Celebrating Pride Month in the Small Business Community
This June marks the 51st celebration of Pride Month, a month dedicated to the celebration of the world’s LGBTQIA+ communities. The historical purpose of this month is to pay homage to the Stonewall riots which took place in June of 1969 in New York City, a movement which inspired today’s gay rights movement. Each June, various events are held as a way of recognizing the major influence LGBTQIA+ people have had around the world. Pride presents opportunities to raise awareness and show support for current issues faced by queer communities.
As the world is constantly changing, pride month commemorates history, celebrates accomplishments, identity, and progress. Pride is a rapidly growing movement full of parades, public speaking, festivals and celebrations, advocacy and global community. This month, pride is going to look a bit different due to the pandemic. Many events which would normally be in person have taken to a virtual platform, but support for the movement has not wavered despite these changes. So, how does this relate to the small business community?
Why is pride month important to the small business community?
There are probably a hundred different reasons pride month is important to the small business community, Rhode Island, and the business/marketing sphere as a whole. The voices of small business owners play a major role in their business’ identity as well as the customers they attract. Here are three of the many reasons pride month is important to the small business community:
Small businesses supporting LGBTQIA+ communities generates personal and meaningful relationships.
How people spend their money speaks to their values and beliefs. Those who take the time to look for businesses that align with their values can be empowering and liberating, especially small businesses who could use their financial support. Small businesses who show support to LGBTQ IA+ communities goes a long way in forming strong personal relationships with their customers.
2. Shopping local and supporting small businesses which are LGBTQIA+ friendly keeps the money within the community and strengthens community ties.
When you shop local from small businesses, your support serves as a direct contribution to their cause. Not only are you keeping the money in your community, but you are also strengthening the LGBTQIA+ voices of your community, ultimately making for a more meaningful small business experience, and helping their community thrive.
3. Supporting queer communities and queer run businesses strengthens workplace culture and community.
By showing your support for small businesses and queer run small businesses, you are becoming an ally for their cause. A study done by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) found that 46% of LGBTQIA+ workers say they are closeted at work. By supporting small businesses and their workers, no matter what their sexual orientation, you are consciously standing behind them and contributing to a positive workplace culture and community.
Support your fellow Rhode Island LGBTQIA+ business owners on ShopLocalRhodeIsland.com! Happy Pride Month!
