Page 12 - Demo

12 | Produced by ST Content Studio says Shane Smith, marketing andcommunications manager for the GBSA. %u201cWe're living in a time whereresources are being slashed everyday and one of the ways to mitigatesome of those challenges is having astrong network of peers and mentorsto turn to.%u201dLending a voice to the cause canimpact the state and country at large. Grassroots representation within cityand county legislation can help tosupport laws that can better the livesof neighbors not only within Seattle but beyond. Engaging in bite-sizedconversations with friends and familyabout the issues that are top of mind both here and around the world helps tobuild a greater understanding betweenneighbors. Louder advocacy can looklike writing letters and postcards, calling state representatives and runningfor office to advance the initiativespositively impacting communitymembers.Whether on the search for legal orbeauty services, roofs or root canals,curating your spending utilizing LGBTQ+-focused business directoriesand associations is another great way toshow support as an ally all year long.Organizations such as the GSBAwork to uplift the community in manyways, from providing a directory of allbusiness members to offering a wealth of knowledge for business owners andallies working to build their brands.Workshops, seminars, training and professional summits are coordinatedthroughout the year, ensuring businessowners have the resources needed tosucceed. Scholarships and businessloans are distributed annually to supportSPONSORED CONTENTPROVIDED BY GSBAMusic, events and colorful displaysare plentiful throughout the city duringSeattle%u2019s Pride festivities, but upliftingthe LGBTQ+ community is more thanonce-a-year parties and gatherings.While community members and alliescenter on June as a nationwide timeof celebrations and recognition, it%u2019s a good season to remember thatsupporting the LGBTQ+ communitycan happen year-round.Becoming an ally for the LGBTQ+ community can mean everything fromthe smallest acts of everyday supportto larger, more concerted efforts. Simple efforts, like using LGBTQ+-focused business directories and associations for goods and services, can make a big impact just as much aslouder representation, like advocatingfor local and national rights.Advocating as an ally doesn%u2019t haveto be a daunting task. Joining localorganizations that boost LGBTQ+ voices can help to shine a light onthe advocacy happening throughthe city. Many groups are on theground around town, working toraise money and awareness of theLGBTQ+ community. From choruses to art shows, restoration effortsand recognition of history, simpleactions like volunteering time andefforts, donating funds and attendingLGBTQ+-focused events support thecommunity. %u201cAn organization like GSBA isimportant because it offers communityspace to LGBTQ+ businesses,%u201d Everyday ways to support Seattle%u2019s LGBTQ+ communityGSBA connects Washington%u2019s LGBTQ+ and allied consumers with inclusivebusinesses that value equity and community. As the state%u2019s LGBTQ+ chamber, GSBA helps you shop proudly and support a stronger local economy. ExploreGSBA P businesses by visiting members.thegsba.org/activememberdirectory. ower Connect event at the Space Needle in 2024. (GSBA)Simple actions like volunteering, donating funds and attending LGBTQ+-focused events support the community (GSBA)burgeoning small business owners.%u201cFor LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, the pathto business success often includesadditional challenges %u2014 from accessto funding and inclusive networks, tonavigating discrimination and visibility in traditional markets,%u201d says Smith. %u201cGSBA%u2019s Ready for Business initiativesdirectly address these barriers byoffering culturally competent resourcestailored to LGBTQ+ and alliedbusinesses. Through inclusive training,certification support, free legal andfinancial consulting, and specializededucation programs, GSBA helpsensure LGBTQ+ business owners arenot just seen %u2014 but set up to succeed.%u201d Opportunities are aplenty for allieswho want to support the LGBTQ+community during Pride and beyond.Advocating locally and nationally, volunteering time and money andsupporting the community throughLGBTQ+-owned businesses and services can help to make a differencein the lives of Seattle-ites from SouthSound to Paine Field.