By Aaron Boot-Haury–
Dear GGBA Community,
As we celebrate Pride Month, we do so in a time of growing concern and urgency for our LGBTQ+ business community. The current administration’s policies and executive orders have created significant challenges—particularly for LGBTQ+-owned businesses and the many professionals in our community who have built careers helping companies become more inclusive and equitable.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting, training, and leadership coaching—a niche many of our members have proudly developed—is now under scrutiny in ways we haven’t seen in decades. Corporate supplier diversity programs are also being impacted, as companies navigate how to remain in compliance with shifting federal policies while still honoring their commitments to support diverse-owned businesses like ours.
At the GGBA, the oldest LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce in the country, we recognize this moment for what it is: a full-circle point in our history. We have faced adversity before—and emerged stronger. Now is the time for us to double down on what makes this community powerful: supporting each other, giving each other business, and helping one another make meaningful connections.
Here’s what we’re doing:
• We’ve planned a strategic retreat with our Board of Directors this July, led by a national expert in LGBTQ+ business development and a former board member of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA)—the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in the country—to help guide our next steps.
• We are actively assessing the kinds of programming and resources our members most need right now.
• We are re-engaging with corporate partners from years past to find meaningful ways to collaborate in this changing environment.
Most importantly, we are listening. I encourage you to reach out to me directly, to any of our Board members, or to join my weekly open “office hours” for GGBA members and supporters every Friday from 12–1 pm PT. The Zoom link can be found on our Events Page at https://www.ggba.com/
Pride is not only a celebration—it’s a reminder of our resilience and our power when we come together. We are entering a chapter that demands bold leadership, creativity, and connection. I believe with conviction that the GGBA is poised to grow into the biggest and strongest LGBTQ+ chamber in the world, and we will do so together—with you.
With Pride and Purpose,
Aaron Boot-Haury, President & CEO
Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA)
president@ggba.com
GGBA Message from Leadership
Published on June 26, 2025
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