclusive financial products and resources to assist LGBTQ+ homebuyers. These may include specialized mortgage products, financial planning services, and guidance through the home buying process.
The journey to homeownership is a milestone that requires careful planning and support. Remember, every step taken towards saving and financing your home purchase brings you closer to the dream of homeownership.
(GayRealEstate.com offers valuable resources and advice tailored to meet the unique needs of our LGBTQ+ community in their journey towards homeownership. For more comprehensive guidance and support in navigating the home buying process, visit GayRealEstate.com choose an agent and start a no-obligation conversation today.)
Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at [email protected].
Real Estate
Turn your bare walls into captivating focal points
Paint, wallpaper, statement installations and more
Are you tired of gray walls and white kitchen cabinets with white granite or marble countertops? Have you gone back to the āBuilder Beigeā that was popular in the ā90s?
Your walls are the blank canvases of your home, waiting to be transformed into stunning expressions of your personality and style. Whether you prefer vibrant artwork, paint, eye-catching wallpaper, or statement walls, there are countless ways to adorn and decorate your walls to elevate your space. Here’s a guide to help you turn those bare walls into captivating focal points.
Wallpaper: Wallpaper has again become a versatile option for adding texture, pattern, and color to your walls. Whether you prefer subtle designs or bold prints, there’s a wallpaper to suit every taste.
It now even comes in peel and stick rolls, so you donāt have a mess of water and paste. For some new designs, check out www.spoonflower.com.
Before selecting wallpaper, consider the scale of your room and the atmosphere you want to create. For small spaces, opt for light, airy patterns to make the room feel more spacious. Conversely, in larger rooms, you can go bold with intricate designs or vibrant colors to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to mix and match wallpaper with paint, or even wallpaper the ceilings for a unique and dynamic look.
Statement Walls: Statement walls are a bold way to add personality and drama to any room. From accent paint colors to textured finishes, the possibilities are endless. Consider using a contrasting color or texture to highlight a specific wall and create visual interest. For a contemporary touch, try incorporating geometric patterns or asymmetrical designs with strips of wood. Hand-painted murals are another option for creating striking statement walls. Choose a mural that reflects your interests or transports you to another world for a truly immersive experience.
Paneling/Brick: The shiplap phase may be dying out, but there are still many ways to use wood and paneling in your wall dĆ©cor. Reclaimed wood is a popular option, as are wood slats such as the ones found at www.woodpanelwalls.com. Use them on walls or ceilings, or as a background for wall-mounted televisions and sconces. Amazon also has lots of options for wood veneer available and exposed brick is popular in many contemporary homes. If you donāt have a brick wall to uncover, select from options such as lightweight faux brick or stone.
Artwork: Art has the power to breathe life into any room. When choosing artwork, consider pieces that resonate with you personally and complement your existing dƩcor. Experiment with a mix of styles, sizes, and mediums to create visual interest. Hang artwork at eye level to ensure it is easily visible and balanced within the space. Enhance gallery walls by arranging multiple pieces in a cohesive layout. Remember that art is subjective, so whether you choose an inexpensive poster or a gallery quality painting, select pieces that speak to you.
Photo Displays: Showcase your favorite memories and moments with a curated photo display. Whether it’s a collection of family photos, travel snapshots, or artistic prints, arranging photos on your walls adds a personal touch to your space. Try out different frames, sizes, and layouts to create a gallery-style display that reflects your unique style. It makes a nice presentation on that odd wall going up your stairs.
Mirrors: Mirrors are not only functional but also serve as decorative accents that can enhance the visual appeal of any room. Strategically placing mirrors on your walls can create the illusion of space, brighten dark corners, and reflect natural light. Choose mirrors with interesting frames or shapes to add an extra layer of style to your dƩcor. Try different sizes and arrangements to find the perfect balance between form and function.
Textile Hangings: Textile hangings are a bohemian-inspired alternative to traditional wall art. From tapestries to woven rugs, textile hangings add warmth, texture, and color to your walls. Hang a large tapestry behind your bed as a dramatic headboard alternative or layer smaller textiles with framed artwork for a cozy, eclectic look. Consider mixing and matching different textures and patterns to create visual depth and dimension.
Adorning and decorating your walls is a creative and personal process that allows you to infuse your space with personality and style. The key is to trust your instincts and have fun with the process. Use different techniques, colors, and textures until you find the perfect combination that speaks to you and transforms your walls into works of art. With a little imagination and creativity, you can turn any blank wall into a stunning focal point that reflects your unique taste and aesthetic.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate/@properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
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