How can you effectively network with LGBTQ+ professionals?

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Networking is an essential skill for any professional who wants to grow their career, learn from others, and access new opportunities. However, networking can also be challenging, especially for LGBTQ+ professionals who may face discrimination, bias, or exclusion in some contexts. How can you effectively network with LGBTQ+ professionals and allies, and create a supportive and diverse community? Here are some tips to help you.

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Join LGBTQ+ networks:

Seek out online and offline groups tailored to your interests. Engage actively in discussions and events to expand your professional circle.### *Be an authentic ally:Center the experiences of LGBTQ+ professionals and reflect on why no one may have felt safe sharing their identity with you. Use this insight for personal growth before expanding your network.

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1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, think about what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to find a mentor, a collaborator, a referral, or a friend? Do you want to learn new skills, explore new fields, or share your expertise? Having a clear purpose will help you focus your efforts and choose the right events, platforms, and contacts to network with.

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2 Research and join LGBTQ+ networks

One of the best ways to network with LGBTQ+ professionals is to join existing networks that cater to your interests, industry, or location. You can find LGBTQ+ networks online, such as LinkedIn groups, Facebook pages, or Slack channels, or offline, such as local chapters, events, or conferences. Research and join the ones that align with your goals, and actively participate in their discussions, activities, and opportunities.

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Corinne Vela-Speare (she/her/hers)

HR Technology Leader | Small Business Owner | Board Member
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If you work in larger organizations, join an LGBTQ+ ????? ERG (employee resource group). I’ve had the privilege to work at some amazing companies that had strong and impactful ERGs, where I was able to build and foster relationships with both members and allies within the community. You can also look for organizations outside your work, either within community groups or online. I found Riverside PrideTX through a FB group and became active and then volunteered to lead as a Board Member to ensure we have a safe space for those in our smallish town in TX. It’s important to not only find inclusive spaces for ourselves, but to also create them for others.

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3 Be authentic and respectful

When you network with LGBTQ+ professionals, be yourself and show your personality, values, and passions. Don't pretend to be someone you're not, or hide your identity, unless you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. At the same time, be respectful and mindful of the diversity and inclusion of others. Don't assume or impose labels, pronouns, or preferences on anyone, and ask politely if you're unsure. Listen and learn from different perspectives and experiences, and avoid stereotypes or judgments.

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4 Follow up and maintain relationships

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. After you meet someone, follow up with them within a few days, and express your appreciation, interest, or feedback. Keep in touch with them regularly, and offer your support, advice, or referrals when appropriate. You can also invite them to join other networks, events, or projects that you think they might benefit from or enjoy.

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5 Seek and provide mentorship

Mentorship is a valuable form of networking that can help you and others grow professionally and personally. You can seek mentorship from LGBTQ+ professionals who have more experience, knowledge, or connections than you, and learn from their insights, guidance, and feedback. You can also provide mentorship to LGBTQ+ professionals who are newer, less experienced, or less confident than you, and share your skills, resources, and encouragement.

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6 Celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ diversity

Finally, networking with LGBTQ+ professionals is not only about advancing your career, but also about celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. You can do this by recognizing and promoting the achievements, contributions, and challenges of LGBTQ+ professionals in your network, and by supporting and joining initiatives, campaigns, or causes that aim to improve the rights, representation, and recognition of LGBTQ+ people.

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Amanda R.

Global DEI Executive | Systemic Equity for Fortune 50 Companies
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For those that are not a member of the community, being an authentic ally and centering the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community is the bare minimum ticket to entry. For those that are a member of the community, centering the unique experiences of others is also important. Every professional already has LGBTQ+ professionals in their network. If no one in your professional network has ever shared that aspect of their identity with you, that should cue immediate self reflection. Take stock of why no one has felt safe enough to risk vulnerability with you. Acknowledge this reality as an opportunity for personal growth before pursuing expanding your network with this community.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Rochelle Peterson-Ansari

CEO at Perceptions Unlimited
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While all of the aforementioned networking strategies are effective for LGBTQ+ professionals, I would add that as an educator, I have a responsibility to connect in meaningful ways with all students so that I can facilitate their learning without barriers. Expect nothing less from higher education professionals. Hold us accountable for helping you navigate in the learning environment and professionally. When building and sustaining positive relationships to grow in your career, give allies some grace to make mistakes but still hold them/us accountable. No change or willingness to change is not an option. Move on from those people. And, remember, you are enough. With every introduction, follow up call or email, you are enough!

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How can you effectively network with LGBTQ+ professionals?

1

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3

4

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1 Identify your goals

2 Research and join LGBTQ+ networks

3 Be authentic and respectful

4 Follow up and maintain relationships

5 Seek and provide mentorship

6 Celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

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How can you effectively network with LGBTQ+ professionals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Research and join LGBTQ+ networks

3 Be authentic and respectful

4 Follow up and maintain relationships

5 Seek and provide mentorship

6 Celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

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