Evaluating Vendors for LGBTQIA+ Alignment: A Guide for Queer and Allied Organizations
Dear nonprofits and professionals,
Whether you’re planning a major event, outsourcing HR services, ordering swag, or hiring a consultant, the vendors and contractors you choose reflect your organization’s values. For both LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and ally-led organizations, evaluating vendors for LGBTQIA+ alignment isn’t just a best practice—it’s a commitment to equity, community, and economic justice.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ affirming services and businesses helps build a more inclusive economy, strengthens your organizational integrity, and sends a message to your staff, supporters, and stakeholders that queer liberation doesn’t stop at your mission statement.
Here’s how both Queer nonprofits and ally-led organizations can thoughtfully evaluate and engage LGBTQIA+-aligned vendors.
1. Prioritize Queer-Owned and Operated Businesses
If you’re hiring a vendor for anything from catering to creative services, seek out Queer-owned businesses first. For LGBTQIA+ nonprofits, this is an opportunity to reinvest directly into the communities you serve. For ally-led organizations, this is a concrete way to uplift Queer entrepreneurship.
Tips:
Search LGBTQIA+ business directories like the NGLCC Certified LGBTBE® database or local LGBTQ chambers of commerce.
Ask your community for referrals—word-of-mouth is powerful.
Make it a policy to solicit quotes from at least one Queer-owned vendor per engagement.
2. Look Beyond Ownership: Assess Affirming Practices
Just because a business isn’t Queer-owned doesn’t mean it can’t be affirming. Evaluate potential vendors for how they show up for LGBTQIA+ communities—internally and externally.
What to Look For:
Non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
LGBTQIA+ inclusive marketing, language, and imagery.
Gender-neutral facilities or practices (especially important for event venues and service providers).
Community partnerships or public support for LGBTQIA+ causes.
3. Ask the Right Questions
When vetting vendors, don’t be afraid to ask values-based questions. How they respond will tell you a lot.
Sample Questions:
"What are your internal policies around LGBTQIA+ inclusion?"
"Do you have experience working with LGBTQIA+ organizations or events?"
"How does your business approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in your hiring or services?"
"Are your materials, products, or experiences inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations?"
4. Evaluate Public Commitments vs. Performative Allyship
Just because a vendor slaps a rainbow logo on their website in June doesn’t mean they’re aligned with your values. Dig deeper.
Tips for Spotting Performative Allyship:
Look for year-round engagement, not just Pride Month promotions.
Check if they support anti-LGBTQIA+ politicians or causes—this is often available through public political donation databases.
Ask if they partner with LGBTQIA+ orgs outside of marketing or publicity opportunities.
5. Consider the Full Impact
Vendor choices impact more than just your bottom line. They shape your reputation, your community partnerships, and your internal culture.
Impact Questions to Ask Internally:
Does this vendor reflect the communities we serve?
Are we reinforcing systems of exclusion or actively working to dismantle them?
Are we putting our dollars where our values are?
6. Build Long-Term Partnerships, Not Just Transactions
True alignment isn’t about one-off gigs—it’s about building relationships rooted in shared values. If you find an affirming vendor, invest in that relationship. Provide feedback, offer referrals, and return to them for future needs.
Pro Tip: Feature LGBTQIA+-affirming vendors in your communications—highlight their work in newsletters, social media, or at your events. Uplift them the same way you want to be uplifted.
Whether you’re a Queer-led nonprofit or a corporation striving to be a better ally, your vendor decisions speak volumes. Choosing LGBTQIA+-aligned partners isn’t just a checklist—it’s a strategy for community investment, trust-building, and authentic inclusion.
When we spend intentionally, we build the world we want to live in. So let’s choose vendors who reflect and support the values we hold close—every month of the year.
Sincerely,
Queers
Queer For Hire provides fundraising support and LGBTQIA+ diversity training for nonprofits, professionals, and corporations.
Learn about our Fundraising Services <here> – we’ll lead or support your fundraising efforts, whether you need general support or want to focus on raising money from and for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Learn about our Fundraising Trainings <here> – we can coach your board, staff, and fundraising team on how to fundraise and how to engage LGBTQIA+ donors.
Learn about our other services <here> or our resources <here>.
