There are many focal points of the GLBT community. Three large and powerful aspects stand out: the social, the political and the economic. All three comprise our identity as a community; all three provide the foundation for progress, growth and change; each leaves an important footprint on society as a whole.

Many of us have been involved in political movements: civil rights, women’s rights, GLBT rights. In our community we participate in the social and political aspects of community life. At this moment in history there is a growing GLBT business movement that works to promote our businesses and direct GLBT economic power to impact social justice and equality.

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLC) is the nation-wide catalyst for economic empowerment of local GLBT business chambers. By unifying nearly 50 chambers and business organizations nationally and globally, NGLCC spearheads the movement for business equality. NGLCC represents our causes and interests on Capitol Hill and on Main Street U.S.A. The Supplier Diversity Initiative of NGLCC gives small and midsize businesses equal opportunity in procuring business from large corporations. And in business as in government, access is everything.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders are putting a public economic face on our community. The more large corporations see us as business partners, and not just a market, the more they understand the need to expand their inclusive policies and benefits for their GLBT employees. These corporations can be powerful allies in changing the political climate which currently sees it as legal in 34 states to fire someone just for being gay or lesbian.

And of course the increasing recognition of GLBT buying power is changing businesses, minds and hearts. Economic clout is a powerful incentive for leveling the playing field. In 2008, GLBT buying power will exceed $700 billion. The GLBT economic force has been recognized and courted.

Some business owners, however, take our community for granted. They offer goods and services that GLBT people want. What some are realizing is that they cannot trample on our human rights and expect us to give them our money. The recent example of Doug Manchester’s $125,000 contribution in support of denying our right to marry has had and will continue to have dire consequences for Manchester’s properties: the Manchester Grand Hyatt and the Grand Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa. Californians Against Hate are dedicated to making the truth known “about those funding the campaign of hate.” To that end they are staging a demonstration and boycott at the Hyatt downtown on July 20.

Robert Hohen of Hohen Motors contributed $25,000 to support the amendment. Individual members of the Caster family and Caster Family Enterprises (A-1 Storage) made contributions in excess of $250,000. See them and other contributors at the California Secretary of State’s Cal Access, Company Finance Web site. Apparently they think GLBT people do not buy luxury cars or storage space.

It is not enough to protest businesses that stand against us. It is time to support GLBT businesses and GLBT-affirming businesses.

We need to put our money where our interests are. The strength of the GLBT economy depends on our consciously putting our money where our political and social friends are.

The Greater San Diego Business Association’s (GSDBA) slogan – “Friends do business with friends” – underscores the belief that when we support those who support us, we are enriched as a community and can flex economic power that results in equality and justice. We need always to give GSDBA member businesses the first opportunity to provide goods and services. GSDBA business leaders ensure the longevity of GSDBA and the solidarity of GLBT economic power. This power serves the whole community. GSDBA has a special online marriage guide to local GLBT and allied businesses for your convenience.

Now that GLBT couples can marry in California, much new business is available. The list of service and goods couples are looking for is long.

Every facet of the GLBT community has a role in advancing social justice issues. The economic empowerment of the GLBT community nationally, globally and locally is a powerful force for progress and equality.