Queer Business Leaders Unite at the United Together Business Summit in New York

On September 19, 2025, New York City will host the United Together Business Summit, an annual event that stands as a prominent gathering for LGBTQ+ professionals, entrepreneurs, and business allies. The summit is organized by Out Professionals—one of the nation’s leading career-building nonprofits for the LGBTQ community—and the New York chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce , which is dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in the tristate area.

Scheduled to run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at John Jay College, the summit serves as a platform for diverse professionals, small businesses, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to connect, collaborate, and learn. The event is followed by a networking mixer at Industry Bar, offering a welcoming space for attendees to continue building relationships and sharing opportunities in a relaxed, social environment.

Throughout the summit, participants engage in a wide array of activities designed to foster growth, inclusion, and innovation:

- Networking sessions bring together LGBTQ+ professionals from various industries, encouraging conversations that could lead to new partnerships, mentorships, and business ventures.
- Exhibition halls showcase LGBTQ-owned businesses and supportive organizations, providing visibility and access to resources.
- Keynote speakers and breakout sessions** feature experts and leaders in branding, finance, innovation, and inclusion, offering actionable insights and inspiration for attendees seeking to advance their careers or enterprises.
- The evening mixer, co-hosted by Out Professionals and nglccNY at Industry Bar, welcomes both newcomers and longtime community members for informal networking, celebration, and camaraderie.

These events are designed not only to facilitate professional development but also to amplify the voice and visibility of LGBTQ-owned businesses within the broader economic landscape.

The United Together Business Summit reflects larger trends in queer economic influence. According to recent data, approximately 9% of Americans—nearly 25 million adults—identify as queer, marking a significant increase in visibility and influence over the past decade. The queer community’s estimated spending power in the U.S. alone is $1.4 trillion, with members frequently acting as influential leaders and trendsetters across major consumer categories such as fashion, technology, and entertainment.

Events like the United Together Business Summit play a vital role in channeling this economic power by connecting entrepreneurs and professionals with the resources, partnerships, and capital necessary to thrive. The summit’s focus on advocacy, and access further underscores its commitment to championing equality and fostering economic growth.

For many attendees, the summit represents more than a business event—it is an affirmation of identity, resilience, and shared purpose. Out Professionals, a co-hosting organization, is committed to advancing the careers of LGBTQ people through meaningful networking and educational programming. Last year, their events drew over 11,300 aspiring professionals across ten city chapters, highlighting the demand for inclusive spaces and career development opportunities.

The summit’s emphasis on intersectionality is evident in its open invitation to allies and representatives from diverse backgrounds and industries. By fostering connections that cross sectors and identities, the event builds a more resilient and inclusive business ecosystem.

The importance of events like the United Together Business Summit is further underscored by shifting workforce expectations. Research shows that eight out of ten LGBTQ+ Gen Zers are reluctant to join companies that have recently withdrawn support for LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting the demand for consistent, active corporate allyship. This generational shift is driving employers to prioritize inclusion, not only as a moral imperative but also as a competitive advantage for attracting and retaining diverse talent.

The summit’s programming responds to these needs by providing educational sessions on best practices for inclusion, advocacy, and supplier diversity, ensuring that businesses are better equipped to meet the expectations of younger, increasingly diverse employees.

Attendees and organizers consistently highlight the transformative impact of networking and visibility. Whether seeking mentorship, exploring partnership opportunities, or simply finding affirmation among peers, the summit’s participants benefit from a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The event’s inclusive messaging and programming—welcoming transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and all LGBTQ+ identities—reflect a commitment to affirming diversity across the spectrum.

While the summit is focused on business growth, its broader mission is to build a community that celebrates authenticity, resilience, and progress. By amplifying the voices and successes of LGBTQ-owned businesses, the United Together Business Summit serves as both a beacon and a catalyst for greater equality and inclusion in the economic landscape.