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On June 30th, 2023, ironically the last day of Pride Month, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a web designer who denied services for same-sex weddings.
My first initial thought was a quote that an improv instructor said to me in the context of racist comedy. “You can say whatever you want on stage. But just know that it comes with consequences.”
I don't want to dwell too much on this web designer because, honestly? She sounds like she kinda sucks. The Supreme Court claims this business is gucci because of free speech. Ok then, Miss Ma'am, deny same-sex marriers your services all day. But just know that there are consequences.
I can only imagine how shitty of a blow this ruling feels for the LGBTQ+ community. But I do want to say that there are an overwhelming amount of wedding vendors out there who will welcome you with a huge smile and open arms. These folks are passionate advocates and allies long after Pride Month. They make it a priority to ensure historically marginalized communities are seen and heard. They take the effort to ensure that you are accepted and safe when you work with them.
I wonder if, in the wake of this ruling, we could help show any shaken LGBTQ+ soonlyweds that there are wedding vendors who are excited to celebrate their love. Perhaps we do this by sharing the work of LGBTQ+-friendly wedding vendors who we see actively contributing to creating a safe and supportive space for their clients. Just to reassure soonlyweds that there are people in the wedding industry who would LOVE to help them celebrate.
It's mindblowing to me that in 2023 people are still loudly discriminating against LGBTQ+ weddings. Some wedding vendors have told us they've been asked by potential clients, “We’d love to book you for our wedding, but we thought you should know we identify as queer…Is that ok?”
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The thought of anyone having to ask a vendor if they're comfortable with their identity is just heartbreaking. If they have to ask, they've likely been told “no” in the past. At Offbeat Wed, it's a priority for us to work with wedding vendors who champion our values of diversity, inclusion, love, and acceptance. When a soonlywed searches the Offbeat Wed Vendor Guide, they will never have to worry about asking if a potential vendor will accept them.
I may be biased, but I follow a lot of wedding accounts on social (like a LOT). Offbeat Wed vendors are often the folks who loudly and proudly advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and other historically marginalized communities. I see it in their portfolios, in their marketing, and in their actions. It gives me confidence that when our readers book with them, they're signing up for a positive and memorable wedding experience they'll cherish for years beyond the wedding day.
Whether you're considering booking with an Offbeat Wed vendor (We hope you do — they're wonderful humans) or another LGBTQ+ friendly vendor, just know that there are wedding professionals who believe you deserve a beautiful day regardless of who you love and how you identify. They are out there, and they are rooting for you!
Interested in finding a vendor for your LGBTQ+ wedding?
Check out our curated Offbeat Wed Vendor Guide. It's filled with wedding pros who champion our values of diversity, tolerance, acceptance, and love.
Are you a wedding vendor?
Do you want to make it easier for LGBTQ+ nearlyweds to find you? Our Offbeat Wed vendor guide is the place for connecting awesome soonlyweds with awesome wedding vendors. Learn more here.
