Gay and Lesbian Weddings – Growing Market in the Nation’s Capital and Around the Country
Washington DC will experience its first Gay Life and Wedding Expo on April 4, 2004. Regardless of recent political controversy, gay and lesbian weddings are growing throughout the nation, and DC’s gay and lesbian community is heralding their coming expo while businesses of all kinds are participating in a show of strong support.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 16, 2004 –- On April 4, 2004, Washington DC
will experience its first Gay Life and Wedding Expo. This groundbreaking event
comes amidst a Massachusetts’ ruling striking down that state’s ban on gay
marriage, San Francisco issuing gay marriage licenses in an act of civil
disobedience and the President of the Untied States threatening constitutional
action to quell such trends. Regardless of the controversy, gay and lesbian
weddings are growing throughout the US and DC’s gay and lesbian community is
heralding their coming expo while businesses of all kinds are participating in a
show of strong support.
The magnificent 13,000 square foot Galleria at
Lafayette Centre (1155 21st Street NW in DC’s west end) is hosting the expo
while Parker Communications of Virginia produces the affair. National and local
area vendors have paid a premium to participate in the fully booked event which
includes a full day of entertainment, an impressive list of exhibitors and some
very valuable giveaways. The main highlights of the show are a His&His /
Hers&Hers Wedding Fashion Showcase and the chance to win a seven day
vacation for two to Copenhagen, Denmark. While the event has exhibitors of all
types and sizes, its major sponsors like Icelandair, the Washington Terrace and
I. Gorman Jeweler have supported the effort in a much larger way. It turns out
that many businesses are viewing the gay and lesbian community as one of the
nation’s most affluent affinity markets.
Although some statistics are
disputed, it is common knowledge that same-sex couples generally tend to have
more discretionary income than heterosexual couples. This is due to another set
of data which show that gay men and lesbians are generally higher educated and
hold higher management positions when compared to their heterosexual
counterparts. Multiply this by two partners while realizing there are typically
no kids (although this too is changing), and you have a true power-couple. Aside
from statistics, it’s the local “anecdotes” that really speak when industry
professionals explain the fabulous hi-end gay weddings they’ve performed. But to
really know there’s something to this market, you only need to look at the
larger national companies such as Subaru, GE, Anheuser Busch, NBC and many more
who not only target the gay dollar, but are pioneers in offering domestic
partner benefits for their gay employees.
For those who may believe
there’s no real market in local areas, consider the following: according to the
2000 census, there are approximately 300,000 gays and lesbians and 20,000
same-sex couple households in the DC Metro commuting area alone. To many
businesses, this means an entirely new market to target with incredible
opportunities for growth; this of course only for those positioning themselves
in ways like exhibiting at gay and lesbian expos.
When asked what
inspired this event, co-producer William Harrison responded “Just like engaged
heterosexual couples, this too is a special time in these couple’s lives and
they should feel comfortable seeking out professionals without fear of unkind
responses. These folks are choosing to express their love in front of family and
friends and if during their search a vendor with hateful values unleashes some
verbal tirade, it can be really devastating!”
Mr. Harrison cited a
recent example that he and his life and business partner experienced (his
partner remains anonymous as he serves in our nation’s Armed Forces). Together,
they publish a local area traditional bridal publication and when word of the
expo reached their print advertisers, many bought space in the show. One,
however, contacted them with a very different response. According to Harrison,
the advertiser doesn’t “believe in that gay lifestyle” and said she would no
longer advertise in their bridal magazine. Mr. Harrison’s point was then very
well taken, for had a gay couple called this particular vendor, they would have
no doubt been met with unkind remarks. “I wish I could say I was used to this”
Harrison’s partner said, “but no matter how old you get, how strong you become,
or what station in life and community you hold, this kind of hate always hurts.”
Harrison concluded by saying that the advertiser’s behavior reinforced the need
and underscored the reasons for producing the expo.
It seems many expo
producers and wedding industry professionals all around the country have the
same sentiment. While Washington DC’s Gay Life & Wedding Expo impressively
holds the market in its region, it was not the first and is not the only in the
nation. Los Angeles’ first Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo was such a success
last year, the second takes place this February. Last year also saw Las Vegas’
debut of their Gay Wedding Expo with a second coming soon. New York City has a
two-day Gay Life Expo which brings in nearly 20,000 attendees and a separate gay
wedding expo as well. And finally, there are signs of several more in production
from Boston, New Orleans and Miami, to Minneapolis.
For more show
information visit www.dcgayexpo.com
About Parker
Communications
Originally incorporated in Virginia in 2001, Parker
Publications evolved into Parker Communications in 2003 by adding major events
planning to their current business model. As a publishing and events planning
company, Parker Communications produces the Washington DC area visitor guide –
DC Navigator, the bridal publication – Bride’s Day Maryland and niche events
such as Washington DC’s Gay Life & Wedding Expo. In doing so, Parker
communications offers a full package of print, web and personal exposure for
many local and national businesses and organizations.
CONTACT
INFORMATION:
Parker Communications
2107 Belle View Blvd
Alexandria, VA
22307
703.721.2011
www.dcgayexpo.com
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb105144.htm