BIZ Online NGLCC

As LGBT individuals and groups press for equal rights at home, on the job and in the marketplace, the focus is often on the many similarities between the straight and LGBT communities.

But at this year's Out for Business event, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's annual business and leadership conference held in June, participants struck a slightly different tone. In fact, the theme could easily have been: Celebrating our differences.

After four days of meetings, seminars and speakers, what became clear is that what draws the LGBT business community together—and distinguishes it from its mainstream counterpart—is its uniqueness, as business leaders, small business owners and local chambers of commerce.

"We believe in a brain trust, selling things together, supporting each other, [which] is amazing," said Louise Chernin, executive director of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA). "You cannot find another chamber like a gay chamber where you know every member is a cheerleader for your success."

Chernin's comments came as she accepted the NGLCC's prestigious "Chamber of the Year" Award on behalf of the GSBA, which is the oldest and largest local LGBT chamber in the nation.

Chance Mitchell, NGLCC's co-founder and CEO, noted that one area where LGBT businesses distinguish themselves from those with heterosexual owners is the fervent commitment to two central goals: building profitable businesses and advocating for LGBT equality.

"Much of our work is about creating a level playing field for LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs in the marketplace, but a key component of the certification program is not only to point out a business's expertise in a field but also to observe the unique contributions of all LGBT businesses," said Mitchell.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that LGBT entrepreneurs take a more activist approach to federal legislative and policy issues than heterosexual business owners, such as frequently supporting efforts to hike the minimum wage or to reform the nation's health care system.

Recently released data from Witeck-Combs Communications, an LGBT marketing and communications company, and Harris Interactive, a national polling firm, suggests the differences don't end with policy. In fact, LGBT consumers, not just LGBT business owners, show a distinctive approach to lifestyle decisions such as travel and spending.

Despite the dreary economy, 38 percent of gay and lesbian adults reported they were certain or very likely to take their vacations as planned this year, compared with 34 percent of heterosexual respondents. Thirty-two percent of gays and lesbians were likely to take a car trip despite the high gas prices, compared to 28 percent of straight travelers.

Wes Combs, the company's co-founder and president, said the LGBT community's diversity provided additional opportunities for straight and gay businesses alike during these difficult economic times.

"There are differences between our two communities," said Combs, "that make us distinct but also provide a terrific opportunity for outreach.