Identity & Innovation: Navigating Entrepreneurship as an LGBTQ+ Individual in the Philippines
Welcome to a fresh edition of "Strategic Spectrum." Today, we explore the intricate intersection of identity, innovation, and entrepreneurship as viewed through the unique lens of the LGBTQ+ community within the Philippine startup scene.
The Early Days: Starting Up
In the burgeoning landscape of entrepreneurship, it's often the path less traveled that holds the most compelling stories. For LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the Philippines, these stories take root in the face of societal norms and traditional business structures. I'm one of these stories. In the early 2000s, my journey as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur was a roadmap of self-discovery, resourcefulness, and resilience.
Being a founder in the Philippines in the early 2000s was a unique journey, marked by the lack of easily accessible resources and the challenge of navigating the business world as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur. The internet was in its infancy, limiting its use as a resource for finding clients and accessing entrepreneurial support. Much of what I learned was from hands-on experience, feedback from clients, and observing the practices of other small businesses. The internet was just taking its baby steps, and entrepreneurial resources were scarce, especially for someone identifying as LGBTQ+. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community and experiencing feelings of insecurity and rejection motivated me to create an environment at Vitalstrats that is welcoming and inclusive.
The odds were stacked against us, but we drew strength from our identity, community, and innate desire to create safe and inclusive spaces.
Embracing Identity: Building an Inclusive Culture
The inception of my company, VCS, was an act of liberation. As a founder, my LGBTQ+ identity wasn't a side note, but an integral part of our culture. I aimed to create an environment where people could feel free to express themselves creatively, without judgment. A place where voices are heard, ideas are valued, and diversity is our strength. In our early years, the team at Vitalstrats, mainly made up of LGBTQ+ individuals, enjoyed a relaxed, creative, and liberating atmosphere. Because as entrepreneurs, we are not just building businesses; we are cultivating communities, shaping culture, and paving the way for future generations.
However, as we evolved, I realized the need for professional processes and a balanced culture that would not only sustain our creativity but also cater to those different from us and build trust with our clients.
Rising Against Adversity: Overcoming Challenges as an LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur
My journey as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur hasn't been without its challenges. The struggle to keep the business afloat sometimes seemed insurmountable. Yet, each setback taught me invaluable lessons and shaped my leadership style. The road to establishing Vitalstrats was paved with numerous challenges. Financial difficulties were a significant hurdle, requiring resourcefulness and tenacity to overcome. Lack of access to industry networks and entrepreneurs for advice and support made it particularly challenging. We faced periods of work overload followed by lean seasons, posing challenges in financial management and human resources. Our resilience and problem-solving spirit pulled us through these challenging times. The support and advice of my parents and professional contacts within the LGBTQ+ community were instrumental in these early years.
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community gave me an additional drive to succeed. The challenges of being different fueled my determination, not just to prove my worth to the world, but to show my parents that I could thrive and make them proud.
There were many doubts and insecurities, especially about not conforming to societal norms. But, these challenges were also what confirmed that entrepreneurship was the path for me. The idea of solving diverse problems, learning about various industries, and working with different people excited me to no end. Similar to running a college theater org, the fulfillment of overcoming obstacles despite limited resources has always been an intoxicating feeling. The freedom to approach things differently, to change what doesn't work, and to break away from routines is what drew me to entrepreneurship.
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community only strengthened my resolve, turning challenges into motivations to succeed. It was through these trials that I truly embraced my identity and saw it as a source of strength rather than an obstacle. Today, I'm proud to stand as a symbol of the change I sought, inspiring others to be brave and to follow their passion.
Making a Difference: Advocacy and Impact
Being a founder offers a unique platform to effect significant change. Now, the landscape has improved for entrepreneurs in the Philippines, with organizations like The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce offering resources and programs to LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs. Recognizing the struggles I faced as an LGBTQ+ founder, I am driven to contribute to these initiatives, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate their journey more smoothly.
As the Director for Research, Learning, and Development of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, I advocate for the growth of LGBTQ+ businesses. From capacity-building programs to mentorship initiatives for aspiring entrepreneurs, our objective is clear - to break down barriers and open doors for the LGBTQ+ community in the world of business.
Championing Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Representation
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I often felt different in a society that lacked representation for people like me. The journey of self-discovery wasn't easy amidst societal norms and lack of role models in the LGBTQ+ community. However, my curious and rebellious nature, often attributed to my later-diagnosed ADHD, always pushed me to explore, take risks, and test boundaries.
I'd like to stress the importance of visibility and representation in leadership. By being out and open in the business world, we create a space for others to do the same. When up-and-coming LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs see us thriving and making an impact, they realize they too can achieve their dreams without sacrificing their identity.
I believe that the visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders is paramount. Up-and-coming entrepreneurs and professionals in our community should have role models in various fields to look up to.
Despite existing support systems in the Philippines for women, youth, and disabled groups, there is a noticeable dearth of support specifically for LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs. I envision a future where we can accurately quantify the economic contributions of LGBTQ+ businesses, further enhance these contributions, and continuously provide mentorship, financial support, and other necessary resources to our community.
But representation isn't only about having LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership positions. It's about breaking unconscious biases and advocating for fair representation of the LGBTQ+ community in branding and marketing. This sends a powerful message to society about inclusivity and acceptance.
Creating an Inclusive Ecosystem: From Policies to Markets
While we've made substantial progress, there is still a long way to go. As entrepreneurs and advocates, we bear the responsibility of advocating for change across all levels. The dismissal of the SOGIE bill was a setback, but it's our duty to sustain the dialogue. We must encourage businesses to implement inclusive policies and eradicate workplace discrimination.
To further our cause, we need to quantify the contribution of LGBTQ+ businesses to the country's economy and devise ways to bolster their growth. This begins with providing mentorship, financial aid, and other resources to LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs. The Philippine LGBT of Commerce's up and coming certification program for businesses will further enable us to highlight those truly embracing inclusivity. This not only motivates other businesses to do the same but also allows customers to support businesses that uphold their values.
The Power of Mentorship: Nurturing the Next Generation
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. By leveraging programs like those offered by StartOut in San Francisco, DTI’s GoNegosyo, and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Academy, we can offer guidance to budding LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, share our experiences, and equip them with the necessary tools to succeed. My mentorship experience with LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs worldwide has underscored the transformative power of shared wisdom and experiences.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
Moving forward, my vision remains unwavering: to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only embraces but also celebrates diversity. As VCS prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, we're channeling our resources into innovative strategies and technologies, determined to stay ahead of the curve and continue making an impact. My ambition is to foster more LGBT+ and ADHD entrepreneurs and role models, contribute to small businesses' growth through digitalization and management knowledge, and progress our inclusion advocacies.
Lessons and Advice for Prospective LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
If you're embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, remember this - your identity is your strength. Embrace your uniqueness, extract lessons from your failures, and be open to continual growth. Seek communities and resources that align with your vision, and when you've achieved your goals, remember to give back. You're part of a larger journey, with groups and organizations such as StartOut and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce standing by to offer support.
To founders preparing to launch their startup, here are my key pieces of advice:
Foster the right mindset. Resilience and patience are invaluable in navigating business challenges. View failures as learning opportunities, not setbacks. Success rarely comes overnight, so perseverance is key. Remain a lifelong learner, open to new ideas and continuous improvement.
Understand your market. A great product can fall flat without market relevance. Continually adapt and tailor your offerings to meet market needs and provide value to your consumers.
Build a strong team. Surround yourself with individuals who complement your skills, share your vision, and can contribute to realizing your company's purpose.
Seek support and mentorship. Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, join relevant networks or organizations, which offer invaluable resources to aid your growth. Remember, you are not alone in this journey!
Your Odyssey: Making the Leap
To all budding entrepreneurs, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace your identity as a source of strength, continue to learn and adapt, and keep your vision in focus. Despite the challenges that may lie ahead, remember that you're part of a vibrant and resilient community. We stand visible, prepared to offer support, ready to challenge norms, and create an environment where everyone can prosper, regardless of their identity.
Aspiring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, remember this: your voice counts, your ideas matter, and your identity is a wellspring of power. Embrace it. Utilize it. And together, let's redefine the realm of entrepreneurship.
Thank you for accompanying me on this edition of "Strategic Spectrum." Let's continue to intertwine creativity, inclusion, and innovation into our businesses and our lives.
In our journey towards an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions matter. As we close this conversation, let's open another: I invite you to share your insights and experiences as LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, allies, or advocates in the comments below. Let's foster a discussion that paves the way for greater understanding and collaboration.
Until our next dialogue, remain resilient, stay inspired, and never cease to push the boundaries. Remember, our shared narratives are a source of strength, inspiration, and change. Together, we can redefine the realm of entrepreneurship. Keep the conversation alive and continue championing diversity and inclusion.