Chicago’s DNAinfo profiles queer and femme entrepreneur Kristen Kaza, who encourages LGBT+ consumers to put their money where their mouth is: “Money matters, and money makes things happen. When it actually makes a difference is when you’re impacting someone’s life. And for an LGBTQ business owner, [their life is] their business.” Kaza’s business, Reunion Chicago, seeks to create spaces for women, people of color, and the LGBT+ community.
Consumers who wish to support businesses owned by LGBT+ people can search the national directory curated by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Many states and municipalities also have their own LGBT+ Chambers of Commerce.