Chuck Mace

As a gay agent at an openly gay owned and operated insurance agency it was refreshing to see your informative article about our community, which we have been proudly serving for over 10 years.

I agree with your statement that loyalty to a company that is seen as supportive is very strong in the GLBT communities, but entering into this market is also a high risk strategy.

As a producer of a major city’s pride festival for five years, I witnessed many companies self-destruct within the GLBT communities by not doing their homework. The biggest mistake I have seen is to send someone uncomfortable with the community into the market. Especially at a pride festival where the full spectrum of the diversity of the GLBT communities presents itself to the often surprised visitor.

I would recommend to any business owner that if you, or your representative, are not a member of the GLBT communities, hire one. Otherwise you might loose the opportunity all together.