CABO — the CT Alliance for Business Opportunities — is a LGBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) chamber of commerce. When was it formed and, probably more importantly, why was it formed?
CABO was conceived in 2006 when I was looking for opportunities to make business contacts in the local LGBT community. Finding none, I turned to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) for guidance. More than 40 NGLCC affiliate LGBT chambers already exist across the country, and, with the NGLCC’s support, I set out to find others to join me in the creating a new, statewide LGBT Chamber of Commerce for Connecticut. Working with community leaders to identify members for a founding board of directors, I found a small but dynamic and motivated group of individuals to help launch the new organization: Eniko Mikle, Lisa Moyles, and Scott Healy. Together we launched CABO in October 2007 before a crowd of more than 120 people in New Haven. Since then, CABO has grown its membership to 150 and just last month was awarded the NGLCC’s National ‘Rising Star’ Chamber Award as one of the fastest growing NGLCC affiliate chambers in the country.
CABO’s mission is to create, identify and enhance business opportunities for LGBT and GLBT-friendly organizations, thereby fostering a more inclusive and vibrant Connecticut economy. Isn’t business just business? Or is there more of a case of identifying businesses that support the LGBT community?
Business is not just business. If it were, then no company would invest in or consider the need for diversity initiatives. The answer is the same from CABO: diversity and inclusion in the workplace creates a happier, more productive and loyal workforce. Moreover, supporting diversity in the workplace and in the marketplace attracts and retains a socially conscious consumer. With respect to the LGBT community specifically, in 2008 the estimated buying power of the LGBT market was approximately $712 billion. Market research tells us that once a company has proven its support of the LGBT community with employees and in the marketplace, LGBT consumers are much more likely, all other things being equal, to purchase a product or service from that company.
Some gay people have expressed the belief that employment equality is probably more important than gay marriage. Even with legal protection, is there employment equality in Connecticut for the LGBT community?
Employment equality IS critical and legal protections are not yet adequate. Here in Connecticut, there is NO legal protection for transgendered people. Without full legal protection for the LGBT community, employment equality in Connecticut is lacking. Corporations have paved the way for employment equality.
How big is the LGBT community in Connecticut? How many people are not being served by mainstream commerce?
Commerce by its very nature is diverse; everyone participates in commerce. Therefore, “mainstream commerce” is a misnomer. CABO is not about an underserved market. Instead, CABO identifies and connects LGBT individuals, businesses and allies and encourage business within and among that allied community.
Gay and lesbian couples live in 99.3 percent of all counties across America, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s analysis. In Connecticut, HRC estimates there are more than 7,000 households comprised of same-sex couples — and that number could be undercounted by as much as 60 percent.
It’s important to note, too, that not all members of CABO are gay or lesbian. Many are “straight” allies and supporters who believe in equality and diversity in the workplace.
