How Does a Person Prove LGBT Status for Purpose of Certification?

December 23, 2021
By Danielle Dietrich
Posted in Business Services, Women and Diverse-Owned Businesses

If you are an LGBT business owner, you may have considered becoming a certified LGBT-owned business through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification or another certifying organization.  These certifications are proof that your business is majority owned and controlled by one or more LGBT individuals.

You may think, how do I prove my LGBT status?  The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce provides a very detailed list of ways an individual may be able to prove LGBT status: https://www.nglcc.org/sites/default/files/LGBT%20Status%20Qualifiers.pdf .  

Just a few examples of potential evidence of LGBT status are: 

  • Letters and affidavits from non-employees attesting to your LGBT status.
  • Certified copy of domestic partnership, civil union or marriage certificates.
  • Evidence of second parent adoption or surrogate mother arrangements.
  • Court-ordered name change with transgender status cited as reason for change.
  • Copies of governmental documents that demonstrate legal gender marker change.
  • Proof of joint property ownership.
  • Financial documents showing joint ownership and/or beneficiary status.
  • Letter from recognized LGBT organization.
  • Advertising and media coverage of business noting owner’s LGBT status.

Of course, even if you meet the LGBT requirements of this certification, you must also show that the LGBT owner(s) actually own and control the business. This topic will be covered in a future blog.

If your company needs advice regarding diversity certifications, including LGBT certification, please contact Danielle Dietrich at 412-227-0284 or ddietrich@smgglaw.com.