Real Estate and LGBTQ Inclusion - What You Need to Know w/John Thorpe - a podcast by Michael LaFido

The LGBTQ movement has come a long way. But as the nation continues to confront discrimination of all kinds, there's still a lot of work to be done... and housing equality is no exception. 

 

With that said, it's such an honor to have John Thorpe with us. John's been in real estate since 1999. He's also the Inaugural President of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (The Alliance). The Alliance was founded in October and in just three months, has grown to over 500 members and over 50 chapters in the US including Puerto Rico.

 

The Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the professional lives of its members while providing consumers with the proper resources to assist in buying, selling, and enjoying their home. 

 

And it's not just for the LGBTQ population, it's a resource for anyone who needs advice, advocacy, education, or networking. To find out more information about The Alliance, visit https://realestatealliance.org/. There’s no cost to join. 

"Educate yourself, get different perspectives. It will make you more understanding and empathetic. We're all human beings."  -Michael LaFido

 

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

 

The data is limited: 

Even though the 2020 census allowed people living in the same household to mark themselves as same-sex partners or spouses, it doesn't include sexual orientation. The average American homeownership rate is about 61%. However, the average for the LGBTQ American is only about 48%, so there's a discrepancy in the data. 

 

The difference between the code of ethics and federal law: 

Even though the real estate code of ethics states you can't discriminate on sexual orientation or gender identity... there's no federal law that mandates this. There are 27 states where there are no explicit laws that protect people from discrimination. 

 

Educate Yourself: 

Grow your knowledge. Attend diversity and inclusion trainings, support minorities in business, listen to those who are unlike you. It'll improve your career, and improve the world we live in. 

 

 

Guest Bio-

John Thorpe is the Inaugural President of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. He’s been working in real estate since 1999. For the past 7 years, he’s been with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate as the Regional Vice President - Membership Development - Franchise Sales/Business Consulting. John lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his husband of 17 years.

 

To find out more about John, visit The Alliance website:

Website: https://realestatealliance.org

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/lgbtqrealliance

Email address:  Ipresident@realestatealliance.org

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