Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Businesses in NYC's Economic Disparity Study

This morning, I had the distinct honor of representing NGLCCNY - National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce New York at the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights & Inwood’s 2026 Annual Policy Breakfast.

My sincere thanks to Jacqueline Aleman, Executive Director for the invitation to speak about an important opportunity for New York City:

Count LGBTQIA+ businesses.

Include LGBTQIA+ businesses in New York City’s next economic disparity study.

LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers are a minority population, but our contributions to this city are anything but marginal. Behind every business is a household, a family, a neighborhood, a set of employees, a dream carried forward, and a contribution to the city we all share. LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers are business owners, employers, taxpayers, innovators, suppliers, neighborhood anchors, and community builders. Our businesses help generate commerce, create jobs, serve communities, and contribute to the economic vitality of New York City and New York State.

Including LGBTQIA+ businesses in the next disparity study is an opportunity to see more of the city’s economy clearly and to make better decisions from that understanding. Better measurement benefits the whole marketplace. It helps public agencies, private institutions, corporate stakeholders, and community investors identify qualified suppliers, direct business resources, strengthen procurement pathways, and expand economic opportunity across communities.

New York City’s Administration and City Council have a meaningful opportunity to advance a fuller picture of the city’s economic engine. Through practical data, stronger policy design, and smarter investment, we have the opportunity to hone a more competitive local economy that reflects the people who help build it every day.

NGLCCNY welcomes the opportunity to work with government, business, and community partners to ensure LGBTQIA+ businesses are measured, understood, and positioned as contributors to shared economic growth for all New Yorkers.

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