During 2024’s Global Gaming Expo, Brooke Thomas was approached about holding an informal session about issues pertaining to the LGBTQ community. Hosted by MGM Resorts’ Tony Gladney, it became a “fireside chat” on the exhibition hall floor, a conversation among LGBTQ members and allies.
“So many folks came up to me and said they’d been in this industry for dozens of years and never had such an authentic conversation about being out and what that looks like and, and the value it brings to organizations,” Thomas recalls.
Thus, LGBTQ+ in Gaming was formed, a group for the community to network and exchange ideas.
Thomas, who is Seminole Hard Rock Support Services’ Vice President of People, Equity & Inclusion, acknowledges the gaming industry has been welcoming to her cohorts.
“Our industry knows the power of diversity because we know the power of inclusion with our guests, of all the different cultures, all the different traditions and value systems and belief systems,” Thomas says. “We invite everyone to stay and play. So, that translates beautifully to our employee population.”
Thomas says the group is modeled after African-Americans in Gaming. She worked with one of group’s founders, Resorts World’s Alex Dixon, in an attempt to mirror that group’s success, especially in networking.
“It’s a group to share resources, whether you’re an ally, whether you’re new to being an ally, whether you can’t even spell allies. We welcome all,” said Thomas. “It’s a space for the community to connect, but it’s also a space to give back. We want to make sure whatever we’re doing, we’re doing it with nonprofits. If we’re doing an in-person event, who can we highlight, who’s helping the community.
“And for the record, that’s not just the LGBTQ community. That’s the community.”
LGBTQ+ and Allies has received support from the American Gaming Association and is seeking members to bolster its numbers. About 130 members have joined.
The group will hold a webinar, LGBTQ+ in Gaming: Creating Inclusive Communities at 4 p.m. ET June 18 at. It’s also planning to hold an in-person networking event at G2E 2025.
“What we really want to highlight in this group is how much being in this community brings value added to your organizations in decision making,” Thomas says. “If you’re launching an LGBTQ partnership, if you’re trying to reach through recruiting and sourcing and retention efforts LGBTQ employees, you can leverage your LGBTQ base that you have right now.
“How do we reach your community? How do we reach your community for guests or for team members? How do we strengthen that bench? How do we attract LGBTQ talent?
“We don’t necessarily want to lead with it. I’m not in the room because I’m LGBTQ. I’m in the room because I’m talented, because I’m bringing value to the organization, because I’m driving business, I’m driving innovation, I’m driving results.”
