.gay Community Spotlight on StartOut

Are you interested in making a positive impact on the world? There's no better place to start than with StartOut, an incredible organization that empowers LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.

Check out our interview with StartOut below to learn how you can get involved! 

How would you describe your organization’s mission?

StartOut accelerates the growth of the LGBTQIA+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. Essentially, we’re the community that comes together to help queer founders get the support they need to thrive in the startup ecosystem.

Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?

Throughout our organization, StartOut is dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs by curating events specifically for our community members both online and in person, providing valued founder resources including mentorship, perks, the access to capital program which includes our investor portal, and creating space for our founders to network and get to know one another. We also host the StartOut Growth Lab - the only accelerator program for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and Demo Day, a virtual pitch contest where queer founders pitch their startups and compete for cash prizes.

As a content writer, I help share the stories of our incredible community members, including founders, investors, volunteers, sponsors, and partners. It’s one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work because it allows me to share firsthand the impact of our mission and help bring visibility to folks who aren’t always showcased the way they should be as queer people.

What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?

There’s really no other organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Throughout my interviews with founders, the recurring theme I hear is that finding community is one of the most important breakthroughs someone can make in their entrepreneurial journey. Without StartOut, my fear is that you’d have over 20,000 members suddenly without that community, which could be a very scary feeling for folks.

What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?

Attend a StartOut event online or in person in a local chapter near you. See firsthand what we strive to do as voices of the LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurial community and how we use our platform to support folks at every level in their startup journey. Visit our website and get to know more about the founder resources we offer. If you’re interested, we invite professionals from all walks of life to join our volunteer-led programming board, where you can help host events. And, of course, we encourage you to donate if you can.

Why does LGBTQIA+ visibility matter to you?

In today’s climate, I think LGBTQIA+ visibility is incredibly important. Everywhere you turn, you can see blatant attempts to silence and erase the LGBTQIA+ community, and we all have to do our part to ensure that that doesn’t happen. We’re no strangers to this kind of treatment. As queer people, our history is marred by these attempts to hide us, but we’ve never let those opposing voices win. Through StartOut, we’re helping show the world that we’re here, we add value to the economy, and we’re not going anywhere.

In your own words, what does “LGBTQIA+ safety and support” mean specifically?

LGBTQIA+ safety and support provides a space for all queer people to live as their authentic selves. All too often, we have to put on a front to exist in the world, which often means hiding or diminishing other parts of ourselves. Feeling like we’re supported and have the opportunity to be exactly who we are is empowering.

Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ heroes?

I’ve always looked up to the author James Baldwin as an LGBTQIA+ icon. The fearlessness he showcased writing as a gay, Black man living in the middle of the 20th century is unbelievably admirable. Additionally, I’m always inspired by those in the community (including allies) who’ve used their platforms to help create greater institutions for belonging, such as Lady Gaga and the Born This Way Foundation, Dan Savage and the It Gets Better Project, and Cyndi Lauper and True Colors United.

If you could give LGBTQIA+ youth one message, what would it be?

Understand that it may take some time to feel comfortable with who you are, and that’s completely okay! Find your people and grow with them as much as you can. Community is everything for LGBTQIA+ people.

Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?

I met a founder once who spoke highly of StartOut because we were the first organization to connect them with an investor who invested in their startup. They told me that without StartOut, they don’t think they would ever have received funding and started their business. This was one of those moments where I took a step back and remembered the significance of what we do and who we serve, and it felt good.

Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?

If you want to learn more about StartOut and join our community, please go to our website. We’re always looking for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies who support our mission to join. 

Learn more about their work HERE