by Joe Siegel

Community Marketing & Insights (CMI), the long-time LGBTQ research panel, is transitioning to a new home with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.

According to the group’s press release: “The HRC Foundation is the research and educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, working to build a world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society. We have collaborated with the HRC Foundation for many years and feel confident that they will continue to leverage research to advance LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices and keep the spotlight on our lived experiences at home, at work, in healthcare, and beyond.”

The first project under HRC Foundation’s leadership will be the next Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey. 

“Your continued participation will ensure that this important research remains representative, inclusive, and impactful. We are deeply grateful for your trust and engagement with CMI over the years, and we hope that you will continue to share your voice as we move forward with the HRC Foundation at the helm,” the press release read.

A more in-depth explanation of what HRC’s survey will entail will be provided later this year, according to an HRC spokesperson.

“I was thrilled to hear about CMI’s purchase by the HRC Foundation,” said Todd Evans, CEO of Rivendell Media and publisher of Press Pass Q. “Tom Roth, the owner, has been working for more than 30 years, and it is nice to see that his company will continue with the guiding hand of yet another longtime LGBTQ organization.”

The CMI LGBTQ Community Surveys “are one of the most important tools for the LGBTQ market and also for its media as we now have years and years of rock solid research to back up the importance of the LGBTQ consumer market,” Evans continued. “It is also lovely to see that even in these trying times, there is a lot of action in the area of LGBTQ businesses being bought and sold, and that is really good for everyone in this marketplace. The one sure thing is change, and it is always good to see landmark LGBTQ businesses evolve and thrive while continuing in their mission. CMI helps so many different LGBTQ businesses both directly and indirectly and Rivendell is one of those businesses that has utilized their research for many, many years.”

Editors and publishers were also given some assurances from HRC. “Privacy and confidentiality remain top priorities, especially in today’s environment. We want to reassure you that: Your personal and contact information will remain private, secure, and confidential, just as it has with CMI. Your information will be stored in a dedicated and encrypted research database separate from HRC’s general membership and advocacy systems. You will not be solicited for HRC membership, donations, or political purposes as a result of being on this panel.”

IN THE NEWS
Volume 27
Issue 8