Leveraging Networking to Achieve Career Success as a Queer Professional

Dear LGBTQIA+ professionals,

Networking, huh? Maybe you’re here because you are interested in advice on how to network better. Or maybe you need some convincing that networking works. Perhaps you are comfortably miserable with your current career and there’s a small voice screaming to get you out of there. Or you could be a mega-networker always seeking other opportunities to do more and do better. How, exactly, does it get better?

I’ve been a Pro Homo (professsional homosexual) for 12 years. That is to say, I’ve been out & proud in my professional career roles for more than a decade. Being out in the workplace is challenging. It’s frightening. It can feel impossible. It’s also liberating. Affirming. Rejuvenating. Everyone’s experience is different for a variety of endless reasons – race, class, sexuality, gender, ability, background, geography, and more. I’m here today to outline my experience as a Queer cis he/they in the hopes that even a tidbit will be useful to you in your journey.

For background, you can read more about my professional experience and career path <here>. TLDR: I advanced from a part-time marketing role at a nonprofit science center after four years to an entry level fundraising position. I didn’t believe in myself, that I could do the job. It took someone else (the Director of Philanthropy) to tell me she believed I could do it to convince me to even apply for the job. Throughout the next 6 years, I was actively recruited to my next three roles in the LGBTQIA+ nonprofit community sector, earning my CAP and CFRE credentials along the way, joining several boards, and participating in a variety of committee volunteer roles and leadership opportunities. I went from an annual salary of $32k in Pennsylvania to more than $100k in California. Finally, there’s the hook!

Here are four categories to consider when you want to leverage networking to advance your career as a Queer Professional:

Mentors

LGBTQIA+ people are historically underpaid on average in the United States as compared to their heterosexual colleagues ($0.90 for every $1.00). It’s tough out there alone, so you absolutely need people on your team. Find a mentor – ideally an LGBTQIA+ professional in your career, so they can relate to your experiences and you can learn from theirs – who can hear your story, offer you advice, connect you with people, and provide you resources. 

As I mentioned, the Director of Philanthropy at the science center saw something in me that I did not. I took the chance and applied for the job because she saw me. When she slid the offer letter across the table to me, before I even signed, she was already telling me that I was going to earn my CFRE, join our local AFP Chapter board, and more. I did all the things she said I would. Something so easy as a sector veteran – she was studying for her ACFRE at the time and had been in fundraising for more than two decades – made a difference that changed the entire trajectory of my life. When I say fundraising found me, I mean that my first mentor found me and made a fundraiser out of me.

But where to find mentors? Everywhere! I found mine in a dark conference room when she excitedly shook me by the shoulders and told me to apply for the job, but you can find yours where you work, on LinkedIn, in your local AFP Chapter’s Mentor Program (for fundraisers), on volunteer committees, through boards, friends, or even family. You won’t find them by going through the same motions – what you’re not changing, you’re choosing.

Opportunities

Put yourself out there, authentically! This can be scary as an LGBTQIA+ professional because of workplace harassment, implicit bias, mistreatment, and even being terminated from your job. Well, my first thought is to get out of there as soon as you can if any of those are even a remote possibility (or hire Queer For Hire to help your job with LGBTQIA+ cultural competency trainings). 

In my experience, when you put yourself out there authentically, you attract the same energy. People who match your high vibrations will start to surround you. When you fill your space with people who are like you, you start to notice the world open up to you – you have more opportunities, resources, connections, and experiences. The law of attraction, if you will.

I’ve thrived in both straight-led organizations and Queer organizations in large part because of my authenticity. A good portion of my authenticity comes from my wardrobe – I dress in both men’s and women’s clothes (clothing doesn’t have gender), often mixing the two in a fabulous display of vibrant colors and exciting jewelry. The straight allies love this, and the Queer siblings only want this. Look around, and you will find these crowds.

That being said, say yes more! Accept opportunities that make you scared. Do them scared! Go to the networking event alone if you have to. Submit proposals to give presentations at conferences in person and online. Write articles and publications. Start a blog, post on LinkedIn. Spread your authenticity through as many opportunities as you can handle (everyone is different). One door will lead to an entire hallway of doors. Opening the first one is always the hardest.

Leadership

The truth is, you can be a leader no matter where you are in your career journey. Titles mean very little in the grand scheme of things, even though we are operating in a society that values title and salary above pretty much everything else. But, we just talked about authenticity! Lead from where you are. Be the example to younger people or professionals who are earlier in their career than you – be the person you didn’t have.

I often hear from colleagues how incredible it is to see me show up authentically as a Queer professional. It gives other people hope and inspiration that someone “like them” can be successful and visible and love their career and be surrounded by people who lift them up.

I said say yes more before, and now I want to say, say no more too! Reject the people and opportunities that don’t fill you with joy or provide substance to your personal mission (you should have a personal mission). The great expanse of career building is made of lava, and you need to be mindful of walking on the high ground to avoid being burned. 

Follow other leadership blogs, hire a leadership coach, listen to leadership podcasts and read professional development books. Learn to manage up, delegate, build connections, spot opportunities, and stand in your confidence.

Confidence

Confidence is a choice. The reality is, no one entirely knows what they are doing. People who are half as qualified as you are getting twice the recognition. It’s You vs. You. You don’t have to do better than you did yesterday, as long as you are doing better than yourself a year ago. Career building is not a consistently uphill stroll; there are plateaus and dips and declines.

Especially as Queer professionals, we need confidence on our side more than most. And I really mean it when I say that confidence is a choice. After consistent habit-building and learning to use that voice in your head for good, confidence will begin to feel natural. It’s a muscle that you have to grow. It certainly doesn’t happen overnight. And even when you’re happy with your confidence, you’ll still feel that anxiety and imposter syndrome slip through the cracks. Say hello, you’re not welcome here, goodbye. And continue being the vibrant, incredible, Pro Homo that you are.

All of this said is just the tip of the iceberg. A conversation to keep having with ourselves and with each other. Career-building is not a destination, it’s a journey. This is why you need a personal mission – your why. Not a salary or title goal. You’ll reach those easily and be wanting for more immediately. It never ends. Add value to your goals and feel fulfilled in everything you do.

Every successful person you see has mentors, resources, and connections all from networking – in groups and with individuals. Networking doesn’t have to be showing up to a crowded venue where you don’t know anyone and walking up to the closest person and hoping the conversation will go somewhere. Be intentional with the choices you make, and always be authentic in everything you do.

Sincerely,

Queers (Pro Homos)

Queer For Hire provides fundraising support and LGBTQIA+ diversity training for nonprofits, professionals, and corporations.

Learn about our Fundraising Services <here> – we’ll lead or support your fundraising efforts, whether you need general support or want to focus on raising money from and for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Learn about our Fundraising Trainings <here> – we can coach your board, staff, and fundraising team on how to fundraise and how to engage LGBTQIA+ donors.

Learn about our other services <here> or our resources <here>.