Americans Are Embracing Transgender Rights
The pace of change in public opinion on LGBT issues is blistering. "A poll released today by the Public Religion Research Institute found 72% of Americans now favor passing laws to protect LGBT people from discrimination, including three-quarters of Democrats and two-thirds of Republicans. A majority of Americans also oppose so-called 'bathroom bills,' which require transgender people to use the restrooms that correspond to their sex at birth."
Source: The Atlantic • August 25, 2016
Texas “bathroom bill” could deal devastating blow to San Antonio economy, local leaders warn
“It would be devastating for us for years to come,” said San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association Executive Director Liza Barratachea. “It’s a huge concern for us.”
Source: San Antonio Business Journal • August 18, 2016
San Antonio Spells Out Priorities for Coming Legislative Session
From San Antonio:
"Other priorities for the city include taking additional steps...to fight any 'religious freedom' bills which would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT individuals or same sex couples. (City Intergovernmental Relations Director Jeff Coyle) says those measures have been proven to be detrimental to a city's ability to attract new employers or major events like sports championships."
Source: News Radio 1200 WOAI • August 18, 2016
Non-Discrimination Laws Make U.S. States More Innovative
"Those who are more likely to be pro-LGBT tend to be younger, better educated, more open-minded, more likely to come from diverse backgrounds, more willing to take risks, and to exhibit a stronger ideological liberalism — traits that correlate with higher creativity ... After a state adopts an ENDA, more pro-LGBT individuals tend to relocate into that state, while more anti-LGBT individuals tend to leave for other states. Our theory is that because the pro-LGBT individuals are likely to be more creative than the anti-LGBT ones, corporate innovation is enhanced ... We found that when a state adopts an ENDA, a large number of inventors relocate from other states to that state within three years."
Source: Harvard Business Review • August 17, 2016
For Millennials, a consensus on transgender bathroom use
Millennials are the largest group in the American workforce.
"By nearly 2-1, they say transgender individuals should be able to use public bathrooms designated for the gender they identify with, not the sex they were born." And more than 7 in 10 say discrimination against the LGBTQ community is "a big problem."
Source: USA Today • August 15, 2016
Viewpoint: Embracing LGBTQ community is good business in Texas
We're in the Austin Business Journal today with an op-ed on the strong and growing economic data supporting an LGBT-friendly state brand.
"Treating LGBTQ people fairly and welcoming them warmly costs nothing and would change our state’s brand for the better, while creating quantifiable, long-term economic benefits. That’s what we call a smart business decision."
Source: Austin Business Journal • August 12, 2016
Restroom battle may head to the Texas Legislature
Some worry about the economic impact any restroom bill could have, particularly since watching the fallout from North Carolina’s law.
The NBA moved its All Star Game out of the state; the NCAA announced plans to determine whether (LGBT) people are safe from discrimination... performers... canceled concerts; and businesses... scrapped expansion plans there. That adds up to a loss of millions of dollars in economic impact and the loss of thousands of jobs.
Source: Star-Telegram • August 7, 2016
How a Former Denny's Waitress Amassed an Empire of Over 75 Denny's Locations
We're so proud to welcome Den-Tex Central, a San Antonio-based business with dozens of Denny's restaurants across seven states. Check out this profile of founder and CEO Dawn Lafreeda in Entrepreneur Magazine. She means business! And so do we.
Source: Entrepreneur • July 11, 2016
The NBA Took the All-Star Game Away From Charlotte. Here’s Why It Matters
"The NBA has decided to hold the 2017 All-Star Game in New Orleans after taking the midseason event out of North Carolina because of a state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people."
Source: TIME • June 24, 2016