Left: Jazmyn Moses, a Sylvan Lake mother and new CEO of RainbowConnect.ca, and Right: RainbowConnect founder Scott Cameron. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

SQUASHING ANTI-2SLGBTQ+ ANTAGONISM

Sylvan Lake mom heads national 2SLGBTQ+ business directory

Sep 25, 2021 | 12:58 PM

A national business directory for 2SLGBTQ+-friendly businesses is being taken over by a central Alberta woman.

RainbowConnect.ca was launched one year ago by former Red Deer resident and current Calgarian Scott Cameron. He’s staying involved, but passing the torch to Sylvan Lake mother Jazmyn Moses, who’s also been part of the venture from the beginning.

“When I came out, I was living in Red Deer. I had a neighbour who was a young person and was transitioning. As we got to know each other, they’d asked I not refer to them using he/him pronouns and their birth-assigned name. They explained it was really difficult to find a doctor in Red Deer who would know what it means to go through transitioning, and support them through therapies and potential surgeries,” Cameron shares.

“I was also friends with a lesbian couple who’d hired an electrician to come into their home. As soon as that person saw their wedding photos, they made a rude comment about them being married. So I thought wouldn’t it be great if we could have a place to easily find supports and services that are safe and friendly?”

In Cameron’s words, it’s as simple as wishing to go for dinner with your partner knowing you’ll be shown respect and dignity.

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Communications director turned CEO, Moses hopes RainbowConnect has an impact on homophobia and transphobia.

“I think once RainbowConnect gains traction, businesses will see, for example, that a business like Jaguar Land Rover in Calgary is listed, and realize they share similar values and are also a dealership, so they’ll sign on as well,” says Moses.

“I personify diversity, as a first-generation, mixed-race Canadian, from a family of immigrants. Growing up, I knew what it was like to be seen as different and not get equal treatment. I have two young boys who I want to be a champion for by changing the world one little step at a time.”

Moses explains that originally, the site was going to be solely for 2SLGBTQ+-owned companies, but they decided it would be more beneficial to include those who are allies.

There are approximately 160 listings on RainbowConnect, from across Canada, including many from central Alberta, but Moses and Cameron, who are both members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, see it growing a lot bigger.

Listings are free for organizations, and businesses can obtain a free basic listing. More comprehensive accounts where jobs, events and other things can be posted is available at a fee.

Asked if local governments can do more to support 2SLGBTQ+ owned companies, Cameron points to not just municipalities, but chambers of commerce and other business associations.

“I’ve heard from folks in central Alberta that they’re afraid. Businesses don’t want to sign up because they don’t want to be targeted by non-supporters. A company actually told me they support us, but wouldn’t list because their clients wouldn’t like it,” he shares.

“That’s why this is needed. It’s the same reason with the lesbian couple who hired the electrician. Society has moved to where it’s more acceptable to see a Pride crosswalk, or more tolerable to see things during Pride Month, but there’s still a lot of underlying fear and antagonism toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

More information is at RainbowConnect.ca.