For perspective, we need to periodically look at ourselves in ways that innately matter. Ways that can’t be directly quantified by $-signs.
Who are we? How do we treat each other? Who else is the welcome mat out for–in addition to those promising good jobs, proposing skyline changes and planning Rays’ relo scenarios?
As important as they obviously are, we’re not talking building permits, trade missions, Amports implications, RNC-convention impacts or Jeff Vinik game plans for Channelside right now. We’re talking about values. That which defines us.
That’s why that recent Human Rights Campaign report was so timely, relevant and, frankly, reinforcing. It was a contextual reminder that we’re doing more than talking a good game of inclusion.
Tampa has long been recognized for being a notably diverse city–given our history and geography. But that didn’t mean we were a beacon of tolerance or exemplar of seamless integration. This is still Hillsborough County, after all, where diversity can still mean seasonal farm workers or a buzzword for feel-good tokenism.
It also didn’t mean that we weren’t making progress. And now the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index has recognized that reality by ranking Tampa first in Florida in the promotion of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
Tampa, which was the first regional city to create a domestic partnership registry, was singled out for its anti-discrimination laws, its recognition of same-sex relationships, it’s relationship with the LGBT community and its law enforcement policies. It hardly hurts that the Tampa Police chief, Jane Castor, is gay.
And by doing the right thing, that welcome mat fortuitously beckons to more than the LGBT community. Enlightened self interest also resides here.
“It’s a message that Tampa is open for business and welcoming of talent,” pointed out Nadine Smith, the chief executive officer of Equality Florida. Her comment underscores that Tampa is competitive and open to new thinking in all its manifestations.
And it’s hardly pure happenstance that within a week of the Municipal Equality Index publication, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released data showing Tampa economically ascendant. The Tampa metro area now generates $120 billion in gross metropolitan product–or more than 15 percent of Florida’s total gross state product. It’s projected to grow by 3.2 percent in 2013, making the Tampa metro area the fastest-growing area in Florida.
An open approach to those who are different–and those who have different ideas–doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen because of a single registry creation. It happens as a good karma spin-off because enough leaders have had a vision that is as pragmatic as it is idealistic.