WILTON MANORS, Fla. — As Pride Month came to a close, many community leaders pointed to corporations, saying a growing number have pulled their sponsorships from Pride events amid the current political climate.

But members of one local business group are pointing the finger at themselves instead.

What started with one table has quickly grown into one of the newest Business Network International chapters in Wilton Manors.

“We are the fastest growing chapter in all of Florida,” said Jerry Windle, who helps lead the group.

The chapter is the only officially designated LGBTQ-plus ally chapter in Florida, but most of its members are not part of the LGBTQ community.

Instead, they are allies, including contractors and hetero family man Ted Knote.

“We have a great group here,” Knote said, adding that he is “a very proponent of the LGBTQ community.”

Chapter members said that in less than a year, they have generated nearly $2 million in referral business.

Windle said part of the idea behind growing the chapter came after seeing corporate sponsorships pull away from LGBTQ organizations amid the current political climate and anti-DEI legislation.

“It’s very easy to become reactive and say why and point the finger and blame, blame, blame,” Windle said.

“Despite what may happen politically — and we can like it, we can not like it — but rather than point fingers and say would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, it’s what can we do now,” he said.

The group’s efforts have gone beyond growing business.

They have also helped support organizations like the Pride Center, where the chapter meets. The center has struggled to continue its HIV prevention efforts after losing federal funding under the Trump administration.

Windle said the chapter has donated $20,000 to the Pride Center.

“We have strength when we create the gravitas to sit at the table and we create the table,” he said.

The business group meets once a week in Wilton Manors.

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