With Pride Month wrapping up, it’s a great time to assess what your company did and didn’t do. Compared to previous years, we saw many companies stay quiet, either because the environment felt different or because they weren’t sure how to show up without it feeling performative.
Either way, this is the right time to think about what comes next. Not just for next June, but across the year. The organizations doing this work aren’t seasonal, and support doesn’t need to be either.
One of those organizations is the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County. They’re based in Phoenixville and run a mix of programming that ranges from community events to youth-focused spaces to larger gatherings like PrideFest and their annual gala.
I recently spoke with board member Amanda Capoferri about the Alliance, from what they do and how businesses can get involved to how organizations can think about supporting Pride.
Can you tell me a little more about what the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County is and how it supports the community?
The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County is a local nonprofit that fosters inclusivity, well-being, and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. We’re based in Phoenixville, but serve all of Chester County.
Most of what we do is create programming and spaces for the LGBTQ community. Some of those are smaller, like game nights at our office, while others are larger, like PrideFest or our annual gala. We’ve also done things like queer prom, which gives LGBTQ youth a space where they don’t have to adjust or hold back.
We also run events like OutFest, which lean more into resources and community support.
If a business wants to get involved, what does that look like?
Start by reaching out.
We have sponsorship opportunities tied to events throughout the year. Those are important because they fund the work, but they also give businesses a presence in the community.
We’re also building a business directory for LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses. That’s another way to signal that you’re a welcoming place to work with.
From there, it’s really a conversation. We can usually find a way to get people involved that makes sense for them.
A lot of companies worry about coming across as performative. How should they think about that?
It’s only performative if you don’t actually mean it.
If you want to support the community and you’re willing to show up, whether that’s through sponsorship or hosting an event, then do it. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
You can be visible about it or keep it more low-key. Either way is fine.
What are you seeing from companies now? Has that changed?
A few years ago, you had bigger companies showing up in very visible ways. That’s not happening as much now.
What’s different now is that it’s not as expected as it used to be. When a company does step in and support something, people notice.
We’re seeing more small, local businesses getting involved. People who are part of the community or close to it, who want to be there and support it.
And it lands differently. When people see those businesses show up, it sticks. There’s a connection there, and people respond to that.
Pride Month is one month. What does support look like the rest of the year?
There’s a lot you can do that isn’t tied to June. We have programming year-round, and a lot of it is easy for businesses to plug into. You can sponsor a specific event, help cover food, support something directly.
That kind of support goes a long way, especially now. Funding isn’t as easy to come by, so being able to step in and help with something tangible matters.
If someone wants to find an organization like yours in their own area, where should they start?
Look locally. Check with nonprofits you already know; they usually have a sense of who else is doing this work. Chambers of commerce are another good place to ask.
And don’t overthink it. Just reach out. The people in this space are usually pretty open and willing to help point you in the right direction.
You can learn more about the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County at lgbteachesco.org and see their full event calendar here.