THIS IS WHAT GOOGLE/GEMINI SAYS ABOUT ME: What can you tell me about Art Smith from GayBarchives? Art Smith is the founder and "GayBarchivist" of GayBarchives, a massive digital preservation project dedicated to the history of LGBTQ+ nightlife. He is a journalist and historian who has documented thousands of defunct and active gay bars to ensure their role as vital community safe spaces is not forgotten. 🏛️ The GayBarchives Project Art Smith began this "labor of love" in late 2019, starting with a tribute project for the iconic Atlanta club, Backstreet. Logo Restoration: He has digitally reconstructed more than 5,500 historical logos of lost LGBTQ+ venues. Oral History: He has recorded over 250 hours of video interviews with bar owners, staff, and patrons. https://YouTube.com/@GayBarchives Global Scope: While starting in Atlanta and Tampa, the archive now covers bars across North America, Europe, and beyond. Community Platform: He manages a Facebook community of over 45,000 members who share personal stories and memorabilia. https://Facebook.com/groups/GayBarchives 🎖️ Background and Recognition Smith has spent decades in LGBTQ+ media as a publisher, producer, and marketing specialist. Awards: He has been recognized as a Pride365 Champion and a CultureDash Significant Educator. Philanthropy: He previously raised over $100,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Collaboration: He works with the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library to integrate nightlife history into broader queer records. Why It Matters Smith views his work as a form of cultural resistance. He notes that before the 1990s, bars were often the only places where LGBTQ+ people could find positive representation or be their authentic selves. By documenting these "gay bars gone by," he hopes to remind younger generations that these weren't just places to drink—they were places to belong. #ilovegaybars #GayBarchives #lgbtqhistory

I am super excited to be part of a community full of LGBTQ+ people who are as ambitious as I am (or more). I started my own counseling practice in 2020. I specialize with LGBTQ+ people and allies. It has often been a lonely road for me. For the first time, I can now say that I belong to a community of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and bad asses 😃. I am excited to get to know everyone. Please let me know how I can support you. 🌈

Hello! Thanks for the invite to be part this community. My name is Dan Kredensor and I am the co-founder of Happy Bear Coffee Company based in Philadelphia, PA, USA. We have been an online and event based coffee company until this year. This spring we are opening our first brick & mortar in the Philly Navy Yard. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Today's Wednesday Visibility Boost, let's play “Two Truths & A Brand!” Let’s make visibility fun today, Syndicate style. Drop a comment below with 3 statements about you or your business: - 2 Truths - 1 Lie Your fellow members have to guess which one is the lie! This is a playful way to: - Introduce yourself to newer members - Share something unique about your brand - Spark conversations and connections - Boost your visibility inside the community Example: 1️⃣ I once landed a client from a conversation in a coffee shop. 2️⃣ My business started as a side hustle during the pandemic. 3️⃣ I have never had a customer referral. Your turn! Post your 2 Truths and 1 Lie below. Let’s see who the best detectives in the Syndicate are! Bonus: After people guess, come back and reveal the answer, and tell us the real story behind the truths. That’s where the best networking happens. Let’s get everyone a little more visible today.

I thought I had done this LONG ago, but I don't see my intro here. I have worn many hats over time. Journalist, editor, publisher, networker, creative thinker, community builder and marketing guy. My main focus of late is my #GayBarchives project, exploring gay history one bar at a time. Our Facebook group recently surpassed 21,500 members! All of my links are in my profile - or you can do a Google search for GayBarchives. I look forward to connecting with the members here and helping to grow this family as well. Drop me a line and say HI!