Kathryn Hamm Education Expert and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist WeddingWire
Cean One Photography
CELEBRATE LOVE
THE MODERN COUPLE Prospective clients are savvy Prospective clients have choice Prospective clients have a variety of planning needs
WHO ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? Understanding sexual orientation and gender identity
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Heterosexual / “Straight” Cisgender Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer
Tony Ogden Photography
Same-Sex Couples A couple that identifies (generally speaking) as two persons of the same gender (eg, two women or two men).
Straight Couples A couple that identifies (generally speaking) as a two persons of “opposite� genders (eg, one woman and one man).
This may include couples of any gender identity and/or sexual orientation combination, and is used especially by couples who wish to express their gender identity or sexual orientation in a more fluid, complex and/or encompassing manner.
Weddings To The People
Queer Couples
Putting the Q in LGBTQ
THE ‘LGBTQ’ COMMUNITY IS… A diverse group, diverse perspectives, and diverse needs. And…
Two Hearts Photography
with diverse identities,
THE ‘LGBTQ’ COMMUNITY IS… • A group that still ranges from those who have lived closeted lives to those who have not, • To those who have supportive family members and those who do not, …and somewhere in between.
THE ‘LGBTQ’ COMMUNITY IS…
• And have a different experience or comfort level based on where they live
Kristin Chalmers Photography
• A group that may fear rejection when looking for vendors (in addition to concerns about budgeting & availability)
https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report
To Be ‘Gay Wedding Competent’ • Understand who the LGBTQ community is
Jimmy Ho Photography
• Understand what LGBTQ couples need • Understand how the evolving legal landscape impacts our choices
LEGAL LANDSCAPE Where are we today?
Masterpiece Cakeshop vs Colorado Civil Rights Commission •
What does the decision mean for my business?
•
What does the decision mean for the LGBTQ community?
WHAT DO COUPLES NEED? Trust & Open-Mindedness
RELATIONSHIP • • • • • •
I see you You are welcome here How can I help? What else would be helpful? Here’s what I can offer: How did I do?
MAKE IT A DOUBLE
A lesbian wedding might also have two garters. A gay wedding, two cigars. None of these things may be true either.
Hudson River Photographer
Yes, two brides may mean two bouquets, which may in turn mean a double bouquet toss.
Best practice? Don’t Assume. Ask.
DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Leslie Barbaro Photography
A same-sex kiss displayed in public can be powerful and meaningful as symbol and reality. But some couples may be less comfortable with PDA than less marginalized couples
Best practice? Don’t Assume. Ask, Prepare & Protect
NO GOWN? NO PROBLEM! A wedding without a gown means two suits – and two grooms – can enjoy royal treatment. Be mindful that some men might need more support because they haven’t been raised expecting to be a star in their own weddings
Best practice? Don’t Assume. Ask & Innovate
FAMILY
Be aware that some have supportive family, some have conflicted family, some have no family support.
Dawn E Roscoe Photography
Be mindful of the role of the CHOSEN & BIOLOGICAL family members of your couple
Best practice? Don’t Assume. Ask.
Four (Annual) Chores 1. Educate yourself
2. Evaluate your “coffee table”
Ars Magna Studio
3. Update your first impression 4. Expand & vet your network
Lead with Love Listen with Love Serve with Love
THANK YOU! khamm@madebykathryn.com Facebook: /kathhamm Twitter: @madebykathryn Instagram: @mbkinsights