Is it enough for a business to be Gay owned or Gay friendly?
A heterosexual friend of mine in the tourism industry once referred to us as SINKS and DINKS. He meant to say Single Income No Kids and Double Income No Kids. He remarked that he loved gay travelers because they had more money to spend because those people tended to be single or in a relationship with no children. I don’t think he meant it to be disrespectful, but more as an observation.
We are equal consumers in the marketplace. They gay dollar is just as green as the straight dollar. However, with corporations, local businesses and club owners competing for our business, it is important to ask if they are gay friendly or gay supportive.
Meaning: Do you support the gay community? Or do you just advertise to it?
Here are some things I think you should consider before you get that next haircut, visit the mall, browse the car lot, and buy that next drink or meal:
- If they have advertised in gay publications or openly solicit GLBT clientele.
- Do they just advertise? Do they actually fund any GLBT friendly not for profit groups or charities?
- Do they openly admit they support the acceptance of GLBT people in mainstream culture?
- Were you treated better or worse because of your orientation? (Ideally, you should be treated the same.)
- Are they active and supportive of the local gay culture?
These questions are only the tip of the iceberg. I really encourage you to find out if the establishments and businesses you give hard earned money to actually reinvest it in the community.