According to recent statistics released by Human Rights Campaign (HRC), LGBT people were over 75% more likely to be unemployed due to Covid 19. Additionally, UCLA research indicates that pre-pandemic LGBT people living in South Carolina were over double as likely to be unemployed as their non-LGBT peers. Given these realities, the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber is excited to co-present with Pride Link an inaugural career fair for LGBTQ professionals.

For LGBT+ professionals, this is a great way to meet potential employers and network with LGBT affirming businesses and for Upstate area employers, this provides an opportunity to actively engage HR and recruiting teams in supporting the LGBT+ community in The Upstate. The connections made will support a more equitable South Carolina where everyone can thrive. 

We are excited to announce the following employers who will participate, with new names being added every week:

• ScanSource 
• Milliken 
• Amaryllis Counseling
• New York Life
• Market Theatre 
• Fork and Plough
• Proterra
• Windstream
• Safe Harbor
• AID Upstate
• Prisma
• Edward Jones
• Hester General Store

This event will be a combined event with Pride Link and the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and we're expecting a significant number of job seekers throughout the day making this a great opportunity to recruit for job openings. Table fees for participating employers are free to Upstate LGBT+ Chamber Members and $50 for nonmembers. 

As a special dimension of our event, the organizing team is proactively addressing inequities by helping to ensure all candidates can feel prepared for employer interactions. We will offer two workshops that day sponsored by United Ministries a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency: a mock interview workshop, and a resume workshop. Candidates can create and update their resumes and print them out right away on site at the event location, the Queer Wellness Center (QWC). Candidates will also have access to the full wardrobe donation center at the QWC prior to meeting any potential employers. 

The Upstate's only LGBT-owned Food Truck We Got the Beets will be in attendance and we'll be giving out a select number of food tickets to attendees who go through the resume writing workshop. Additionally, coffee will be provided for all from Junto Coffee Roasters. 

This event is sponsored by Think Up Consulting and is open to all job seekers to attend free of charge.