In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Michael Venturiello.
Michael is a historian, writer, educator, and New York City tour guide. He is the founder of Christopher Street Tours, an LGBTQ+-owned and -operated walking tour company with a mission to increase access to LGBTQ+ history by sharing stories and uplifting the voices of those who paved the way before us. Michael has been recognized as one of FindSpark’s 'Top LGBTQ+ Influencers & Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace Through Innovation and Impact' and as a 'Block Star of the Village' by Schneps Media. He has spoken at various organizations including New York University, the LGBTQ+ Wedding Congress, and Christian Dior, with his work featured in Time Out, National Geographic Travel, and Attitude magazine.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
- [00:14] Christopher Street Tours offers LGBTQ+ walking tours and connects participants with queer history and activism since 2018.
- [01:11] The COVID-19 pandemic spurred virtual engagements, increasing access to LGBTQ+ history for those unable to visit New York City.
- [02:47] Success in entrepreneurship often comes from community support and consistency rather than scaling.
- [04:51] Revenue diversification includes curated experiences beyond traditional walking tours, enhancing offerings related to LGBTQ+ history.
- [19:44] Activism is diverse; sharing personal stories and uplifting queer voices is essential to the tour experience.
- [22:33] Engaging with queer peers fosters community and serves as activism, especially for those from countries where queerness is criminalized.
- [25:19] Interactive tours enhance community building and empower participants through engagement.
- [28:08] Businesses must consider safety and adaptability in response to political changes to sustain their missions.
- [32:41] Joining LGBTQ+ business organizations offers crucial support and connections for entrepreneurs navigating challenges.
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