By Terry Beswick
Executive Director at the GGBA
Iβm so honored to be entrusted with leading the Golden Gate Business Association, the worldβs first LGBTQ chamber of commerce, founded in 1974.
As we emerge from the darkest days of the COVID pandemic and chart a new way forward in our personal lives and businesses, I think it is so important to remember who we are and where we came from.
Our community is strong and resilient. We adapt in the face of adversity, we support each other in times of struggle. And we are always creative and resourceful, seizing opportunities to innovate and grow.
As LGBTQ and allied small businesses, we are integral to the success of the whole area in achieving equal opportunity for all.
Iβve been an activist for various LGBTQ causes for many years, starting with fighting AIDS in the 1980βs and 90s. Iβm proud to have been a part of that and I am lucky to have survived.
And in recent years my passion has been fighting not only for the preservation of LGBTQ history, but for our living culture. And what could be more essential to sustaining and growing our LGBTQ culture than supporting our small businesses owned by LGBTQ people and allies?
Iβm so proud of the work the GGBA has done over the years, and I am so excited to work with all of our members and prospective members, to hear your concerns and figure out how best we can meet your needs in the 2020βs.
I believe that by making the GGBA and all our member businesses stronger, we will lift up the whole community, and make the Bay Area a safer, healthier, more creative and fabulous place for residents and visitors alike.
