Q: Must one be apart of the LGBTQ+ community to join Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber?
A: Anyone who supports Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber's mission and Code of Ethics is eligible to join. Those who support our mission but are not LGBTQ+ are considered an ally.
Q: Where can I find information about Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber's membership benefits?
A: You can find information by clicking on our join tab or please email us at membership@tampabaylgbtchamber.org or call the Chamber office at (813) 687-4993.
Q: What if I'm not in business or a professional? Can Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber still offer me anything?
A: Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber members work in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors representing business and professional leaders who are self-employed, business owners, CEOs, elected officials, government employees and students and retirees. Membership provides more than business networking and marketing opportunities - Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber offers visibility, advocacy, connection with the nonprofit community and support for the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Foundation.
Q: If I live or work outside of Tampa Bay, does it still make sense for me to join Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber?
A: Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber is the only chamber of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. Since its founding in 1983, it has grown to become a strong regional chamber as much as a Tampa Bay specific - chamber. Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber's membership has grown beyond the Tampa Bay Region and has members, from Miami to Tallahassee. Having a large, broad constituency also helps Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber more effectively advocate for those who live or work in less inclusive areas of the Tampa Bay area.
Q: Do I have to be a Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber member to attend the Chambers programs and events?
A: Everyone is welcome to attend Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber's programs and events, but only members may advertise in Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber publications, sponsored events, attend member only events and enjoy the benefit of significantly reduced fees to participate in events.
Q: What makes Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber different than other business chambers?
A: Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber is as much a community as it is a business chamber. Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber members are loyal and steadfast in their commitment to a code of ethics that stands for diversity and inclusiveness, providing quality services and products and a commitment to philanthropy and investing in the future through the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Foundation scholarship program. Most of our 600+ members say they may have joined first for business reasons but remain connected to Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber because of the sense of community the organization was founded on and is still known for today.
Q: Why is it important to use pronouns?
A: We use pronouns to talk about someone indirectly in a conversation. Words like (he/him/his), (she/her/hers), (them/them/their), etc. These words are usually in the place of a person’s name. Pronouns are important to ask and share, if comfortable, because it allows people to talk about others in an inclusive and affirming way.