This paper explores how LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce creates not only an inclusive economy but enhance social capital and enhance equity and build community in place. Crawford (2015) suggests that market competition is set aside for cooperation in the chamber environment. A proposed social equity model will explore the 57 LGBT+, we examine how LGBTQ+ or Pride chambers of Commerce foster economic and community well-being as well improving quality of life with an emphasis social equity. LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and exclusion across the U.S. and beyond. Ramsey (2021) suggests that “LGBTQ people have significant “social capital” (p.11). In our study, we examine how this social capital then has transformed business communities though shared economic capital ( Emery and Flora, 2020: Flora, Emery and Fey, 2005; Aigner, Flora and Hernandez, 2001). Chambers of commerce create place and community. We examine the self-efficacy though the creation chambers to empower business development and an inclusive economy that is people centered ( Robinson & Hales, 2007: Moxely & Hannah, 1986) . We examine the mission, values and equity statements, programming, and strategies of the 57 of California LGBTQIA+ chambers in this exploratory descriptive study. We examine how these chambers increase economic inclusion when people not only have their basic subsistence needs met but also are productive, fulfilled, and fully empowered to make choices about their lives.
Aigner, S. M., Flora, C. B., & Hernandez, J. M. (2001). The premise and promise of citizenship and civil society for renewing democracies and empowering sustainable communities. Sociological Inquiry, 71(4), 493-507.
Ball, C. A. (2019). The queering of corporate America: How big business went from LGBTQ adversary to ally. Beacon Press.
Bennett, R. J. (1995). The logic of local business associations: An analysis of voluntary chambers of commerce. Journal of Public Policy, 15(3), 251-279.
Crawford, B. (2015). The historical and cultural construction of legitimated interests: the rise of American chambers of commerce. Management & Organizational History, 10(3-4), 230-250.
Emery, M., & Flora, C. (2020). Spiraling-up: Mapping community transformation with community capitals framework. In 50 Years of Community Development Vol I (pp. 163-179). Routledge.
Figueroa, C. A. (2022). Lavender Labor: The Development of Queer Work and Entrepreneurism. Colo. Tech. LJ, 20, 197.
Flora, C. B., Emery, M., Fey, S., & Bregendahl, C. (2005). Community capitals: A tool for evaluating strategic interventions and projects. Ames, IA: North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. Retrieved on February, 27, 2007.
Moxley, R. L., & Hannah, S. T. (1986). Individual Participation Patterns in Community Social Action. Journal of the Community Development Society, 17(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/15575338609490040
Ramsey, T. (2021). LGBTQ Inclusion In Public Gardens: A Toolkit. Retirevd from:
https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/13bb3a52-ea87-4a5e-9fa3-a8563d2ba93d/contentRobinson, J. W., & Hales, B. D. (2007). Models and Methods for Creating Sustainable Community-Based Development Organizations in Diverse Communities. Community Development, 38(2), 33–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/15575330709489838
Socarides, R. (2015). Corporate America’s evolution on LGBT rights. The New Yorker. Retrieved from: https://www.piecesetmaindoeuvre.com/IMG/pdf/corporate_evolution_on_lgbt_rights-2.pdf
