In the ever-evolving landscape of digital connectivity, one platform is emerging as a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. Famm, having already established itself as a pivotal discovery platform for queer-owned brands, is now broadening its scope with the launch of Famm Connect—a dedicated social networking application aimed at LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners. Founded by Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo, a married BIPOC queer couple, Famm Connect offers an opportunity to cultivate authentic connections in an environment that champions inclusion and diversity.
The introduction of Famm Connect comes at a crucial time when visibility and representation in professional spaces are more important than ever. LGBTQ+ individuals often face various forms of discrimination, from microaggressions to outright bias, particularly in conventional professional environments. Mainstream social platforms like LinkedIn, while useful for career networking, can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for users worried about the implications of revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity. Through Famm Connect, users can engage openly and honestly without fear of backlash or discrimination.
The founders emphasize that the app is essential to support mutual growth within the LGBTQ+ community. Cat Perez articulates the necessity of building a network that fosters collaboration, stating, “We have to look to each other to support each other when it comes to building our businesses.” This ethos of community is not merely about networking; it’s about leveraging shared experiences to create economic opportunities for queer entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders.
Famm Connect boasts a suite of features designed to facilitate genuine interactions and meaningful connections among users. Unlike traditional networking apps, Famm Connect encourages the use of “Open to” tags within user profiles. These tags serve as indicators of users’ intentions for engaging with others, whether they’re seeking mentoring, collaboration, or even casual coffee chats. This feature aims to create a conscientious networking environment and reduces the chances of unwanted or irrelevant outreach.
Additionally, recognizing the significant number of LGBTQ-owned businesses—approximately 1.4 million in the U.S.—Famm Connect is poised to become a hub for visibility. The app allows businesses to promote their products and services in a way that adheres to their identity without fear of censorship that often plagues larger platforms. For instance, with the impending introduction of premium business listings, queer entrepreneurs can elevate their visibility to attract customers who resonate with their values.
One of the standout visions for Famm Connect is the introduction of a section dedicated to in-person networking events. This feature seeks to transcend the digital realm and foster real-life connections among LGBTQ+ professionals. The experience of networking in person, complemented by the app’s capabilities, presents an opportunity for meaningful exchanges, collaborations, and community-building.
Moreover, Famm Connect will soon incorporate job listings, making it easier for users to find work within inclusive companies that align with their values. The inclusion of sponsored posts further ensures that businesses can engage with their target audiences in a meaningful way, reinforcing the commitment to community support.
Famm Connect is designed with accessibility in mind. The app is free to download and operates on an invite-only basis. Users are encouraged to refer others, creating an organic growth model fueled by community engagement. As word spreads about the platform’s benefits, it is likely to grow into a significant resource for those within the LGBTQ+ professional sphere.
The future looks promising for Famm Connect as it aims not just to facilitate business opportunities, but to amplify voices within the LGBTQ+ community. It stands poised to redefine how queer professionals interact in today’s world—a world that often marginalizes them. By fostering an environment where users can celebrate their identities while also pursuing their professional ambitions, Famm Connect is set to become a vital linchpin for the LGBTQ+ business community. As Perez aptly notes, in these challenging times, mutual support within the community is not just valuable; it is essential.