Supporting LGBTQ and Allied Businesses
We talked with to the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s leader about the state of the economy, inclusion and more.
Jason Rae founded the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce 13 years ago. The Chamber promotes growth and opportunity for LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses across Wisconsin, with educational programs, outreach and more. In the midst of a turbulent political climate, we asked Rae to share the latest.
How are your members doing right now?
Our members are facing uncertainty in the marketplace. Whether it’s worry about the economy’s direction or the latest political attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, many business owners are understandably cautious. A recent survey of our members found an uncertain or pessimistic economic outlook. Yet despite these challenges, our businesses are not retreating from their values. They’re doubling down on their commitment to inclusive excellence, because it’s both right and good for business – and that commitment isn’t going away.
Yes, there are external challenges, but companies that embrace inclusion continue to thrive. Time and again, inclusive companies outperform their peers. Many business leaders are using this moment to stand up, speak out and reaffirm their dedication to building inclusive workplaces. Just last week, we welcomed several new businesses into the Chamber – a clear sign that companies want to be part of something bigger. Bringing people together around shared values is exactly what our Chamber is all about.
What are you some ways the Chamber is responding to concerns?
As the leading voice for LGBTQ and allied businesses in Wisconsin, the Chamber continues to advocate for a more inclusive economy – one where all business owners can thrive regardless of who they are or whom they love. We are actively engaging with policymakers, corporate partners, and community leaders to ensure that fairness, opportunity, and equity remain central to our economic future.
At the same time, we’re expanding and enhancing the tools we provide to our members. From certification support to educational programming, we’re committed to helping businesses not only survive but succeed. Our L.E.A.D. series, for example, delivers practical webinars on topics ranging from leadership development to financial planning, equipping members with skills to grow their business. This spring, our Supplier Inclusion Summit brought together LGBTQ and other diverse-owned businesses with corporate procurement teams, helping open new doors and build
lasting relationships. Every new program is about one goal: building a better business climate for all.
How can people support the Chamber and the LGBTQ business community?
Start with the Business Directory. One of the most effective ways to show support is to spend money with businesses that share your values. Our statewide directory makes it easy to discover LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses across Wisconsin – whether you’re looking for a local coffee shop, a contractor or professional services. Every dollar spent is a statement of support for inclusion. We also host a Job Board that connects inclusive employers with diverse talent. It’s a valuable resource for both businesses looking to grow their teams and individuals seeking workplaces where they can show up authentically every day. Finally, if you’re an LGBTQ-owned or allied business, we invite you to join the Chamber. Membership means access to a vibrant network, promotional opportunities, events across the state, and more. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your company, the Chamber is here to help you grow – and to ensure you never have to do it alone.
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Summer Pride Calendar
Celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community at these local events.
PrideFest: Hosted by Milwaukee Pride
JUNE 5-7
Henry W. Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee pridefest.com
Schlitz Audubon’s Annual Gala: Taking Flight
JUNE 6
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Bayside schlitzaudubon.org
Ride with Pride
JUNE 7
Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee priderides.org
Milwaukee Pride Parade
JUNE 8
Walker’s Point Neighborhood, Milwaukee prideparademke.org
North Shore Chamber’s Morning Mingle
JUNE 10
Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, Milwaukee discoverthenorthshoremke.com
Milwaukee Area Coffee Connection
JUNE 11
Milwaukee City Hall
Start your morning with meaningful connections at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Milwaukee Coffee Connection, featuring great conversation, fresh coffee, and a special Pride Month presentation from Alds. Peter Burgelis and JoCasta Zamarripa. wislgbtchamber.com
L.E.A.D. Series: Coaching, Feedback & Delegating Conversations
JUNE 11
Online via Zoom
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s L.E.A.D. Series is a virtual program for Chamber members, focused on giving you the tools and resources you need to succeed in business. You’ll learn new information, elevate your skills, achieve new understanding and deliver for your business. Sessions are held twice a month on a variety of topics. wislgbtchamber.com
Milwaukee Brewers Pride Night
JUNE 12
American Family Field, Milwaukee brewers.com
Thorgy Thor & the Thorchestra at MSO
JUNE 21
Bradley Symphony Center, Milwaukee mso.org
Cream City Foundation’s Summer Social
JUNE 24
Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee creamcityfdn.org
Miss Ruby Bridal’s Bling & Bubbly
JUNE 25
Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique, Milwaukee missrubyboutique.com
Drag Bingo Benefitting Vivent Health
JUNE 26
POP, Milwaukee popwalkerspoint.com
T Time: Trans Safety 4 Survival with Bella
JUNE 29
The Tool Shed, Milwaukee toolshedtoys.com
Drag Bingo Benefitting Wisconsin Leather Pride
JULY 3
POP, Milwaukee popwalkerspoint.com
L.E.A.D. Series: Neurodiversity in the Workplace
JULY 9
Online via Zoom wislgbtchamber.com
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Beyond the Binary TGX Networking Event
JULY 9
The Cactus Club, Milwaukee wislgbtchamber.com
North Shore Chamber’s Morning Mingle
JULY 10
LivingWell PT, Whitefish Bay discoverthenorthshoremke.com
Out in the Kitchen
JULY 22
Discovery World, Milwaukee
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s annual “Out in the Kitchen” event, where you’ll enjoy unlimited food samples from an exciting lineup of vendors! Tickets are on sale now: wislgbtchamber.com
L.E.A.D. Series: Business Tax Information
JULY 24
Online via Zoom wislgbtchamber.com
Drag Bingo Benefitting Cream City Foundation
JULY 31
POP, Milwaukee popwalkerspoint.com ◆
LUXE
