OutPro, new program for LGBT professionals, comes out with support from Grand Rapids Area Chamber

A grassroots networking and social support group for area LGBT professionals has grown into a structured organization called OutPro, which this week announces its affiliation with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
OutPro co-founder Jill May, a Rockford native and director of fund development at The Right Place in Grand Rapids, says the group is in the very early stages of a strategic planning process, which will focus its mission and goals. But she says the number one reason the group exists is to promote talent attraction and retention in the area.
 
“One of the main challenges we hear about – and this can be a perception or a reality – is that LGBT professionals aren’t always comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, not always able to talk about their family lives, partners, or significant others,” says May. “Not being able to bring your whole self impacts your productivity, comfort level, and the likelihood that you’ll stay there and that you’ll stay in the community.”
 
The group began when May, LaughFest Development Director David Abbott, and a few others began meeting socially and informally to provide as a welcoming, safe place for LGBT people who were new to the community. But the group has since grown to the point that a loosely organized group of friends can’t manage it adequately, says May, and that’s why they reached out to the Chamber to become part of its programming.
 
“We’re meeting a need that is here for attracting and retaining professionals. That’s why partnering with the Chamber is so great. We want to be part of that recruitment and onboarding process when a LGBT person is new to town, and the Chamber is already in a good position for us to access those folks,” says May. She says the creation of OutPro is also an indication that West Michigan is starting to be more welcoming, and notes that the region is seeing a lot of corporations establish LGBT affinity groups to create an inclusive business environment.
 
OutPro, which will officially roll out its new logo and branding this evening, will continue to provide opportunities for both social and professional networking through monthly gatherings attended by individuals at all career levels and representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. And May says the group is truly open to all - including “straight people [and] college students who aren’t quite ‘professionals’ yet.”
 
For more information about OutPro events, see their Facebook page.
 
Writer: Stephanie Doublestein, managing editor