With unemployment on the rise, New York City’s second annual Gay and Lesbian Job Fair surpassed its previous attendance record. On September 18, 2008 more than 1200 predominantly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) job seekers met with over 40 exhibitors, from banks and media conglomerates to city agencies and high-end non-profits – even a dog groomer was recruiting new talent.
“I’m here to recruit New York’s finest, and New York’s finest encompasses a lot of ground,” said NYPD Officer Hamilton. The NYPD has done a lot to embrace the GLBT community within in its ranks, according to Hamilton. He spoke proudly about being part of the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL), which was formed in 1982 to address the “needs, issues and concerns of the gay and lesbian law enforcement personnel.” Other city agencies present were the Department of Social Services, the MTA, and the Fire Department.
Several community health centers and gay advocacy groups represented the non-profit sector. They all bemoaned a high employee turnover rate. “Many people use our clinic as a stepping stone. They can make a lot more in private practice,” said Jonathon, a representative from the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.
“You haven’t heard any negative news about us lately. Our recruitment doesn’t stop and we haven’t had any massive layoffs,” said the energetic representative from Prudential. His team was all smiles, passing out ink pens attached to lanyards embroidered with the company’s “rock” logo. When pressed about the volatile state of the market, the Prudential representative insisted that his company is in great shape. All of the banks who participated for the one previous fair agreed to participate again. However, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Commerce Bank were no-shows and their booths remained empty.
Jim Hart, the chair person of Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, called the fair–the only one of its kind, he says–a success. “We’ve grown so much since last year. Ten more exhibitors…definitely more job seekers. We’re happy to facilitate an event like this with companies who value diversity and recognize the talents that our community has to offer.”
Alan Anderson, who came to the fair to find a job, agreed. “I thought it was a really well put together event, ” said Anderson, who worked as a project manager for a printing company until he was laid off in mid-August. Scholastic, Inc., publisher of the renowned Harry Potter books was impressed with Anderson’s resume and called him for two interviews. Although he said both interviews went well, Alan only received an email wishing him the best of luck with his future endeavors and thanking him for his time. No job offers yet.