LGBTQI+ Executives Attend Matchmaking Forum

Driven by the US Commercial Service Mexico, the LGBTQI+ Executive Matchmaking Forum celebrated its first edition in Mexico City, together with the US Tourism Fair. The event received several entrepreneurs, business owners and officials from the US and Mexico.

The event allowed US leaders to engage with Mexico businesses and find potential partners in the country, fostering an inclusive business environment. Along the LGBTQI+ Executive Matchmaking Forum, the US Tourism Fair was also celebrated and counted with the presence of US cities and states, such as Miami, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Dallas and California. “Dallas is a city in one of the most conservative states in the union, Texas. Yet, it is the sixth most inclusive city in the country. There are many activities for the community and we want to highlight these opportunities,” said Erika Vadillo from Visit Dallas.

Tourism businesses and LGBTQI+ advocates showed their support for the development of safe spaces and promotion of tourist attractions and business partnerships inclusive to the community. “These events are incredibly important for both the US and LGBTQI+ businesses, but also for Mexico and the establishment of cross-border partnerships that benefit both of our economies.  The thing that would be most exciting to see come out of this is an understanding that LGBTQI+ people are a lot more than just that. They are entrepreneurs. They are employers. They are part of the economic base that helps build communities and that is a really important point that most people are not familiar with or maybe did not know until they understand that events like this happen,” Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

As part of an LGBTBE certified business, Brandan Keaveny, CEO, DataEthics, shared some insights on the specific importance of an inclusive lens for businesses’ operations. “There are significant prospects in the field of cybersecurity to collaborate with organizations and companies within the Mexican community. It would be even more remarkable to establish connections with LGBT-owned businesses and extend greater support. There is an economic imperative for the LGBT community to progress and we can contribute to the expansion of opportunities in this realm. Considering the utilization of data, ensuring data protection becomes crucial, as members of the LGBT community might encounter discrimination when seeking employment. The associated risks of being open about their identity also requires our attention regarding how data is safeguarded, ensuring a secure environment for them to be their authentic selves without facing adverse repercussions,” shared Keaveny.

The LGBTQI+ community encompasses a very important sector of the economy, as mentioned by Margarita Alcántara, Director General of Global Investment, Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). If the LGBTQI+ community were a country, it would be the 5th economy in the world. “We are all very valuable as community, human beings and economical promoters. We are bringing prosperity to our community. We have to keep working for the rights of the community. For us it is very important to connect all those companies headed by members of the community to keep fostering this safe space and promote business among each other, to give our countries and cities the tools of our enterprises and our community. We are agents of change and economical promotion,” added Alcántara.

On the importance of generating safe spaces for LGBTQI+ business owners, Nathan D. Brown, Founder and President, Kiona Technologies | Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber, commented: “One of the biggest struggles for our community is to be able to see representation and spaces. To see such bravery and such beauty and acceptance within the LGBT community is a wonderful and inspiring thing.  A lot of it comes down to equity and this oftentimes comes from people in power, so I think a lot of the battle really starts with our allies. It starts with people who can open doors so that we can step through. It is not like we are being given something away. It is just an opportunity for us to fight for that work we want.”

Attendees celebrated the inclusivity lens through which invited companies and businesses work to grant visibility to LGBTQI+ inclusivity. “It is very important for these types of connections to exist because they foster relationships and provide the necessary visibility and support for LGBTQI+ individuals. We also need to highlight that not only are we a part of this community, but we are also individuals with our own businesses and jobs. Through them, we can promote this visibility and respect for rights,” said Fátima Ríos Cardoza, Expert Associate, White BX Project.