Famm, the discovery platform for queer-owned brands, was created by BIPOC queer married couple Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo to help users find LGBTQ-owned businesses. Now it’s launching a new social networking app for LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners to connect and collaborate.
Famm Connect, now available on iOS and Android devices, includes common features like a feed for sharing and discovering posts, direct messaging, and a section for managing and cultivating connections. What sets it apart, however, is its emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ professionals to engage authentically.
The launch of a new social networking application specifically designed for LGBTQ+ professionals is both timely and significant. LGBTQ+ individuals frequently face discrimination, microaggressions, or biases in professional environments, and it may be difficult to find support on mainstream networks that don’t address their specific challenges. Plus, they may not feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity on platforms like LinkedIn for fear that it could harm their career prospects.
Famm Connect aims to offer a better alternative to mainstream platforms, offering a space for users to easily find others who understand their experiences and challenges while also allowing them to celebrate their identity rather than hiding it.
“It’s very clear that there’s not much representation when it comes to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners,” Perez told TechCrunch. “We have to look to each other to support each other when it comes to building our businesses, growing them, and figuring out how to spend our queer dollars with queer businesses. We have to show up for each other, especially now.”
While the core functionality of the app is fairly straightforward, one feature that stands out is its “Open to” tags. These tags can be added to a user’s profile to indicate their purposes for using the app, such as being open to coffee chats, mentoring opportunities, volunteering, and more. This ensures that when users reach out to others, they do so with intention rather than simply spamming them.
With approximately 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses operating in the U.S., Famm also plans to include listings for businesses to advertise their products and services. Perez points out that it’s difficult for business owners to advertise on larger platforms, as they provide a service or a product that uses certain terminology that could get flagged or banned. Business listings are currently free, but the platform will soon introduce premium business profiles for $20 per month or $200 per year.
Some other features that Famm is building include a section dedicated to in-person networking events as well as job listings and sponsored posts.
The app is free to download. It operates on an invite-only basis and allows for unlimited referrals.
