4 min read December 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Stephanie Mahnke, executive director of the Tennessee Pride Chamber, highlighted the substantial economic impact of the LGBT community in Tennessee, shared the chamber’s civic engagement and advocacy efforts, and noted how it is supporting members and local businesses on initiating LGBT+ inclusive policies.
What impact has the chamber had on the region?
Celebrating our 25th anniversary, which is a significant milestone, we take pride in staying attuned to the evolving challenges faced by LGBT-owned and allied businesses in the region. From extending crucial grants during challenging times to adapting strategies in response to anti-LGBT legislation, our commitment to support remains unwavering.
Education is a cornerstone of our efforts. We actively provide workshops covering a spectrum of topics, ranging from fostering LGBTQI inclusion in the workplace to dissecting legislative bills’ potential impacts on businesses. By offering resources and consultations, we empower businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate complex issues.
Our advocacy arm is robust, featuring a dedicated full-time lobbyist and a team of legislative experts spanning diverse industries. Engaging with elected officials through platforms such as legislative panels and candidate mixers, we advocate for policies that foster inclusivity and support for the LGBT community.
Noteworthy achievements include successfully lobbying for Nashville’s recognition of LGBTE certifications. In response to recent challenges, such as anti-LGBT legislation, we established a legal defense fund. This initiative connects a network of legal firms in Tennessee providing pro bono hours to assist businesses facing legal issues. We cover out-of-pocket costs for these legal services, offering a comprehensive support system.
Beyond our local endeavors, we actively promote and support Pride festivals across Tennessee. Our commitment extends to rural and suburban Pride events, where we provide grants to enhance their impact. Additionally, through partnerships with GrubHub and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, we contribute grants to support LGBT restaurants, fostering a thriving community.
What is on the advocacy agenda for the Tennessee Pride Chamber?
We are gearing up for an even more impactful advocacy effort in the coming years. Our lobbyist is returning, and we are excited to announce the expansion of our advocacy team, making it even more robust for the upcoming year. One noteworthy initiative on the horizon is the launch of our “Day on the Hill” campaign, a collaborative effort with corporate employee resource groups and the Tennessee Equality Project. This campaign aims not only to connect these groups with legislators to discuss key issues but also to provide training on effective communication with legislators and clarifying pertinent bills. In January, legislative experts will shed light on anticipated developments in 2024, empowering these groups to engage with legislators proactively.
Additionally, we are committed to fostering civic engagement through candidate forums and town halls. In the months leading up to the elections, specifically in August and September, we will be organizing and hosting these events. These forums and town halls provide valuable platforms for candid conversations, allowing community members to engage directly with candidates and gain insights into their perspectives on various issues.
As we venture into these campaigns, the advocacy team will play a pivotal role in orchestrating and facilitating these events. We will continue our dedication to fostering dialogue, awareness, and meaningful civic participation.
In the face of regional growth, how do you entice new businesses and residents to engage with the Tennessee Pride Chamber?
One notable aspect is the significant outreach we receive from festivals, convention planners, and business conferences. These organizations often explore the possibility of hosting events in our city and are also evaluating the prospect of relocating jobs here. However, a recurring concern they express is the perception of Tennessee as potentially endorsing anti-LGBT legislation. This concern serves as a unique opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations.
Our response to these inquiries becomes an entry point to discuss the inclusive nature of our city and state. We emphasize what Nashville has to offer, highlighting its inclusivity and the vibrant community that welcomes everyone. These discussions often pivot toward strategic considerations, such as how to channel tourism dollars strategically into Nashville and create intentional and thoughtful responses to engage with the city.
Furthermore, these conversations delve into the ways we can foster inclusivity and allyship, not just within our local community but also by encouraging intentional efforts to make Tennessee a more inclusive destination. In essence, these interactions become a gateway to further discussions on promoting diversity, engaging allies, and ensuring that our city is a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
What does LGBTQ+ representation look like in the business community and where do you see opportunities for growth?
In 2023 alone, our membership experienced an impressive 40% growth, underscoring the sustained interest and support from business members for the LGBT community. Notably, this support extends beyond expectations, with major tech companies, sports teams, and restaurant and hospitality chains actively contributing. The overwhelming backing we receive often translates into event-hosting opportunities, sponsorships, and various forms of support, placing us in a highly favorable position within the business community.
Looking forward, one of the challenges we anticipate is navigating ideological stances becoming more partisan. To address this, our focus is on identifying value overlaps, especially concerning economic inclusion. We recognize the need for education to dispel assumptions and broaden engagement, particularly as we expand our efforts beyond Middle Tennessee to cover the entire state.
Significantly, a recent survey showed that approximately 54% of millennial and Gen Z Tennesseans are more likely to choose LGBT+ inclusive companies and brands over their competitors. As part of our future initiatives, we aim to intensify our efforts in educating employers and business professionals. The goal is not only to attract LGBT talent pipelines but also to provide guidance on sustaining them, ultimately fostering a more expansive network as we continue advancing our educational endeavors.
In your conversations with members and the local business community, what specific requests and areas of support are they seeking from the chamber?
Many businesses often find themselves unsure where to initiate LGBT+ inclusive policies within the workplace. It involves considerations that may not immediately come to mind, such as implementing iterative assessments focused on belonging and inclusion. Ensuring equity is crucial, encompassing fair opportunities for promotions and comprehensive healthcare coverage to support the well-being and growth of LGBT employees.
Moreover, there are often blind spots when it comes to addressing the challenges faced by LGBT communities, especially in the context of relocations to Nashville. Factors like transportation issues and housing affordability have a compounding impact, highlighting the need for businesses to address these concerns. Discussing strategies to alleviate these burdens and create a more supportive and sustainable environment is a recurring theme in our conversations.
What are some of the projects or initiatives that you are excited to push forward as you take the helm?
Now that I’m settled in, our organization is fully staffed and we’re expanding our markets, my focus is on extending our impact within the community. While we have been dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, I am eager to broaden our reach. I envision giving back more significantly by expanding our engagement with students and individuals seeking inclusive employers. This includes those facing additional challenges in our communities.
To achieve this, we are actively reaching out to nonprofits working with communities in need of support, especially those striving to reintegrate into the workforce. Our goal is to collaborate with these organizations, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance. With our improved position and increased support, we are poised to expand the scope of our community outreach and make a more substantial impact.
What is the economic impact of the LGBT community?
Currently, approximately 3.5% of Tennesseans identify as LGBTQ, contributing a substantial $11.1 billion in personal income to the market. It’s crucial to recognize the significant economic impact we bring. Despite sometimes being overlooked, we are committed to maintaining a robust and influential presence at the table. Our goal is to ensure that we are consistently considered for equitable opportunities and a fair representation in various discussions.
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