Wes Smoot 3/3/23 Wes Smoot 3/3/23

Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Stand Against Discrimination to Remind Texas Lawmakers that “Business is Business”

Washington, D.C. — The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the national business voice of the LGBTQ community, stands with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce as they fight to recognize LGBTQ-owned businesses in Texas contracting and procurement opportunities, most recently during “Business is Business” Day at the Texas Capitol. Members of the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce stood in the face of discrimination during the event as planned resolutions recognizing the Texas LGBTQ+ business community were denied.

“We are very proud of our affiliates that comprise the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce, a coalition of the Austin LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce, for standing up for what is right for thousands of Texas LGBTQ-owned businesses that are a vital part of the Texas economy,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson.

The NGLCC affiliates that make up the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce advocate for Texas legislators to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces statewide and to oppose discrimination in all forms against the LGBTQ+ community. The coalition gathered at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 to support passage of House Resolution 155 and Senate Resolution 163 as an acknowledgment of the contributions of LGBTQ+ business owners to the economy alongside other state business coalitions on the floor. Ultimately, certain legislators stated they intended on opposing both resolutions, and as a result, the resolutions were pulled altogether, with formal recognition only being granted to non-LGBTQ business coalitions in attendance.

Alongside the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce, we call on Texas legislators to remember that their economy succeeds only when there is a fully engaged and protected citizenry, workforce, and supply chain free from fear, bias, and discrimination. We applaud Representative Jessica González, Vice Chair of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, for standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ Texans by filing House Bill 2182, which seeks to add LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to the Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program.

Over half of all American states have opted to include LGBTQ-owned businesses in contracting & procurement opportunities, with major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, and Nashville also signing on to recognize LGBTQ+ companies as diverse suppliers. Nearly 450 major Fortune 100 and 500 NGLCC Corporate Partners agree that discrimination is bad for business, and that including Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers is an essential step towards internal and external diversity, equity, & inclusion.

“Inclusive policies build stronger economies, especially since LGBTQ-owned businesses nationwide contribute over $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy,” said Nelson. “NGLCC condemns the failure of the Texas House and Senate to recognize the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce at “Business is Business” Day, and urges Texas lawmakers to pass HB2182 to further their commitment to building a prosperous state economy.”

Wes Smoot 2/15/22 Wes Smoot 2/15/22

Unleashed LGBTQ to Cover QUEER Experience at SXSW 2022

Live events are back and I have to say, few events have me pumped like the return of SXSW.

Every year industry professionals from around the globe meet in Austin Texas to learn about the latest in a variety of industries. While focus for this groundbreaking event was initially centered around music and film, we have seen SXSW expand, every year, into more and more fields and industries— covering topics that include everything from finance to transportation and even oil and gas. If it’s new and innovative, South by is where you’ll find it. This 9-day conference and festival offers insight on the latest in film, music, tech and more through screenings, panels and showcases. There’s endless branded activations and art installations. It’s experiential marketing at its finest.

However, that hasn’t been the case, at least for the last two years.

Actresses Abbi Jacobson (L) and Ilana Glazer attend the premiere of the "Broad City" series finale at ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)

The only shutdown I like is after I read a bitch— but with the rollout of vaccines, new guidelines, and recent drops in Covid-19 cases, group gatherings of this scale are once again possible. People are doing their part and it shows. To that I say, Yasssssss!!!

This light at the end of the tunnel is making it possible for one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of talent and industry professionals to reconnect once again. (Missed y'all!)

Film subject Kathy Griffin attends the premiere for "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of A Story" during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)

When attending SXSW, it's not uncommon to rub shoulders with movers and shakers, even high-profile celebs… But what or who’s gonna be the next big thing is what I find most fascinating. Ambition and opportunity sets the scene.

You can be drinking a beer with the next tech millionaire or attending the show of the next rock band who will one day grace covers of magazines. We all love a good success story. Seems anything’s possible and I’m here for it!

So what’s to be said about LGBTQ inclusion at SXSW?

Lizzo performs onstage during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Stephen Olker)

In the past we have seen queer artists, performers, speakers, and panelists offer insight into our unique culture. as well as LGBTQ icons and allies showing support with important, thought provoking messages through powerful performances, screenings, keynotes and panels.

Film critic and contributing writer Arnold Jones called SXSW “An intoxicating crossroads of bohemianism and commerce, SXSW embraced alternative and queer in its many definitions– quirky, cool, campy.”

Stacey Abrams speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lead from the Outside: How to Make Real Change during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Hilton Austin on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Danny Matson/Getty Images for SXSW)

Since its inception, SXSW, has been a pioneer of inclusion, reaching across cultural divides. These opportunities have provided platforms for under-represented individuals (like LGBTQ and POC) to connect with decision makers that can elevate careers to new heights.

Walt Disco showcase presented by British Music Embassy. Photo by Thomas Jackson

Some of these dynamic queer persons of interest photographed from SXSW 2019 can be seen below. (Zachary Quinto, Lance Bass, and Beanie Feldstein)

Ashleigh Cummings (L) and Zachary Quinto attend "NOS4A2" Premiere during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Alamo Lamar D on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)Bud

Lance Bass speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lance Bass during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSW)

Kaitlyn Dever, Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein attends the "Booksmart" Premiere - 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Paramount Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)

While not all events are currently listed for SXSW 2022 (schedule will continue to be updated leading up to event), here’s some LGBTQ events to include in your SXSW GO App’s calendar:

LGBTQ+ Sex Education for Brands 11:30 AM-12:30 AM | March 16
Speakers: Arielle Egozi, Kayla Gore, Graham Nolan, Alicia Sinclair
A Clarion Call for More LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 13
Speakers: Katie Barnes, Chris Mosier, Amit Paley, Adam Rippon
LGBTQ+ Rights & Politics 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | March 12
Speakers: Rebecca Marques, Ricardo Martinez, Emmett Schelling, Jessica Shortall
Social Media Platform Accountability: LGBTQ+ Edition 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM | March 12
Speakers: Jenni Olson, Brennan Suen, Alok Vai-Menon
Marginalized Voices in Film & TV Journalism 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Dino-Ray Ramos
Tech-Driven Trends in Adult Entertainment 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Buck Angel, Shirley Lara, Sinnamon Love, Courtney Trouble
No Label, No Problem: Indie Artist Steps to Success 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Speakers: Andreea Gleeson, Vickie Nauman, Lie Ning, Hessel von Oorschot
Speak for Yourself 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speakers: Gina Chua, Cheryl Phillips, Aron Pilhofer
The Black Agenda 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speaker: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
How Do I Un-Remember This? 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 14
Speaker: Danny Pellegrino
Inclusion Revolution: How Hybrid Work Boosts DEI 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM March 15
Speakers: Antoine Andrews, Aman Bhutani, Sam Bright, Sheela Subramanian
Meet the Women of Evolving the Gaming Industry 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speakers: Jill Kenney, Shannon Liao, Makeda Loney, Alanah Pearce
Helping Queer Youth Find Joy 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speaker: Brian Wenke

Unleashed LGBTQ will keep you updated on what’s to come as well as what’s happening at the events through the lens of these dramatic rainbow shades. Follow us on social media for live coverage of events. We are proud and honored to cover all things fabulous at this year’s SXSW. Thank you to the organizers for including us. Muah!

For more information on attending, line-up, and marketing opportunities visit: www.sxsw.com

Attending SXSW?… do download the SXSW GO App and link your badge for optimal experience. Trust. No, seriously. Trust. Also, if you’re not vegan, try the brisket!