LGBT Gay Diversity in Direct Sales

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This is a guest blog written by Rizala from RizalaCarrington.com

Direct sales can be defined as marketing or selling products directly to consumers outside of a fixed location. Some of the biggest direct sales companies in the USA are Avon, Mary Kay, Amway and Herbalife.

Entrepreneurial marketeer Rizala Carrington, author of this guest blog

Entrepreneurial marketeer Rizala Carrington, author of this guest blog


When looking at the direct sales Industry there has always been those reoccurring themes. Single mom wants to make money from home so she can take care of her family. Father (or mother) works full-time and they are finally tired of the 9-to-5 and they are ready to build the life they have always dreamed of. Or finally someone sees their life and realizes that they are not living the “dream”. But what about the the two gay dads that want to make an extra income by joining a direct sales company.

Is there a place for LGBT community in the direct sales industry? Being a part of the LGBT community, I found that there was a lack of LGBT precision in the industry. However, I did not feel like I was the only one in direct sales industry, just maybe the only LGBT member within that certain company. However, with the right research one can find supportive direct sales companies.

For example the largest cosmetic company Avon, received in 2012 and in 2013 the award for “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. (link to story about Avon’s award)

“Avon has always been about inclusion, and I believe this 100% rating by HRC is a natural extension of that practice and philosophy,” says Joe Billone, Vice President, Global Representative Branding and Communications and the Executive Sponsor of the Pride Network, one of Avon’s Associate Resource Groups. “Avon has always been about reaching out to everyone. The demographics of Avon are the demographics of the world. Through our earnings opportunity, our philanthropy and our cultural sensitivity, we help diverse communities everywhere.”

But why aren’t more LGBT individuals involved in direct sales companies? Well, there is a definite possibility that there are LGBT individuals in direct sales companies. With estimated 15.6 million Americans involved in direct sales companies and with U.S. direct sales totaling over $30 billion in 2011: The next question would be how many of those sales came form the LGBT buying power of over $700 billion and the U.S alone. Definitely a lot.

As far as measuring the LGBT diversity in the direct sales industry at this current rate it can only be done from a company to company basis. So for individuals looking to join a direct sales company the most important element one should look at is the diversity within that company itself, and if the leadership supports and stands behind the LGBT community. Remember this is going to the company you plan to share with your friend and family.

For individuals already in direct sales (LGBT or not) and who are looking to diversify their downline, having the right partnership and networking with professionals like Stan Kimer and Total Engagement Consulting (who specialize in LGBT diversity management) will definitely help contribute to your success.

So direct sales may not be completely covered in rainbows …yet. But there are companies out there are support the LGBT community. You just may have to find them.

Thanks to Stan from Total Engagement Consulting for facilitating this guest blog post!

About Rizala Carrington: Born and raised in Southern California, Rizala Carrington is now a citizen of the world, having lived in a diversity of locales. She is the Rainbow Captain for Team “Take Massive Action”, and is helping individuals and businesses learn how to make money online using the 3 C’s of Marketing: Creating Traffic, Capturing Leads and Converting Sales. Want to connect with Rizala? Visit RizalaCarrington.com or email her at [email protected]

If you want to learn more about a Gay Friendly Online Direct Sales company that 100% supports the LGBT community please visit www.3steps2wealth.info

Five Common Misconceptions About Gay People

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After my very popular blog two weeks ago titled “Five Things to Never Say to Gay People” (Link), I am following it up with these five common misconceptions about gay people. I thank some of my readers who gave me some of these ideas.

1. It’s a “white person’s thing.” The one cool thing about the LGBT community is that is intersects with every race, culture, country. Didn’t we all gasp when the president of Iran told an Ivy League audience “we don’t have gay people in Iran.” (Link to article) Perhaps there is some “inherent racial prejudice” with the LGBT community and we in leadership need to be very proactive and vigilant to assure our whole community are represented and are at the table.

2. Gay people don’t have kids. The demographics are continually shifting and more and more same gender couple are having children via natural childbirth methods as well as adoption. Also many gay people have

The number of same-gender female and male couples raising children is increasing rapidly

The number of same-gender female and male couples raising children is increasing rapidly

children in earlier marriages before coming out as gay. FACT: the percentage of same-gender household raising children increased from 17% in the 2000 US Census to 25% in 2010! (Link to ABC news article)

3. All gay people think about is sex – sex – sex. Maybe it just seems that way because many LGBT people may not have as many hang ups as other people about sexuality. Seriously, gay people also think about work, finances, hobbies, their communities and family… which brings us to:

4. If I am straight, my gay friends all want to make a pass at me. Most LGBT people are sensible enough to realize that their straight friends are not going to be interested sexually in them, plus why would we want to ruin a good friendship? Finally, don’t flatter yourself and assume you are your gay’s friends type anyway. Many gay people are very picky. (Smile)

5. All gay men are feminine (and drag queens) and all lesbians are masculine. Not true. Even though LGBT people are often fine with exhibiting both their masculine and feminine sides, there is a wide range of gender expression across the LGBT community. NOTE: it is very dangerous to jump to conclusions about someone’s sexual orientation based on their feminine or masculine qualities. Also this stereotyping is particular dangerous to our young people – we do not need gay male teens thinking the only careers for them are hair stylists and interior decorators, and all lesbian teens thinking they need to be truck drivers or mechanics. Pplease, no offense meant to hair stylists, interior designers and truck drives – LGBT people make great ones!)