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Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusivity & Progress

June is Pride Month! At Washington REALTORS®, we recognize that inclusivity is not just a value or policy—it’s an important piece to our mission of supporting fair and equal access to housing for all.

That's why we've put together this page that explores why LGBTQ+ inclusion matters in real estate, how the industry has evolved, and what steps REALTORS® can take to foster a welcoming environment for all clients, colleagues, and communities alike.

Why Pride Month Should Matter to You

Our industry plays a huge role in helping people find a place to call home. For the LGBTQ+ community, this process has not always been equitable. Although progress has been made over the years, housing discrimination, lack of representation, and unequal access to financial resources remain concerns.

It's the job of agents and REALTORS® to create a safe, inclusive environment for their clients. Not just because it's the right thing to do—it’s also smart business. A welcoming industry attracts a broader network of clients, builds trust, and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. 

Acknowledging is often the easy part, now you're probably wondering, what am I supposed to do about it? Here are some ways you can show your support this month... 

10 Ways You Can Support LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Real Estate

  1. Engage With Your Local LGBTQ+ Community: Attend Pride events, support LGBTQ+-owned businesses, contribute to local events and celebrations.
  2. Make Your Office a Safe Space: Establish anti-discrimination policies and a zero-tolerance stance on harassment.
  3. Display Equal Opportunity Signage: Posting Fair Housing posters at open houses signals your dedication to inclusive practices.
  4. Offer Visible Support: Inclusive social media posts can help build trust and portray your values in a visual way.
  5. Create Inclusive Marketing Materials: Represent diverse families and individuals in visuals and language in your marketing. 
  6. Encourage Inclusive Leadership: Provide equal access to mentorship, promotion, and inclusive discussions.
  7. Refer LGBTQ+-Friendly Professionals: Build a network of affirming service providers and other REALTORS®. 
  8. Collaborate With LGBTQ+ Educators: Partner with creators and experts to share content addressing LGBTQ+ client needs.
  9. Diversity in Hiring: Implement inclusive recruiting and onboarding practices.
  10. Commit to Inclusion Year-Round: Sustain inclusive messaging and policies beyond Pride Month.
(Source: Close.com)

A Quick History of LGBTQ+ Protections in Real Estate

The National Association of REALTORS® has made noticeable steps toward inclusivity over the past two decades. Much of this work has been influenced by the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), now the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.

Here's a brief recap of amendments made to the Code of Ethics over the years to support this mission: 

  • 2009: NAR amended Article 10 of the Code of Ethics to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • 2013: Protections expanded to include gender identity.
  • 2020: A new Standard of Practice under Article 10 banned hate speech, slurs, and harassing speech.
(Source: National Association of REALTORS®)

Education, Resources & Events.... Get Involved!

LGBTQ+ Housing Policy Symposium (June 5–6, 2025 – Washington, DC)

Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, this two-day event addresses the housing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community and brings together advocates, policymakers, and professionals.

Learn More & Register

Anti-Discrimination Resources

Professional Training

Networking and Support

Looking Ahead

Washington REALTORS® is committed to continued growth and inclusivity across our industry. While there’s still work to be done, all Washington REALTORS® have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to shape an industry where everyone has a seat at the table and a place to call home.

We invite you to explore the resources above, participate in some upcoming local or regional events, and reflect on how your business practices can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.

Happy Pride Month!

Download the shareable graphics seen below here.

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