LGBTQ+ founders deserve the same opportunities as other entrepreneurs!

America was ostensibly founded on the promise of equal opportunity. A quick glance at America’s entrepreneurial community more than 200 years after its founding reveals that we still have a very long way to go.

The queer community is diverse by its very nature, but all too often, political opportunism, antiquated cultural mores, and — quite frankly — institutionalized ignorance put LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs at a significant disadvantage, leading to drastic underrepresentation in the business world.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be interwoven into our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and that means ensuring the LGBTQ+ community has a big, bright seat at the proverbial table. 

Sign your name to support equity for LGBTQ-run businesses!

Right-wing public smear campaigns attacking the LGBTQ+ community cause lasting, dehumanizing damage. In some parts of the country, investors opt not to support LGBTQ+ businesses for fear of community backlash. Such hurdles make it even harder for aspiring LGBTQ+ businesspeople to get off the ground, in some cases forcing them to hide their true selves for fear of blowback, reprisal, or financial ruin. 

A 2016 study reported that almost 40% of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs chose to not self-identify as part of the queer community, a number that will certainly rise if we continue to deny them the support they rightfully deserve. 

StartOut was founded in 2009 with a singular mission — to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and build a more equitable future for all. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just qualities to consider when assessing the track records of well-established businesses. Rather, we must work together to foster an economic ecosystem built upon these values so that all entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunity and chance of success, regardless of who they are or how they identify.

Join the fight with StartOut and pledge your support for LGBTQ-run businesses today!