By Brandon Miller, CFP
I remember my very first Pride celebration, and while it pales in comparison to the party San Francisco throws every year, it’s an important memory for me as it symbolized what a community coming together could mean. Sure, there were parties, banging music, great outfits and all that, but there was more. I just felt it TO BELONG.
It was exciting. It was scary too. Being openly gay in small town Kentucky took a lot of courage. Since that Pride long ago, building and celebrating my community has been a priority for me, now here in San Francisco. It could be watching my boys parade, throwing my own party, or handing out ice cream to clubgoers at midnight sharp. Sometimes all of the above! I need to spend the day recreating the sense of belonging I felt when I popped my Pride cherry.
This year’s theme is “Retrospect and Future”. I can imagine that the renewed attack on LGBTQ+ rights was not necessarily in the back of our minds when choosing this topic. What should be a joyous time of celebration must serve double purpose as a call to action. I hope you come with me?
As a financial advisor working in this community and being a proud member of the community, it has been particularly important for me to acknowledge how far our rights have come, but also that there is still work to be done – particularly in recent attacks on ours Rights with a total of 124 bills introduced so far in 2023, focusing on restricting LGBTQ+ people, restricting their freedom of expression, transgender student livelihoods and basic access to gender dysphoric health care.
In 46 states, these anti-LGBTQ+ laws specifically target young transgender people, and it is clear that we are entering a new era of attacks on our communities. In 2019 there were no state laws banning transgender youth from participating in sports, and now in 2023 there are bans in 19 states. Unthinkable, right? The aim is to oust LGBTQ+ people from public life. Why do you ask? hatred and fear. It is important that we understand the source of the attacks so that we can combat them.
The current status of the rights of our communities is frightening. What can we do when we see our rights are threatened? fight back! This can mean through traditional political and human rights channels, but also through the small things you can do every day, not just in June, to make a difference and raise the voices of others.
community
Be present in your community. Use your gay money to spend in gay or gay friendly places. Don’t give your money to corporations or governments that are actively working to undermine progress. You can search for certified LGBT businesses designated by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. It’s so easy to make a difference.
volunteer
There are so many dedicated organizations locally and globally working to keep us safe every day. Find one or more that appeal to you and get involved. You’ll be surprised how fulfilling volunteering is! Studies suggest that those who volunteer are happier. Yay for serotonin!
You have no time? give money
Do you have enough money to give to charity? Do it. Make a one-time donation. A recurring promotion is even better and can really improve cash flow for nonprofits. Setting up a donor-recommended fund is even better. Build your legacy plan to give back to the communities and causes you care about.
Speak your truth and live loud
Be your authentic self, uncompromisingly the unique, gay little snowflake that you are. We gain strength from numbers and representation. What drives a hateful, fearful tyrant mad? You are happily living your best life!
ally and ask for help
We need our wonderful allies at our side in battle. Ask for help and encourage them to share with their networks the challenges ahead and what they can do throughout the year and not just in June. We really are all in the same boat.
Let’s show the world that we’re not afraid to put in the work to keep moving forward. Happy pride!
Brio does not provide tax or legal advice and nothing contained in these materials should be construed as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general information purposes only and are not intended as specific advice or recommendations for any individual or any particular security. It is intended solely to provide information about the financial sector. To determine which investments may be suitable for you, consult your financial adviser before investing. Past performance discussed under this program is not a guarantee of future results. Any indices used for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested directly. As always, please remember that investing involves risk and a potential loss of capital. Please seek advice from a licensed professional.
Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an SEC endorsement of Brio, nor does it indicate that Brio has achieved any particular level of ability or skill. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its agents are properly licensed or exempt from licenses. Brio Financial Group is not permitted to provide advice without entering into a Customer Care Agreement.
Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial advisor at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan for and achieve their financial goals.
