By Catie George, Director, Communications & Storytelling
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community has a proud and storied history. To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, Visit Dallas’ Gary Sanchez, Senior Director of Community Impact, Equity & Public Affairs, shared with the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) the importance of the holiday, representation in the workforce, and how Dallas promotes community.
“At Visit Dallas, we are charged with promoting Dallas for meetings, conventions, festivals, competitions, sporting events of all sizes, and leisure travel. Because Dallas is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the nation, we also promote Dallas as a truly welcoming and inclusive destination,” said Sanchez, who is also the Immediate Past Chair of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. “At Visit Dallas, we embrace and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it shows in the diversity of our team, as well as the quality work we produce to promote Dallas regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
Sanchez emphasized that creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is only possible with the commitment of leadership—whether it be the leadership of a company, city, or region.
“Now more than ever, we need allies to support LGBTQ+ individuals and causes,” said Sanchez. “Business organizations can play a pivotal role here by promoting visibility and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues by implementing a range of strategies and initiatives, such as the adoption of inclusive policies, the tracking and reporting of diversity metrics (including LGBTQ representation at various levels of the organization), and conducting external engagement and advocacy.”
Specifically, the role of corporations and organizations cannot be understated in this work.
“Businesses can continue to develop and implement more inclusive workplace policies, such as comprehensive non-discrimination policies and equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ employees,” said Sanchez. “Companies that embrace and authentically support LGBTQ+ rights will not only contribute to social progress, but also benefit from stronger brand loyalty, enhanced employee satisfaction, and better overall performance.”
While there is still progress to be made, Sanchez is optimistic about the future.
“I’m hoping to see companies extend their commitment to LGBTQ+ rights through their supply chains and partnerships,” he said, but “it’s been a delight to see more LGBTQ+ employee resource groups (ERG) formed in businesses of all sizes. Having an ERG is a great way for staff to share ideas on how to implement educational and developmental training sessions and celebrations.”
His advice to everyone pursuing this work is to listen, be kind, and be empathetic.
To learn more about the Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement work the DRC is doing, visit our website.