The LGBT and disability communities have many things in common, not the least of which is the discrimination they face on a daily basis in the workforce and marketplace.
Recognizing this shared challenge, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®), the national certifying body for disability-owned businesses.
"There are more than 50 million Americans living with a disability, of which as many as three million are LGBT," said NGLCC co-founder and president, Justin Nelson. "This partnership is yet another way that we can seek out and be of service to LGBT business owners, and we look forward to partnering with the USBLN® to do just that."
The MOU, which was signed July 9 by Nelson, Chance Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of the NGLCC, and John Kemp, executive director and general counsel of the USBLN®, mainly focuses on business certification. Under the agreement, each organization will promote the other's certification programs to business owners who are LGBT and have a disability, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between the two organizations.
"The USBLN® is deeply indebted and most grateful to the NGLCC, especially Justin and Chance for their outstanding support and guidance in the development of our disability-owned business certification program," Kemp said. "It's important for LGBT business owners and business owners with disabilities to work together, especially when it comes to supplier diversity. Companies now have the opportunity to address the issues of both communities simultaneously."
Highlighting both organizations' goals of enhancing business opportunities, professional development and career advancement of LGBT- and disability-owned businesses, the MOU is especially significant, as it is being signed as the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA established protections against discrimination of persons with disabilities in employment, public accommodation, transportation, communications and government activities. For more on the 20th anniversary of the ADA, see our story.
