Financial

Fla. ‘Pride Leadership’ firm survives pandemic to face anti-LGBTQ legislation

‘Are gay leaders better? Of course we are!’

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2022

Dr. Steven Yacovelli has spent more than 25 years delivering diversity training and developing LGBTQ leaders.

(Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a multi-part summer series of stories taking a closer look at how a group of diverse LGBTQ entrepreneurs survived and thrived during the pandemic. The series is sponsored by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. All installments in the series are available on our website.)

Dr. Steven Yacovelli has spent more than 25 years delivering diversity training and developing LGBTQ leaders, but after surviving a nearly half-million-dollar loss during the pandemic, the “Pride Leadership” author and Top Dog Learning Group co-founder now fears legal repercussions from Florida’s “Stop W.O.K.E. Act.”

“I can go to a Florida-based client and potentially both the company and an employee could now sue me as the deliverer of the diversity training,” Yacovelli told the Blade. “That training is now potentially illegal because of the Act.”

Top Dog Learning Group is a diversity and inclusion consulting firm based in Orlando and has been delivering training, to include leadership development for the LGBTQ community since 2002, initially as Yacovelli’s “side hustle” while a corporate executive.

At the height of the pandemic’s economic crisis in 2020, Yacovelli said he lost nearly half of his business earnings in two weeks. They were able to survive and recover mostly due to his previous experience with Zoom and other virtual platforms.

But while they could increase their instructional capacity by going virtual, and grow through the crisis, the current impact of Florida’s anti-LGBTQ legislation now threatens his small business.

In April, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), whom conservative voters in a 2024 presidential election straw poll chose over former President Donald Trump for the second year in a row, signed the new law he dubbed the “Stop Wrongs Against our Kids and Employees Act.” It took effect July 1, despite First Amendment legal challenges.

The Florida law, though targeting the alleged teaching of critical race theory in public schools, also prohibits instruction that “compels” employees or students to believe privilege or oppression “is necessarily determined by his or her race, color, sex, or national origin.”

This legislation, and the popularly known “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed earlier, have served to decrease Florida’s score on Out Leadership’s 2022 State Level Business Climate Index, published amid a cascade of anti-LGBTQ measures pursued across state legislatures.

New York’s LGBTQ business climate ranked No. 1 for the second year in a row, earning 93.67 out of 100 points, while South Carolina scored last with 33.63 points.

Florida, ranked 31, and Oklahoma, ranked 49, lost points for their “Don’t Say Gay” bills among other anti-LGBTQ legislation.

“LGBTQ-friendly environments are business-friendly environments,” Todd Sears, Out Leadership founder, told Axios in June.

Florida’s “Stop W.O.K.E. Act” also vaguely states that an individual shouldn’t feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress” as a result of the training experience due to their “race, color, sex, or national origin.”

This “discomfort” ban worries Yacovelli as he facilitates difficult conversations in a currently accepting community.

“I look at this as a taxpayer and as a human who lives here,” he said. “But the good news is I live in a very inclusive community because of the Pulse [shooting] and for other reasons. We’ve got each others’ back.”

Yacovelli said his local government and representatives have been very supportive, “but it’s hard.”

The problem of capital

When he was between jobs in 2008, after having been terminated from an executive position without explanation (Florida is an “at-will” state meaning an employer can fire an employee without cause), he followed his friend and co-founder, Ruth Bond, to Paris where he had an epiphany.

In a Paris cafe, he saw a simple yet elegant logo for a French telecommunications company and decided it was time to design a similar, simple logo for his side-hustle and move it into full-time reality.

Years later, he now sees the comforting spirit of his “fur-daughter” Ella, a mini-Labradoodle who died from cancer last summer, in the friendly dog visitors encounter on the company’s website.

“2008 wasn’t a good time to start a business,” Yacovelli said. “But there’s never going to be a good time. You’ll always find an excuse not to do this, but put that aside. Whether it’s the economy, or your own limited finances – just put that all aside and just do it.”

Access to startup capital has been a historic problem for minority business owners. The Federal Reserve Banks reported in 2018 that limited access to credit was a “compounding factor that hurts the underlying health of minority-owned small businesses.”

Many, like Yacovelli, turn to personal funds to get their dream off the ground.

“I was self-funded,” Yacovelli said. “But on the advice of a friend, I took out one small business loan. And thank goodness I did, because I had an established relationship with a bank when COVID hit.”

During the height of the pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program was administered through banks, limiting access to the survival funding, according to a Brookings Institute report in 2020.

Brookings also pointed out that closing the financial and other disparities could add millions more new small businesses to the U.S. economy and with them more jobs.

The National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce states LGBTQ-owned businesses contribute more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy, and in 2015 more than 900 certified LGBTQ-owned businesses created more than 33,000 jobs across the country.

But pandemic challenges continue.

“In the years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ+ businesses have faced severe financial challenges and many are at risk of permanently closing,” Zack Hasychak, Director of Membership Outreach at the Human Rights Campaign, told the Blade.

To help LGBTQ businesses, HRC teamed up with Showtime to start their “Queer to Stay” initiative. For two years the partnership awarded funds to 30 LGBTQ-owned businesses across the country and has committed to supporting at least 25 businesses this round.

Applications are accepted via their website until Aug. 31.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is also shining a spotlight on LGBTQ-owned small businesses.

SBA Deputy Press Director Cecelia Taylor told the Blade about the Elevating Small Business webinar series in June that celebrated LGBTQ small businesses across the country while focusing on financial wellness and the importance of equity and opportunity.

“Equity is a top priority for me and for the Biden-Harris administration, and we believe all of America’s entrepreneurs deserve a level playing field, regardless of zip code, race, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in a Pride month statement.

“During COVID, we’ve learned how critical equitable access is to surviving and thriving, and at the SBA we are working to build better connections to and for the 1.4 million LGBTQ+ owned businesses in communities across this country,” Guzman said.

Still, Yacovelli emphasized the need for the federal government to step up and make the process of procuring contracts easier.

“The federal government is the largest opportunity for contracts,” he said. “Yet, the process to get them is insanely hard. That’s a missed opportunity.”

Yacovelli said it took a week away from his business to complete a “dissertation-type application” only to have it “go into a black hole” without any feedback.

“It was for diversity training for 911 operators,” he said, stunned by why he didn’t hear back about his application. “Coach me so I can make the application better. It took us a week to get this packet done, and that’s a week I didn’t work on any client proposals.”

But despite challenges, Top Dog grew to exceed its pre-pandemic levels, making 2021 its best year to date.

“Are gay leaders better?” asked Yacovelli who literally wrote the book on “Pride Leadership,” which has been widely praised as influential by multiple business and political leaders. “Of course we are! We’re fabulous. I looked at my queer siblings in leadership roles and moving our community forward in areas of equality and justice. They exercise competencies all leaders could use.”

“You play with a lot of leaders in my business,” Yacovelli, a.k.a “The Gay Leadership Dude,” told the Blade. “You start to see patterns of behaviors for leaders that are crushing it and those that are crashing and burning.”

In his book “Pride Leadership,” Yacovelli combines academic insights gained though his doctorate in education and his years as a corporate leader to identify six leadership traits: being authentic, leading with courage, having empathy, effective communication, building relationships, and influencing organizational culture.

Yacovelli pointed out that the LGBTQ coming out process also involves using these leadership skills to navigate that tough line between being authentic and respecting the feelings and experiences of others.

“You have those difficult conversations. You’re having empathy for yourself and for the person receiving the news for the first time,” he said. “That one experience can be translated into leadership courage, and those traits are the foundation for a really effective leader.”

He stated that for trans siblings to live their lives authentically is powerful, and to channel that energy into a leadership role is using their “rainbow superpowers.”

“And we freakin’ need it now more than ever,” he added.

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Real Estate

Navigating the shift: Mid-term rentals in D.C.’s short-term market

Increase in remote work leads to big changes

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Scott Bloom

(Photo by ilixe48/Bigstock)

The short-term rental landscape in Washington, D.C., has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by the dual market shocks of a pandemic and changing regulations. In addition, consumer preferences have been evolving.

At the forefront of this shift is Charlotte Perry, owner of LUXbnb, who has been in this business for 14 years. Her experience and adaptability have helped her not only to survive, but also to thrive in the furnished rental market. I sat down with Charlotte to discuss her insights on mid-term rentals, the impact of recent regulations, and her strategies for success.

Scott: Charlotte, thank you for joining me in this discussion. You’ve been in the short-term rental business for over a decade. How have you seen the landscape change in recent years, particularly with the implementation of new regulations?

Charlotte Perry: Yes, the market has definitely evolved, especially with the pandemic and restrictions on short-term rentals. I used to have greater than 80% of my revenue coming from Airbnb and VRBO, but in recent years, both platforms now account for roughly 25% of my rental revenue.

The shift has been dramatic, especially with the rise of mid-term rentals.

Scott: How did the pandemic impact your business?

Charlotte: The pandemic was tough, I lost 35% of my managed portfolio. All were one-bedroom units in multi-unit buildings. Travel came to a halt, and the few people moving around at that time were not willing to share common areas like lobbies and stairways. But the return of U.S. Foreign Service personnel from our embassies to Washington helped stabilize occupancy. The pandemic also forced me to reevaluate all aspects of the business and become lean and efficient. Despite losing those accounts, my revenue declined marginally in 2020 and then in 2021 and 2022 actually surpassed pre-pandemic results.

Scott: That’s quite a recovery. The short-term rental regulations that went into effect in 2022 must have added another layer of complexity. How have you navigated those changes?

Charlotte: The regulations that were passed in October 2018 and enforced in January 2022 were a significant market shock. The new rules require short-term rental properties to be licensed and only owner-occupied primary residences qualify. This reduced my short-term rental inventory by 75%. More critically, it also reduced the total available short-term rental inventory in D.C. across VRBO and Airbnb, the two main booking platforms. I focused right away on growing my mid-term and long-term rentals in response. The rapid shift in how people travel, along with remote work trends fueled by the pandemic, helped me in ramping up quickly.

Scott: Speaking of mid-term rentals, how do you define that market, and why do you think it’s growing?

Charlotte: Mid-term rentals are stays between one and 12 months, and they’ve grown in popularity due to the flexibility that remote work offers. People can now work from anywhere, and many are choosing to spend a few months in different cities to try out new lifestyles. This demand has been further fueled by a parallel trend in vacations. I see retirees coming to D.C. for a month rather than a week.

Demand for multi-month rentals also comes from the fact that we are the nation’s capital so we have many different renters cycling through: federal government personnel, politicians, students on government internships, government contractors, our foreign service and military. In addition to our federal government, D.C. has a strong network of museums, medical centers, universities, NGOs, and international organizations, all of which bring in staff for several months at a time.

Scott: It sounds like adapting to this trend has been key to your success. What have you done to meet the needs of mid-term renters?

Charlotte: My main shifts have been focusing on the needs of longer stays, i.e, a separate workspace, a more complete kitchen set-up, clothing storage, improving appeal, and listening and responding to changing customer needs. Location will always be important, however the set-up and appeal of the property are equally important. I want my guests to feel comfortable and at home the moment they arrive.

Scott: How do you approach pricing, given the changes in demand and market conditions?

Charlotte: I use sophisticated software to analyze market demand and adjust the rental rates. After 14 years in business, I know the cyclical demands for rentals in D.C.. I raise prices for last-minute bookings or high-demand periods like holidays and events. At other times, I may start with lower prices to build up occupancy, then gradually increase the rates as the property gains more visibility. It’s about being flexible and responding to the market.

Scott: What about the new regulations—how have they impacted your business?

Charlotte: The new regulations did significantly impact my inventory, as I mentioned earlier. But the mid-term rental demand has been strong. In fact, business has been growing steadily since 2020. People warned me that my business would collapse, but it’s been quite the opposite. I’ve adapted, and LUXbnb is thriving.

Scott: What other opportunities have you found in the current market?

Charlotte: I work with Realtors, because a temporary turn-key rental is often needed in the buying and selling process. When relocating to D.C. buyers appreciate a soft landing in a turn-key rental. It gives them time to explore neighborhoods and schools and look for the perfect home. Likewise, sellers too appreciate the flexibility of a turn-key temporary rental while they decide their next move. Another major opportunity has been the demand from homeowners who are renovating and need to vacate during construction.

Scott: You’ve also diversified your marketing platforms. Can you speak to that for our readers?

Charlotte: Yes, the first thing I did was make changes to my own website to ensure visitors knew LUXbnb handled furnished rentals for any length of stay, from 3 nights to 3 years. Additionally, while Airbnb and VRBO are important, I’ve found success using platforms for mid- and long-term rentals along with niche platforms like Furnished Finders and Sabbatical Homes. Depending on the property and its location, I’ll choose the platforms that best match my and my owners’ goals for the property, and the renters we are looking for. This has allowed me to reach a wider pool of potential renters and not rely on any one platform.

Scott: Compliance with local regulations is critical in this market. How do you manage that aspect?

Charlotte: Compliance is key, and I always make sure my properties are fully licensed with the various licenses that D.C. issues (short-term rental, vacation rental, single-family rental). Sometimes a property needs all three. Additionally, for all rental durations under 91 nights, we collect the 15.95% sales and use tax, and remit that monthly to the Office of Tax and Revenue. It’s an essential part of doing business here, and staying compliant keeps everything running smoothly.

Scott: You’ve also explored opportunities outside of D.C. How has that experience been?

Charlotte: Yes, we have the infrastructure in place to expand in two directions. The first is Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware vacation homes. I am seeing good consistent demand with our pilot, so we plan to ramp this up.

Scott: It sounds like you’ve built a resilient and adaptable business. Do you have any final thoughts on the future of the short-term and mid-term rental markets?

Charlotte: The rental landscape is always changing, but we know the mid-term rental market will continue to grow. We are riding the wave of market changes driven by societal shifts in how people work and travel. The demand for flexible, high-quality housing is only increasing. For now, I’m focused on providing the best possible experience for my renters and staying ahead of the market trends.

Scott: Charlotte, thank you so much for sharing your insights. Your expertise and adaptability have clearly positioned LUXbnb as a leader in this space.

Charlotte: Thank you, Scott, it’s been a pleasure partnering with Columbia Property Management. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead for both of our businesses, furnished rentals at LUXbnb and unfurnished property management through CPM.

As Charlotte’s experience with LUXbnb shows, the mid-term rental market in Washington, D.C., offers incredible opportunities for landlords who can navigate the new regulatory landscape. With the right strategies and partnerships, there’s plenty of room for success in this growing segment.

For more information about short to mid-term rentals, LUXbnb and Charlotte Perry, please visit luxbnb.com.

Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, visit ColumbiaPM.com.

Real Estate

Snatching your dream home in D.C. this winter

A good time to get a deal during slower season

Published

1 week ago

January 11, 2025

Justin Noble

Dreaming of a D.C. home? Winter is a great time to buy. (Photo by dmiller/Bigstock)

If you’re thinking about planting roots in the DC Metro, then the winter months are a time when you can get a good deal during a slower time in the market. D.C. isn’t just for politicians and monuments; it’s a city brimming with diverse neighborhoods, chic eateries, and more rainbow flags than you can shake a stiletto at. But before you slip into those house-hunting boots, let’s make sure you’re well equipped for the real estate game in our nation’s capital.

1. Credit Check. Before you even start ogling those gorgeous row houses in Capitol Hill or swooning over condos in Logan Circle, make sure your credit score is ready. Lenders love to see a credit score that’s as high as my hair. If it’s looking a little low, then pay down those cards and keep your balances low.

2. Budget Realness. We all love a little splurge now and then (those D.C. brunches aren’t cheap), but buying a home is no time for financial fantasy. Work out your budget and know what you can afford monthly. Factor in those hidden costs like HOA fees and property taxes. Stay within your budget so you can keep rocking those designer threads without a sweat.

3. Location, Location, Location! D.C. is all about neighborhoods with character. Are you more of a Dupont Circle fan or perhaps Petworth? Maybe you fancy the historic vibes of Georgetown or the up-and-coming cool of Navy Yard. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and price tag, so do your homework and figure out where you fit in. Pro tip: Visit at different times of day to really feel the neighborhood’s pulse.

4. Find a Real Estate Agent. Find yourself a real estate agent who not only knows the market but also gets you — someone who can dish out honest advice and help you avoid any missteps. The right agent will be your guide, confidante, and maybe even your future brunch buddy. Remember, you’re in this together, so choose someone who’s as excited about finding your dream home as you are.

5. Mortgage Pre-Approval – The Golden Ticket. Nothing says “I’m serious” like a pre-approval letter from your lender. It’s the ultimate accessory to your house-hunting outfit, giving sellers that warm, fuzzy feeling that you’re not just window shopping. Plus, it helps you know exactly how much home you can afford, so you’re not falling head over heels for something out of reach.

6. House Hunting: The Fun Part! Time to put on your walking shoes and start touring. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take notes, and envision yourself hosting fabulous dinner parties in these spaces. But be prepared to act fast. D.C.’s real estate market moves quicker than a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” elimination round, so if you find “the one,” don’t hesitate to make an offer.

7. Inspection, Baby. Once you’ve got an offer accepted, it’s time for the home inspection. Think of it as the all-important makeover montage. You want to uncover any issues before they become your problems. Trust your inspector and get those deets — everything from the roof to the basement needs a thorough once-over.

8. Closing Day – You’ve made it. The grand finale! You’ve done the work, and now it’s time to close the deal. Gather your paperwork, bring your ID, and maybe wear something that screams “I’m a homeowner!” After the signatures and happy tears, the keys are yours. Pop the Champagne and toast to your new fabulous life in D.C.

Final Thought: Love is Love, and Home is Home. Remember, your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and fabulous. Whether you’re single, partnered, or part of a chosen family, the D.C. Metro offers a vibrant, inclusive community that’s ready to welcome you with open arms. So go out there and claim your slice of this iconic city — you’ve got this.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243, BurnsandNoble.com or [email protected].

Real Estate

2024 D.C. residential real estate market in review

Insights and trends for the LGBTQ community

Published

3 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

Jeff Hammerberg

The year 2025 promises big changes in the local real estate market as the Trump administration takes office. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

As 2024 ends, the residential real estate market reflects a year of notable shifts, with both progress and setbacks impacting LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers. While strides have been made in fostering inclusivity in some areas, the overall landscape has grown increasingly complex. The political climate, coupled with emerging challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, has significantly influenced the housing market and the LGBTQ+ community’s experiences within it.

The incoming Trump administration has signaled a rollback of DEI initiatives across various industries, and housing is no exception. Efforts to reduce funding for fair housing programs and weaken protections against discrimination have raised concerns for LGBTQ individuals seeking equitable access to housing. Many previously inclusive initiatives in real estate development and local government policy may be scaled back or abandoned altogether, creating a climate of uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, organizations like GayRealEstate.com continue to advocate for LGBTQ buyers and sellers, providing a critical safety net in an increasingly polarized environment.

Trends for LGBTQ Buyers, Sellers in 2024

Increased Caution in Relocation Decisions:

LGBTQ+ individuals and families have grown more deliberate in choosing relocation destinations. States with strong anti-discrimination protections, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, remain top choices, while states perceived as less LGBTQ+ friendly have seen a decline in migration.

Emergence of “Safe Zones”:

Many LGBTQ+ buyers are seeking out neighborhoods and cities that actively uphold inclusivity despite national trends. These “safe zones” often feature strong community support and resources, but their limited availability can lead to higher housing costs.

Barriers to Homeownership Persist:

Discrimination in lending and housing remains a significant challenge. If you experience discrimination in lending or housing, it’s essential to report it and seek support.

At the Local Level: Report incidents to your city or state’s Fair Housing Office or Human Rights Commission. To find your local office, check your city or state government website for contact details.

At the National Level: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (Toll-Free)
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Online Complaint Form: HUD Discrimination Complaint

Additionally, working with an LGBTQ professional through GayRealEstate.com provides an added layer of security and advocacy. These experts understand your unique needs and are committed to ensuring you experience a fair and inclusive home-buying or selling process.

Focus on Financial Security:

With the economic uncertainty brought about by political shifts, LGBTQ buyers are prioritizing affordability and long-term financial stability. This has led to increased interest in shared housing arrangements, multi-generational living, and cooperative housing solutions.

Advocacy for Fair Housing Protections:

Advocacy groups and legal organizations are ramping up efforts to defend and expand fair housing protections for LGBTQ individuals. These efforts remain a crucial counterbalance to the rollback of federal DEI programs.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Climate

The expected rollback of federal protections and reduced funding for fair housing programs will pose significant challenges, particularly in regions already struggling with inclusivity. However, the resilience of our LGBTQ+ community and our allies has created opportunities for grassroots movements to push for local-level inclusivity and support.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the new administration takes office, the housing market’s inclusivity for LGBTQ individuals may face further obstacles. However, the strength of community-driven initiatives and the unwavering support of advocacy organizations like GayRealEstate.com (and the 21+ National LGBTQ non-profit organizations they support financially monthly) offer hope for continued progress at local and regional levels.

LGBTQ buyers and sellers are encouraged to stay informed, seek out trusted allies in the real estate industry, and leverage platforms like GayRealEstate.com to ensure their home-buying or selling experience remains as smooth and equitable as possible.

Despite the challenges of an evolving political and social climate, one thing remains certain: LGBTQ individuals have allies who stand by their side, fighting for equality and inclusivity in housing and beyond. For more than 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ rights, helping thousands of individuals and families navigate the home-buying and selling process safely and confidently.

Not only does GayRealEstate.com connect clients with LGBTQ-friendly agents, but the organization also actively supports LGBTQ non-profit initiatives, ensuring that the community continues to thrive. No matter the obstacles ahead, we want you to know: We’re not going anywhere.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating, GayRealEstate.com is here to provide the expertise, resources, and unwavering support you deserve. Together, we’ll continue building a brighter, more inclusive future—one home at a time.

Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526 or [email protected].