What’s It Like…

What’s it like being a gay small business owner? Same as any other day, I guess. I’ve had my positive and negatives just like any other small business owner. When I started I wanted to fill a need that my community needed. I support local small businesses regardless of orientation, political views, etc. We are all trying to get through this thing called LIFE. It’s sad that we live in very polarized times where one view is valued more then the other. We are all just trying to make a living and support ourselves or families.

In my first year, it was June which is Pride month. I had a pride flag on my dash to stand in solidarity with my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. I was taking a passenger to the airport and was called a fag because I supported my community and they said I was going to fail just because of my orientation. We all have something we support like finding a cure for cancer or something to that effect. It’s a matter of keeping our negative thoughts to ourselves. You may disagree with another person’s views, doesn’t mean you have to be ignorant. I still use services or businesses that have other views that may not have the same viewpoints as my own. However if you have a flag or sign saying F**K THE LGBTQ I obviously I am not going to be going to that store.

Besides the negative I have had a lot of support, not only as a business owner, but for standing up for what I feel is right. Like I said earlier I am just trying to make it through this thing we call life. Being a gay man or who I am with does not make it just who I am. It is only a part of who I am. We are so much more then our labels that people or even ourselves put on us. We are all human, we may think differently and live different lives, but that doesn’t make any person less then. My sexuality is not my my transportation business.

It’s always best to show kindness and love to another. I was always taught you get more bees with honey then with vinegar. Yes, my views may not fall in line with whomever owns a shop in my little hamlet, but I will always support a small business because they are also just trying to make a living for themselves and support their family. We have a store at the Cranberry Mall called the Venango County Co-op. Their are some little shops their that had Trump items. I do not support Trump, but they had other things that were very nice and I purchased an item from their shop. Ignore the negative and only enjoy the positive. Different views, but support local small stores/shops.

As for being a gay business owner, it’s just another day I am making it through life as we all should be doing. Always do the right thing because it would make you feel like a better person. Support local small businesses regardless of sexual orientation, political views, or difference in opinions. Always remember to be kind.