LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group

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  • 1.  NGLCC LGBTE Business Certification

    Posted 01-30-2024 04:34 PM
    Edited by Ryan Gann, AIA 01-30-2024 04:33 PM

    I wanted to pull out @Jason Hagopian, AIA's note about becoming a certified LGBTE business through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (LGBTBE Certification - NGLCC) out of a thread and start a discussion.

    Has anyone gone through this process? Or know some that has? Pros? Cons? 

    I know that a small handful of cities and states have added GLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprises in contacting and procurement opportunities (Orlando, Nashville, Baltimore, Jersey City, Hoboken, Los Angeles, Seattle, Newark, Columbus, Philadelphia, California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania). 



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    Ryan Gann AIA, NOMA
    he/him
    Chicago IL
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  • 2.  RE: NGLCC LGBTE Business Certification

    Posted 01-30-2024 04:46 PM

    Ryan,

    Of course I have gone through the process. It's fairly easy.  I had to join my local LGBTQ Chamber and then through the Chamber the National group certified me and my firm. There is a fee of course for both the Chamber and the National certification.  

    Jason



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    Jason Hagopian AIA
    Neuvio Architects
    Fort Lauderdale FL
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  • 3.  RE: NGLCC LGBTE Business Certification

    Posted 02-07-2024 11:30 AM

    I am currently going through this process and would be happy to share any feedback as I do. 

    First step of registering for the state Chamber of Commerce (Out GA in my case) was fairly easy. Pay the fee and generally move on. I opted to register through the state LGBTQ chamber as certain fees on the national level are waived (apparently, waiting to confirm). Still pulling together final documentation and paperwork, but hoping it is as simple as what Jason noted above! 

    I will say that the state level, Out GA, was fantastic. I was one of the few architects (or businesses representing the voice of architects) in the room. Additionally, there were so many individuals who wanted to learn more, support initiatives through Pride by Design further, be a resource should any questions arise through the LGBTE certification process. It was great to get "outside" of architecture! 



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    Sarah Nelson-Woynicz AIA
    Pride by Design, LLC
    Atlanta GA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: NGLCC LGBTE Business Certification

    Posted 02-08-2024 01:13 PM

    I am certified. However, I can't say that's much benefit other than being able to say that. And connecting me to a broader queer network if needed. This is a great certification if you are a supplier versus a service provider. But I think that's the challenge with certifications as they stand. Some states will recognize it. Some will not. Some will count your certification towards meeting their requirements on RFQs and RFPs. Some will not. (Dallas hasn't in the past.)

    But I still keep my certification up to date. It's easy to do. And I'd like to think the more architects that are certified, the better. And perhaps the NGLCC can move the needle on allowing LGBTE certification to count in more states.



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    Lawrence Paschall AIA
    Spotted Dog Architecture
    Dallas TX
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