After dropping the subject six years ago, Alderman Tom Tunney ( 44th Ward ) has revived talks of including LGBT business owners in contract set-asides currently given only to women and other minorities. Tunney commented in a Budget Committee meeting held to extend an ordinance providing the set-asides through 2015, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
It is uncertain whether Tunney's suggestion has enough for a measure the city can support. Among the concerns are proving sexual orientation and public perception of extending the ordinance in this way. Tunney told the Sun-Times:
"We know we've been disadvantaged. But, there are programs for women already. And the perception is this would only enhance gay white males. That's why there's not consensus within our community," he said.
As far as narrowing who would benefit to avoid minority fraud, the alderman said, "Qualified domestic partners. That could be one factor."
The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ( NGLCC ) , an advocate for LGBT business owners and a third party certifier of LGBT businesses, supports a program that would include LGBT in its minority definition. Other municipalities—such as Washington, D.C., and San Francisco—already have such programs.
Victoria Fulkerson, senior manager of supplier diversity and corporate relations at the NGLCC, told Windy City Times this is a logical next step.
"When you think about diversity and businesses that face challenges, LGBT should clearly be counted in that category," she said.
The NGLCC will be sending a letter to Mayor Richard Daley to express their support for the inclusion. Doing so would put Chicago at the forefront of an important initiative, Fulkerson said.
Back when the idea came up in 2003, Mayor Daley said he would support it if LGBT business owners could show proof of discrimination when trying to obtain contracts.
