Julie Ann Vera | 210SA Jason’s Deli is one gay-friendly business listed in Gay And Lesbian Rainbow Pages.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community generates roughly $4 billion of spending power in San Antonio, according to one statistic, but that’s not the only reason for the formation of the city’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

For Cristina Martinez, the founder of the chamber and the Gay and Lesbian Rainbow Pages, it also comes down to issues of equality and recognition.

 According to a 2007 Packaged Facts and Witeck-Combs Communications study, the national spending contributions of the gay community will surpass $835 billion by 2011. Based on population, it was calculated that $4 billion will be generated in the San Antonio area.

In cities across the U.S., numerous LGBT chambers of commerce began forming in recognition of the growing market power of the gay community.

 “San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the U.S., and when I found out there wasn’t an LGBT chamber of commerce, it was insane to me,” Martinez said.

Since October, Martinez has worked on establishing the San Antonio LGBT Chamber. Currently, more than 90 individuals and businesses have either joined or expressed interest in joining.

Martinez said the LGBT Chamber is hoping to hold monthly meetings beginning this month. In addition to hosting guest speakers, another goal is to produce a newsletter for members and eventually bring the Out and Equal Convention to San Antonio.

“I have big hopes for this. I want to bring San Antonio to the attention of the nation, and I want to bring more revenue to the city through our presence,” Martinez said.

Persons interested in joining or getting more information should contact LGBT Chamber President Darrel Parson at (210) 827-1517.

In addition to the chamber, the Gay and Lesbian Rainbow Pages is a directory of gay-friendly businesses that debuted in July.

The listings are not only of gay-owned businesses and nonprofits, but include companies well-known for acceptance, such as Best Buy and Jason’s Deli. Martinez attributes the growing interest in the LGBT market to keen business sense.

“No matter what the business, recognizing our community is profitable. ..... We earn equality by being treated as a valuable consumer.”

Jenina Hernandez | 210SA contributor