How can you create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ clients in lifestyle photography?

I agree with using pronouns as a respectful way to recognise a persons identity. However don’t stop there. Be mindful of using gendered language in conversations, such as replacing husband/ wife with spouse or partner.

Creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ clients in lifestyle photography is not just about capturing moments; it's about celebrating love and diversity. Start by fostering open communication and understanding. Make sure your portfolio reflects inclusivity. Use gender-neutral language in your communications. Respect and honor your clients' identities and pronouns. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. It's all about embracing love in all its beautiful forms and ensuring that your lens captures the true essence of each unique story.

The reality is simply this, in your heart you must believe in LGBTQ+ rights. I have seen too many event professionals that in their own core do not support the LGBTQ+ community, but will support it in their business because it brings in money. Our LGBTQ+ community deserve better than that and much more support and respect than those who feel one way in business and completely opposite in the personal beliefs. I realize that this might ruffle some feathers, and I'm OK with that. Truly believe in LGBTQ+ or don't take their money.

En términos de marketing, la inclusión va más allá de las imágenes. Es crucial en la elección de palabras, la selección de plataformas y la estrategia de publicidad. Utilizar lenguaje inclusivo y mostrar un compromiso genuino con la diversidad en todas las comunicaciones refuerza la autenticidad de la marca. Además, estudios indican que el 70% de los consumidores están más dispuestos a recomendar una marca que muestra diversidad en sus anuncios.

Respetar el pronombre es comenzar bien una conversación., sea comercial, profesional o personal. Implica, al hacerlo, un elemento relevante de empatía que abre oportunidad a continuar la conversación.

Que personas de la comunidad LGBTIQ+ sean parte de las escenas de la vida cotidiana, en su multidimensionalidad: lavando su ropa, llevando su auto al taller, practicando deportes, comiendo, etc. y no en la única dimensión de su identidad de género/orientación sexual que parece ubicarlas solo en escenarios como la marcha del orgullo.

Imprescindible es el respeto hacia la persona , que el sea diferente o ella , no quiere decir que sea una persona inferior o superior , el respecto y la amabilidad junto con la empatia y el querer ser mejor persona te ayudaran mucho.

To make everyone feel welcome when taking photos, remember: Ask Names and Pronouns: For example, ask if they prefer "he," "she," or "they." It's an excellent way to show we care. Use Kind Words: Don't assume who someone likes or what they like to do. Everyone is different! Learn About Everyone: Knowing about different kinds of friends helps us include everyone in our photos. Photos for All: Some friends might want different kinds of pictures. Let's be creative and make everyone happy! Choose Safe Places: Pick spots for photos where everyone can have fun and feel safe. Listen and Learn: Always be ready to listen to friends and learn new things to make them feel happy and included. By doing these everyone feels seen and unique!

Having had the privilege of working with LGBTQ+ clients and cultivating friendships within the community, I've come to appreciate the significance of empathy and self-awareness in creating a truly inclusive environment in lifestyle photography. In essence, it's not just about being knowledgeable on LGBTQ+ matters; it's about embodying inclusivity in every aspect of your practice. Empathy, self-reflection, and proactive communication are the cornerstones of fostering an environment where your LGBTQ+ clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. Through these small but significant steps, we can contribute to a more accepting and diverse representation in lifestyle photography.

En cualquier situación, siempre debemos evitar suposiciones, estereotipos o bromas insensibles, si tenemos esta consideración, como una forma cotidiana de comunicarnos, cualquier momento que compartimos comercialmente o socialmente con personas LGTBTQ+ se convierte en un momento para construir confianza y oportunidades de más encuentros.

conversar sobre las diferencias, ver cómo se muestran en diferentes contextos, dialogar sobre gustos y expectativas, son ingredientes para pensar y proponer desde lugares hasta escenarios o performans que vale la pena explorar desde lo personal de un servicio hasta por atributos artísticos

considero que revisar diferentes opciones, a través de las redes sociales, productos compartidos en la comunidad puede también ser un insumo, incluso literatura, canciones y películas, la fantasía también llena de lugares la posibilidad de una sesión fotográfica, y definitivamente preguntar y escuchar al cliente

Well said Renee and compelling. As someone who lived his life in the straight world with the typical hetero lifestyle I always knew the day would come for me to liberate myself and live my life as a gay man. That happened just over 12 years ago and my family and close friends remain prominent in my life. I think the emphasis on normal eases people to contribute in their own ways. LGBTQ+ is a special society and grounded in inclusion. Yes hate and disrespect still exist but focusing on including and valuing everyone irrespective of their unique character I think maximizes comfort and participation. When LGBTQ+ citizens know they are part of a special but inclusive community they can be their best in comfort and hopefully confidence.

It inspires hope and makes sense to remember: Earth is our container. We are on same team. Be nice in the public sandbox, and in private sentiments. Across globe, philosophers echo these applicable ethics. Kindness incubates kindness. Anything less than interpersonal kindness is beneath us. We are humans. Check your container for any signals of missing kindness in your decisions, actions, and words. Robert Fulcrum wrote about that. Perhaps that 🤔 is an incorrect spelling. He talked about adults forgetting to remember what we all learned in our primary encounters outside caregiving that led our first 1000 days. Those 1000 days, are best framed by folks like Allan Schore for narratung best evidence of neurophysiological attachment stories.

tener historias por contar o ya relatadas, a través del portafolio siempre será esa primera vez antes de hablar que vale la pena fortalecer.

My sexual orientation and learning to accept people with a different orientation, was developed and established in the 70's in The Netherlands. I learnt that no matter what, we are all connected and we are all people. My strongest attitude towards this subject is not to discriminate. On set we all are chosen for a special kind of contribution to make a production work. In the previous suggestions there was a mention to pay attention to the use of words in addressing. To me this can only highlight the perception of difference. In my experience that is the opposite of what needs to be achieved. Respect people because they are people, avoid any special attention that can highlight you are different to me, or visa versa.

In an effort to be inclusive, sometimes we miss the mark and try to make our offers entirely different for a specific group of people we are trying to serve. What we need to do is unpack all the ways our branding from how we do introductory calls and forms with our clients, the ideas we have, to our brand’s language excludes specific groups of people then correct it. For instance, according to The Oxford English Dictionary, the singular “they” showed up in writing in 1375. How frequently are you using they/them when referring to customers in your copy?