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Strength In Numbers ~ United We Stand
by Terry Z
The Gay community of Akron, Ohio is
fragmented into groups
that are sometimes, at odds, or have different viewpoints on many
subjects. These viewpoints range from the issue of the definition of
the word "Gay", to the more important political agendas of the
various Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transsexual / Gay Friendly or
Gay Health organizations. We even find division amongst factions
contained within these various groups and organizations. Of course,
business is business. But, gay owned businesses, that have mostly
gay employees and customers, have many common goals and
should realize that they all benefit from one and other. Because the
gay business community (at least those businesses that are OUT)
is small compared to its available clientele, gay owned businesses
should be promoting each other's endeavors; even if they are in
direct competition with one and other. Gay people need more
places to spend their money in a gay friendly atmosphere, instead of
fewer. The more gay or gay friendly businesses we have in the Akron
area, the more people will come here from elsewhere. We should all
do our best to support our gay business community. The various gay
oriented organizations are all providing valuable services to our
community; and should maintain their different approaches to
gay-specific issues. But, perhaps, they should consider appointing
someone from each of these groups to form a coalition to promote
harmony amongst them. We need to come to common ground on
the important goals challenging us all. Not to be corny, but,
WE ARE A FAMILY, and we should act accordingly.
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