Love is Love: Serving Same-Sex Couples

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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


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