b'PROFESSIONAL Q&AThrough a Different Lens I embrace the fact that I am a gay-owned business and I believe people are super supportive of that- RMI LEFEBVREWhat has been like operating aexample, I write a lot of scripts as an eventsmall, and the events and entertainment business as a gay professional producer, and I wont use the old Welcomeindustry in Halifax is even smaller. We in a region with a limited ladies and gentlemen intro anymore.typically refer and promote each other, LGBTQ+ presence? Instead, Ill say something like Goodbut it is a challenge. Its a shame we Its been a very interesting journey in thatevening distinguished guests and visitors.dont have a chamber of commerce here, regard. In the beginning, I found outWhen clients ask me why, Ill use that asbecause were only doing a disservice to Halifax used to have a gay chamber ofan opportunity to discuss why its moreourselves moving forward, to be honest.commerce, but it was in a defunct state. inclusive and help them understand this I tried to get it started again, but itdifferent perspective. How important is mentorship in the wouldnt pick up. So instead, I becameLGBTQ+ business community?a certified LGBT Business EnterpriseHow do you bring your CGLCCI believe that mentorship is one of the through the Diversity Supplier Program atdesignation into your work? best possible ways to continue to build the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber ofI take my diversity certification to heart inthe LGBTQ+ community. Its why I am Commerce (CGLCC). the sense that I try to maintain that LGBTQ+exploring the CGLCCs mentorship Overall, though, I cant say being a gaylens for everyone in everything. If Improgram. I had a few really good mentors business owner affected me that much inorganizing an event with a client that has aearly on in my career, including a gay the earlier days of my career. And then,panel of all-white men between the ages ofman who was one of the most influential being gay and having a smaller frame50 and 65, I will be the first one to suggestin my professional development. We build has had a bit of an impact in terms ofthey need a different perspective on thatwerent paired up because he was gay; it working with some clients. For example,panel, whether it be a person of colour, awas just pure coincidence. But because he I noticed that when I was when workingwoman, or an LGBTQ+ community member.was a gay man, he provided great insights with older male CEOs there was definitelyIts those little things done in supportiveas to being a gay man at a table full of a level of discomfort in terms of me beingways that help people learn and grow. straight people. the one to come in and basically run theSo Im hoping to do the same; to show. These are the guys at the end of theirYouve also been building a network of careers who have been running things thelocal LGBTQ+ service providers. connect with new LGBTQ+ businesses exact same way since the 50s and proneI have, and I try to source from themand let them know were here and waiting to microaggressions or saying things likeas much as possible. My first ethics ofto create that network. We just need thats way too gay when talking aboutoperation is that excellence is the only thingpeople to do it.something they think is wrong or dumb. that matters, so Ill always go for the best.Whats next for eSource Event?At the same time, Im always mindful of How have you navigated exploring opportunities with Like everyone else in this space, were these attitudes? new collaborators. looking forward to the return of For one, I embrace the fact that I am aThat being said, its very difficult toin-person events. Ive spent the past year gay-owned business and I believe peopleconnect with other LGBTQ+ business ownersnow sitting at home, dreaming up new are super supportive of that. Im also ain Halifax with a lack of a gay chamber ofideas for shows, stages and all sorts of very upfront person. If you say somethingcommerce. I dont need two hands to countother tidbits that will deliver elevated offensive to me, I will inform you ofthe number of openly gay-owned businessesvalue to client events. Im excited to dig that right away. If we dont advocate forthat I know, but there are some who dontinto these ideas with my fabulous team!ourselves and for others, who will? share their gay-owned status and its not mySo thats probably the biggest thing As well, Ive learned how to explore,place to out another business owner. were looking forward to: just continuing prompt, and diffuse those types ofto find new ways to create fun value and comments and bring a level of educationSo how do you build that network? being there to support people and grow and understanding to my work. ForThe gay community in Halifax is veryour colleague network. 2021|QBiz CANADA |11'