The business world has seen a significant rise in diversity and inclusivity over the years, and this progress is evident in the increasing number of successful lesbian entrepreneurs making waves across various industries. In this blog post, we will celebrate the achievements and stories of eight inspiring lesbian businesswomen, who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Their innovation, determination, and success serve as an inspiration to others, regardless of their sexual orientation. Get ready to be motivated by these incredible lesbian entrepreneurs and their remarkable journeys!
Martine Rothblatt
Martine Rothblatt is a trailblazing entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the fields of satellite communications and biotechnology. She is the founder of Sirius Satellite Radio (now SiriusXM) and United Therapeutics, a biotech company that develops treatments for rare diseases. Martine’s journey is especially inspiring as she underwent gender transition in the 1990s, bravely facing the challenges that came with it. Today, she is one of the highest-paid female CEOs in the United States and a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Jennifer Pritzker
Jennifer Pritzker is a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, who happens to be the world’s first and only known transgender billionaire. A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Jennifer is the founder of the Tawani Foundation and the Pritzker Military Library. Her philanthropic work focuses on preserving and promoting military history, as well as supporting LGBTQ+ causes, especially in the area of transgender rights and healthcare.
Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. She went from being homeless to founding Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Arlan has become a prominent figure in the tech and startup world, using her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Ingrid Nilsen
Ingrid Nilsen is a successful beauty vlogger, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, who came out as a lesbian in 2015. Her coming-out video garnered millions of views and sparked widespread support from her fans and the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to her online presence, Ingrid has launched her own line of beauty products and has collaborated with major brands like BareMinerals and Unilever.
Kara Swisher
Kara Swisher is an influential technology journalist and co-founder of Recode, a tech news website acquired by Vox Media in 2015. Known for her insightful reporting and tough interviews with tech industry leaders, Kara has become a respected voice in the world of journalism. She is openly lesbian and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media and technology.
Robyn Exton
Robyn Exton is the founder and CEO of HER, a dating and social app for LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, and trans individuals. Recognizing the lack of safe and inclusive dating platforms for her community, Robyn created HER to provide a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect and find love. Today, HER has millions of users worldwide and has raised millions in funding to continue growing and improving the platform.
Megan Smith
Megan Smith is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, and the first female CTO of the United States under President Barack Obama. She is also the former vice president of Google[x], Google’s innovation lab. Megan is an advocate for STEM education and increasing diversity in technology, and she serves as a role model for LGBTQ+ professionals in the tech industry.
Gigi Chao
Gigi Chao is a successful businesswoman and LGBTQ+ rights advocate based in Hong Kong. She is the executive vice-chairman of Cheuk Nang Holdings, a property development company founded by her father. Gigi gained international attention in 2012 when her father offered a multi-million-dollar “dowry” to any man who could marry her, despite her being openly lesbian and in a committed relationship with her partner, Sean Eav. Gigi has since become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong, using her platform to raise awareness and push for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.
These eight remarkable lesbian entrepreneurs have broken barriers and made significant strides in their respective industries, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. By celebrating their successes and sharing their stories, we contribute to a more inclusive and diverse business world that welcomes and supports individuals of all sexual orientations. These women serve as powerful role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and LGBTQ+ individuals, proving that with determination, innovation, and hard work, anything is possible.
