The decision to come out to my loved ones at 24 was terrifying—but ultimately necessary for me to begin living a more authentic life. Still, it would take another decade before I felt safe and comfortable enough to do the same in my professional life.
What held me back was a deep fear of further alienation and marginalization—something I already knew far too well as a Black man. But when I finally did take the leap, I discovered that being open about my identity helped me step into the fullest version of myself. It gave me confidence, built resilience, and connected me to a community that has supported me across all facets of life.
The dilemma I faced is far from unique. Many LGBTQ+ leaders and entrepreneurs face similar fears—particularly those running small businesses. According to our partner, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), there are an estimated 1.4 million LGBTQ+-owned businesses in the United States, contributing over $1.7 trillion to the economy each year. Given their economic and cultural contributions, it’s critical that we create policies and conditions that help these leaders thrive.
As you know, June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. To honor Pride Month, I sat down with three LGBTQ+ small business owners— Joanne Balady of Balady Promotions, Nikki Jax of The House of Jax, and David Walters of E Pluribus Presents and STREAMr — as part of my ongoing Next Street Small Business Interview Series. Each of them is affiliated with our partner, the NGLCC NY. Drawing from my own journey, I focused these conversations on how each leader has leveraged their identity as an asset, and how they’ve navigated moments of challenge and transformation.
While their businesses may be different, what’s consistent is their resilience, creativity, and impact. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch and learn from their stories below.
Joanne Balady
Balady Promotions
Nikki Jax
The House of Jax
David Walters
E Pluribus Presents, Streamr