Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. As the owner of Froyo Fresh, a small business in Tampa, I know discrimination is not only wrong – it’s bad for business. Being open to the public means open to everyone. That’s why I’m speaking out in support of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in our state and across the nation.
I've been a resident and business owner in Hillsborough County for 30 years. In 1992, I started my first ice cream shop. I expanded over the years and have had my current location in Westchase and mobile truck for 11 years. I know that a welcoming environment contributes to quality of life for residents and visitors. It’s important for consumers to know they have the freedom to shop anywhere. But for LGBTQ people, the lack of an explicit state and federal nondiscrimination laws and a patchwork of protections across the state and country create confusion and unpredictability.
Read more on the original article : https://eu.theledger.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/12/20/its-time-provide-protections-discrimination-all/8937239002/