StartOut

🤎 Happy Black History Month!!!! Black, queer changemakers have had historic impact on our lives and our world despite systemic oppression and prejudice. This month, StartOut celebrates the Black LGBTQ+ innovators that are influencing the landscape of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment all year long! ✨ Are you a Black and LGBTQ+ founder? Introduce yourself and your business in the comments! ♥️ Do you know an iconic Black and LGBTQ+ founder? Tag them below and show them some love! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackEntrepreneur #BlackandQueerFounder

Today, we want you to #ShowSomeLove for PJ, Founder of Safe Sane & Kweerious and Kink in Color! ⤵️ ✨PJ has a passion for creating inclusive, empowering spaces, and building communities. Their background ranges from creative aspects of the entertainment industry, hospitality and high-profile events. They find innovative ways to bridge intersectional gaps between marginalized communities and the mainstream. “As a queer, melanated woman with a neurospicy edge, I actively advocate, amplify, and challenge the status quo by redefining societal norms and promoting authentic self-expression.” - PJ PJ is the founder of Los Angeles-based Safe Sane & Kweerious and Kink in Kolor! Safe Sane & Kweerious is a hub that empowers marginalized voices through immersive live productions, transformative workshops, and social events. Kink In Kolor currently creates a multifaceted sanctuary combining live productions, educational workshops, consultations and social events for marginalized communities & allies. Now we're expanding to housing a separate CafeBar & Social App. Here’s what PJ had to share: ❓How have you built a network as a Black & LGTBQ+ innovator: “I've focused on creating unconventionally authentic spaces that welcome outliers and those who dare to think, move, and dream differently. A place where people can simply just be. Whether it's through live immersive productions, workshops, literature or just being an ear on someone else's journey to their truth. I thrive in being a connector; of people, ideas, and intersectional communities and through mostly word of mouth, we've been able to grow into something outside of complacency.” ❓What is on your 2025 entrepreneur wishlist: “My wish is to expand our current community into a sacred third space that is reminiscent of a home away from home. As a disabled business owner, I've experienced firsthand how hospitality spaces routinely exclude marginalized communities through inaccessible design and unwelcoming, tokenized atmospheres. Melanated, disabled, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals lack ownership in inclusive, safe spaces that celebrate the beauty of their uniqueness. So I'm creating one for us, by us.” ❓Any advice for Black & LGBTQ folks wanting to build community: “Don't be afraid to blur the lines between the ordinary and extraordinary. Focus on authenticity and remember that sometimes the most powerful communities grow from spaces that are a little off the beaten path. Your unique perspective is exactly what makes your vision dope as hell.” ❓What is one word that describes your journey: Prismatic We’re grateful for PJ working to build safe spaces where creative queer people can grow and build community- show them some love in the comments! 🔗 You can learn more about Safe Sane & Kweerious at sskla.com and Kink in Kolor at kinkinkolor.com #BlackHistoryMonth #LoveAwarenessMonth

🤎 Happy Black History Month!!!! Black, queer changemakers have had historic impact on our lives and our world despite systemic oppression and prejudice. This month, StartOut celebrates the Black LGBTQ+ innovators that are influencing the landscape of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment all year long! ✨ Are you a Black and LGBTQ+ founder? Introduce yourself and your business in the comments! ♥️ Do you know an iconic Black and LGBTQ+ founder? Tag them below and show them some love! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackEntrepreneur #BlackandQueerFounder

It was an inspiring evening as I joined a gathering of #LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs at StartOut's NYC event. StartOut's mission to build #community and support for LGBTQ+ founders is not just admirable, but essential, especially now. Meeting so many talented individuals who are breaking barriers and building innovative businesses was nothing short of amazing. Special thanks to Matt W. for his valuable role on the Board and for inviting me. Also, a big shout out to Matthew Westbrook, MSc for being my networking buddy throughout the evening.   #entrepreneurship #communitysupport

🏳️🌈SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendar for the biggest night in LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship! The 14th Annual StartOut Awards is coming October 16th in NYC, celebrating the visionaries, change-makers, and leaders driving innovation across industries. Join us and our community in honoring outstanding LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and connect with the trailblazers shaping the future of business. We can’t wait for this fabulous night of bringing together the national LGBTQ+ entrepreneur community! Let’s celebrate changemakers who are making an impact on access for all founders. #StartOutAwards #StartOutAwards2025 #LGBTQ #entrepreneurship #founders #queercelebration

📅 Save the date! LGBTQ+ professionals in the Bay Area — this is for you. 🌈✨ Join Famm Connect, Prism, Silicon Valley Bank, and StartOut on March 6th from 5-7 PM at the SVB Experience Center for an evening dedicated to safety, awareness, and community building in professional spaces. Panel Discussion – Hear from inspiring leaders: ✨ Serena Poon, MPP (SVP, SVB & Cofounder, Prism) ✨ Renée Rosillo (Cofounder, AO Labs & Prism) ✨ Haley Everheart (VP Marketing, FOLX Health) ✨ Catherine Perez (Cofounder, Famm Connect) Afterwards, meet and connect with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and industry partners during a speed networking hour. In a time where our very existence is politicized, let’s come together to build something stronger. This event is FREE — RSVP now! 🔗 lu.ma/xcnyxed8 #FammConnect #LGBTQCommunity #LGBTQProfessional #LGBTQProfessionals #QueerProfessional #QueerProfessionals #LGBTQEntrepreneur #QueerEntrepreneur #QueerEntrepreneurs

🌈 ATX Founders!!! Join our Austin chapter kickoff Happy Hour tonight and get connected with your local LGBTQ+ entrepreneur community! #entrepreneur #ATXfounders #QueerATX