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‘We're watching all year long:’ Local businesses learn about LGBTQ inclusion BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pride Month is coming to an end, but the business community’s support of the LGBTQ community can last all year long. That’s why the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's LGBTQ Business Council and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce partnered Wednesday to put on a new event called LGBTQ Inclusivity in the Workplace. A new event called LGBTQ Inclusivity in the Workplace instructed local businesses how to better include and support LGBTQ people It was put on by Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's LGBTQ Business Council and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Corinne Goodwin, executive director of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, was the main speaker The event at Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center instructed local businesses how to better include and support LGBTQ people, both as customers and employees. The event's main speaker, Corinne Goodwin, executive director of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project,said in an interview that events such as this are an opportunity to garner support from businesses year-round. “LGBTQ communities really are under attack right now,” Goodwin said. “And we need to not only stand up for ourselves, but we need to gather allies.” “As Pride Month comes to a close, we know that visibility and hosting events like this are really just the start,” said Janine Santoro, director of equity and inclusion for Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds’ office. “The long-lasting change comes from centering LGBTQ voices in our policies and in our workplace culture, and really seeking the help from partners and those in the community to stand with us in solidarity.” Goodwin, who owns her own small business, emphasized during her presentation that LGBTQ people are an important part of the market and workforce. There are about 30,000 LGBTQ people in the Lehigh Valley, she said, and overall, the community makes up about 5% of the workforce. Goodwin also said the percentage of people who identify as LGBTQ is increasing in the younger generations. For example, about 20% of 18- to 25-year-olds identify as LGBTQ. “You can't afford to ignore 20 percent of the market,” Goodwin said. “You just can't.” A company’s actions don’t just affect LGBTQ consumers. According to Goodwin, 70% of all consumers surveyed, regardless of their gender identity or sexuality, said that whether a brand is perceived as LGBTQ-friendly has directly affected their buying decisions. “So we're watching,” Goodwin said. “And we're watching all year long.” Some suggestions Goodwin had for showing customers they are LGBTQ friendly is including LGBTQ people in marketing material, training the team in inclusive practices and advertising in LGBTQ media sources. The LGBTQ Business Council also has a pledge businesses can sign to show their support of the community. Goodwin also said many LGBTQ employees have experienced harassment and discrimination in their workplace. She said 29% say their productivity is negatively impacted by the workplace environment. “I will not put up with unproductive behaviors,” Goodwin said, speaking as a business owner. “But I have an obligation to give you an environment where you can be productive.” Goodwin suggested businesses have a written non-discrimination policy, have gender-inclusive benefits, create an employee support group and encourage sharing chosen names and pronouns.