Building Bridges in Brooklyn: Inside Famm Connect's Queer & Connected Networking Event
Photo Credit: Cameron Falco
Marianna and I flew to the East Coast two weeks ago to see family. Every time we fly east, we always try to make time to bring Famm community members together. Last year, luck was not on our side. The night before our picnic gathering in Brooklyn, I felt so ill. I ended up testing positive for COVID-19. We were devastated because we wanted to meet these founders and community members in person and we had been planning for months.
But it was meant to be this year! And, wow, was it worth the wait. We had about 30 people show up, and there was an incredible mix of entrepreneurs from industries such as food and beverage, marketing, content, fashion, nonprofit, retail, venture capital, tech, and more.
Community Building with Purpose
At the heart of the event was David from Threadability, whose experience in community building brought an extra special dimension to our gathering. David provides digital content concierge services specializing in strategy and organic social media content creation for small business owners. David also manages Thread Studio NYC, which serves as both a photo studio and an event space, offering a hub for creativity and community building.
David did not just provide a space for the gathering but also helped us find sponsors, coordinated dropoff, and even ran to the market with me right before the event to grab some extra supplies. David was an incredible partner, and we could not recommend their services and space enough!
Photo Credit: Cameron Falco
Capturing Queer Joy
The energy of the event was beautifully captured through the lens of Cameron Falco, whose work you might recognize from the groundbreaking campaigns of Both& Apparel. Cameron's talent for capturing queer expression and telling stories through photography added an invaluable layer to our event.
We also had some incredible linoprint-inspired posters by Space Ink Shop, founded by Candace, a Trinidadian expat and person with a passion for social justice.
Sweet Celebrations
Solid Wiggles, a queer-owned brand also found on Famm, was founded in Brooklyn, New York, by pastry chef Jena Derman and master mixologist Jack Schramm. Solid Wiggles has been reimagining the nostalgic jell-o shot. Their cocktail and mocktail jellies are flavored with delicious ingredients and hand-crafted into works of edible art. These inventive jello creations weren't just desserts – they were conversation-starters that perfectly embodied the creativity and innovation present in our community.
Connections that Count
The impact of this event extends far beyond one evening in Brooklyn. As we witnessed attendees connecting with one another on Famm Connect, we saw our platform's mission come to life—creating lasting connections within the LGBTQ+ professional community. These connections are already turning into partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities that will continue strengthening our community's economic power.
Looking Forward
This gathering was more than just an event – it was a testament to the strength and talent of LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners. With thousands of professionals and ~900 queer-owned businesses and service providers on Famm Connect, we see firsthand how these in-person connections amplify the virtual relationships built on Famm Connect.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to grow your network, a professional seeking meaningful connections, or a business owner looking to promote your products or services, Famm Connect is a free and queer space for you!
Ready to join thousands of LGBTQ+ professionals in Famm Connect? Download from your mobile phone on iOS or Android.
