While President Trump and radical voices of the GOP today are not celebrating any diversity by saying Black and LGBTQ should not be recognized with history months, it does not mean it’s not vitally important. Black-owned LGBTQ+ businesses are critical because they promote economic empowerment within marginalized communities, foster inclusivity and visibility, and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse economy. Studies show that LGBTQ Black-owned businesses have many important contributions. This includes economic empowerment by creating jobs and wealth within the black and LGBTQ community and overcoming inequalities. They increase the visibility and representation who are underrepresented in mainstream business and society. LGBTQ black-owned businesses contribute to community building and often serve as hubs for community gathering and networking support. They have a cultural impact to remember history and embrace our unique differences. LGBTQ Black-owned businesses challenge systemic barriers of discrimination and contribute to dialogue to dismantle barriers. Perhaps most importantly, this special business community creates innovation to focus on problem-solving that may not be addressed by other mainstream businesses and that supports customer satisfaction and contributes to a more competitive economy. In essence, supporting Black-owned LGBTQ+ businesses is not just about supporting individual businesses, but about fostering a more just and equitable society where all individuals, regardless of race or sexual orientation, have the opportunity to thrive.
Jason Nunez, Executive Director of Greater Ft Lauderdale LGBT Chamber provides a direct understanding of the importance of LGBTQ Black-owned businesses in our community when he said
“Black LGBTQ owned businesses are not just vital economic contributors; they are transformative forces that uplift our community by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and resilience. By supporting these businesses, we invest in a future where every voice is heard and every identity celebrated, significantly enhancing the fabric of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce membership roster and the LGBTQ and Allied Business Community in Broward County.”
LGBTQ-owned black businesses’ importance is growing in Broward County. The presence of Black LGBTQ-owned businesses in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area is vital for fostering diversity, economic empowerment, and community resilience. In Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, these businesses not only contribute to the economic landscape but also provide a safe space for marginalized voices, promoting inclusivity and representation within the local economy. According to recent data, there are approximately 10,000 Black-owned businesses in Broward County. Of these, it’s estimated that around 3% are LGBTQ owned, highlighting a unique intersection of identities that enriches the business community. This means there are an estimated 300 LGBTQ-owned businesses in Broward County. Some examples of LGBTQ Black-owned businesses include Lyons Labs, a business consulting firm in Broward County. In Wilton Manors there is Fascia Focus Massage Therapy and in Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious Las Olas is Journey Payroll & HR. Let’s take a closer look at LGBTQ Black Owned businesses by looking at the only LGBTQ Blacked Owned social and nightlife safe space for the Queer community in Wilton Manors called Chocolate City. We are lucky to have the owners of Chocolate City with us as anchors on Queer News Tonight.
