By Justin Nelson
As many of you know, on Sunday, Oct. 11, an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans, along with our straight allies, descended on Washington, D.C. for the National Equality March.
While many of you were able to join in this historic event, we know that most others were not. But you were certainly there in spirit as the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) represented the LGBT business movement at this great gathering.
The NGLCC was pleased to endorse the event, and we were proud to walk alongside so many wonderful and passionate people who came together for a common purpose—equality! From LGBT families to advocacy organizations, from PFLAG moms to trade unions, from celebrities like Martina Navratilova and Lady Gaga to average Americans—our voices were heard from the White House to the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
There is still much work to be done, but Washington, on that day, could not escape the many thousands of voices that spoke out for equality. "My taxes are equal, why aren't my rights," read one sign carried by a marcher in NGLCC's group. Another said, "We employ people, we pay taxes, we offer health care, we deserve equality!" And one simply said, "I vote!" These were just a sampling of the messages written and chanted by the many groups and individuals that participated.
As we leave that day behind, we look forward to working with our affiliate chambers, corporate partners and members to ensure that LGBT business owners and entrepreneurs continue to have a place at the table and a strong voice in the discussion. From Washington, DC to Wall Street to Main Street, state and local LGBT chambers and the NGLCC are helping paint an accurate and compelling picture of who we are as LGBT and allied Americans. For that, we should all be grateful.
