Treece Talk Blog

Unless you’re living in an “LGBTQ+ bubble”, many in our community still deal with judgment and ignorance related to their gender and sexual identities.

This disrespect and discrimination can create deep feelings of distrust, apprehension, and even avoidance of doing what’s in one’s best interest.

Having a team of culturally competent professionals on your side is invaluable. It's crucial to find and align yourself with supportive professionals like doctors, lawyers, and financial planners who understand your concerns and challenges.

I stated why in an interview with the South Florida Business Journal:

Companies shouldn’t be afraid to promote DEI because political rhetoric is not often reflective of their workforce or clientele, said David Treece, head of Miami-based investment advisor Treece Financial Group and an LGBTQ+ activist. Workers in his industry are overwhelmingly older white men, but clients of all types need investment and wealth management services, he added.

When I am working with a gay couple on estate planning and I give a referral for a CPA, the first question from the client is, ‘Are they gay friendly?’” Treece said. “If it wasn’t an issue, they wouldn’t ask.”

Align With Allies Who’ll Advocate For You

Financial planning is often seen as a highly personal and confidential issue. Discussing intimate information about financial resources, income, perspectives on money, life objectives, aspirations, and inheritance plans with a barely known professional can be awkward or even humiliating.

For those in the LGBTQ+ community, this discomfort and apprehension can be even more intense. They might be hesitant to reveal their sexual identity or fully disclose their family or relationship status. This is especially prevalent amongst older lesbians and gay men who may have struggled with “coming out” later in life after “living in the closet” for years.

I am a gay financial advisor who has been in the financial planning and investment advice field for over 30 years and have faced every topic of concern to the LGBTQ+ community—either in my own life or through the real-world experiences of my clients and their families. These experiences have shaped my mission to help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples claim the power of their queer dollars to secure their financial future.

At Treece Financial Group, we respect every person’s unique identity. My team and I offer LGBTQ+-affirming advice and resources to help clients make more empowered financial and life-planning decisions. Most importantly, we advocate on their behalf to help implement everything. You can’t expect to do it all on your own.

Not being biased against someone is not a qualification. It’s a minimum expectation.

Demographics are changing and diversity initiatives are increasing. However, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and other minorities still do not feel fully welcomed, included, or well-served in real-world situations. In 2023, a majority of 55% of LGBTQ+ Americans said they had been subject to discrimination within the financial services, banking, or investment industries.

How to Verify If A Company Supports The LGBTQ+ Community

• Search companies, municipalities, and healthcare facilities on HRC’s Corporate, Municipal, and Healthcare Equality Indices. 
   
• Explore the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s state-by-state affiliate member listings. 

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For a comprehensive review of your situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisors LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.