Jonathan Lovitz - Director of Public Affairs & Senior Advisor for Economic Development at the US Department of Commerce, LGBTQIA+ Rights Advocate, and Small Business and Public Policy Advocate

This week, Jonathan Lovitz, Director of Public Affairs & Senior Advisor for Economic Development at the US Department of Commerce, LGBTQIA+ Rights Advocate, and small business and public policy advocate takes time out of his very busy schedule to sit down with Laura and Todd to talk about advocating for the rights of others, the importance of mental health in advocacy and working together to overcome the divide we have in America today. Jonathan tells us about how he transitioned from performance (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar and a news anchor for Logo TV) to advocacy and politics and how both really aren’t that different from each other. We also learn the true story behind Jonathan’s refusal to serve on a New York City jury, citing the lack of equal protections and marriage equality for LGBT citizens in the state, something that led to multiple appearances on MSNB, NPR and MSNBC and thrust him into the advocacy spotlight. We learn what it’s like to live out his dream working for the President at the Chamber of Commerce writing, lobbying and building programs that create jobs and equal opportunities for disenfranchised members of society, the emotional toll it takes on him and others to lead these movements and how he handles attacks and projection from others. Despite the accomplishments that have been made in the LGBTQIA+ community, recent events have made it quite clear that the work is nowhere near done and Jonathan emphasizes how important it is for everyone, including women, people of color, veterans, immigrants and the disabled, to link arms as one and fight the good fight for equality, because we are all in this together. We talk about how it has become apparent that there are people in power dedicated to reversing progress made by our disenfranchised communities and Jonathan is here to re-assure those on both sides of the aisle that a scarcity and individualistic mindset will not serve anyone; in fact there is enough pie to go around for everyone! We thoroughly enjoyed having Jonathan on the show and look forward to all of the amazing things we know he will accomplish in the future, so make sure to listen to our mind-expanding interview with Jonathan Lovitz!

Links:

Jonathan’s Wikipedia

Jonathan’s IMBD

Jonathan’s Instagram

Jonathan’s Linkedin

Ballotpedia

LGBT Chamber of Commerce Article

U.S Economic Development Administration

US Chamber of Commerce

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