DIRTY BOOTS MESSY HAIR FEATURE

Q: What’s one way the wedding industry (or maybe more specifically photographers) can come alongside and support LGBTQ+ couples?

Steph: Don’t tiptoe around promoting that you’re inclusive and outwardly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. If you lose clients because of it those are not clients that you want to work with. Stand your ground and be an ally.

Don’t leave couples guessing… they’re more than likely not only dealing with the stress that already comes with planning a wedding, but anxiety on top of that– because of the very real fear of being turned down by wedding vendors for simply existing and loving.

“IF YOU WANT TO BE AN ALLY FOR LGBTQ+ COUPLES, DON’T LEAVE THEM GUESSING AS TO WHETHER YOU ARE. PART OF THAT IS GIVING OPTIONS FOR PRONOUNS ON YOUR CONTACT FORM – NOT TARGETING EVERYTHING TOWARDS “BRIDE & GROOM”.”

Be an ally for the right reasons… we can tell the difference. Give options for pronouns on your lead capture on your website and inclusive words in your contracts. Not just bride & groom.

Take hateful comments and use them to fuel your energy and do something meaningful. Be visible and vocal for those who cannot.

What we put out into the world can have the power to save a life, to breakdown stereotypes and give others hope to find their voice.

If you’d love to get some additional tips and tricks on how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community – head on over to Steph’s blog where she, Tara Beth & Kelly Balch have an in-depth conversation about the topic: LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: WHY AUTHENTICITY MATTERS

FULL ARTICLE HERE.