Supporting the LGBTQ2+ Community in Surrey Provides Business Opportunity
Without question, increased connectivity has brought about a seismic shift in the collective consciousness toward the advancement of equality and human rights. Progressive attitudes are increasingly influencing the way in which consumers spend their money by choosing businesses that align with their values.
This is why companies – big and small – are focusing their efforts around how they position themselves in these important and ongoing conversations. More and more, businesses are publicly championing the LGBTQ2+ community in various ways and such support is seen as a contributing factor in their success. Simply put, showing support for the local LGBTQ2+ community is good for business because it is the right thing to do. Companies that don’t may risk being left behind.
In Surrey, a rapidly increasing population also means a growing LGBTQ2+ community. Alex Sangha, an activist and founder of Surrey-based Sher Vancouver, estimates there are up to 50,000 members of the LGBTQ2+ community in the city.
“Surrey is a city in transition, said Sangha. Many who are LGBTQ2+ include those who are recent immigrants or are the children of established immigrants who struggle to find support systems within their more traditional communities despite shifting attitudes overall.”
Sangha said that a large segment of the LGBTQ2+ population in Surrey do not visibly see themselves represented in the local mainstream, nor do they feel that they are accepted with open arms. This is a missed opportunity for businesses to attract new clients.
“It is a significant market for any Surrey-based business and showing your support is sure to yield benefits for everyone,” he said.
There are many ways to help establish a LGBTQ2+ friendly brand with small but significant changes, both internally (e.g. progressive policies and training, creating inclusive diverse environments for employees and customers) and externally by supporting local LGBTQ2+ organizations. Many of these organizations are grassroots operating on a shoe-string budget while offering life-saving programs and services.
“They play a big role in helping people, often our youth, who are in crisis,” Sangha said.
“These organizations are critical to maintaining healthy communities and neighbourhoods for everyone.”
With Surrey’s population increasing, Surrey businesses are in the perfect position to step-up and become leaders by embracing the LGBTQ2+ community.
“The more that business promotes inclusion and diversity and signals their love for the queer community, the stronger our city will be.”