June is Pride Month, but inclusivity is a sustainable practice that should be implemented always. In a recent article for Catersource, wedding industry consultant Meghan Ely noted that in a field built on love, there is still a way to go (namely for cishet planners) in keeping LGBTQ+ inclusion consistent. Here are seven actions that Ely recommends in order to support your clients:
1. Learn, then apply
Education is the best place to start improving inclusion. Use a curious mindset to keep learning and expanding your empathy and understanding.
2. Build an inclusive referral list
Curating your preferred vendor list so that it’s made of supportive, ally-minded vendors serves both your clients and fellow industry pros alike.
3. Showcase inclusivity
Use your website and social media to show that you very clearly support LGBTQ+ clients. Make your support clear in your marketing materials, and use your content channels to uplift the voices of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Refine your language
Make sure all of your communication, both written and spoken, is gender neutral. Your inclusive marketing materials only hold value if the language you use with your clients follows suit.
5. Avoid Making Assumptions
Ask open-ended questions instead of jumping to conclusions, and don’t worry if you make a mistake. Communicate openly and explain what you’re doing to ensure you learn from your mistakes and can use them as growth opportunities.
6. Ask for pronouns
Gendering your clients correctly is an important way to build your client’s trust and make sure their event experience is affirming.
7. Put privacy first
With vendors and clients alike, prioritize getting to know what they keep private and what they disclose publicly. Your role as an ally is to support each person individually and represent their identity the way they desire.
To learn more about each of these seven actions, read the full article from Catersource.
