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PAM SCHLOEMER
Whether she’s leading business builder luncheons for the AGLCC, working wonders as a business owner or talking passionately about the future of our community, one thing is certain—all eyes are on Pam Schloemer.
She’s put those skills to use to become a fixture in Atlanta’s LGBT community.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
My role is no different than any other member of our community. Our community is comprised of thousands upon thousands of individuals who bring their own unique contributions that enhance our community both socially and economically, every day. We are compassionate, giving, educated, motivated, confident, involved and have unlimited potential for success. As members of our LGBT Community, we all have a responsibility to pave the path for those who come behind us by having an unyielding vision for opportunities, based on courage, acceptance and faith versus the boundaries created by fear, discrimination and skepticism. Each of us are representatives of the LGBT world, we are all the role models of our community and called to be a good example for each other, our community and beyond.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
The Atlanta LGBT community is in the unique position to not only be the leading LGBT community in the United States, but to raise the expectation for acceptance and success on all avenues. Our community has some of the most highly qualified professionals within their respective fields. We have elected officials at the local and state levels, LGBT liaisons within our Public Safety departments. We have support from many of the religious sectors. Our economic contribution to the entire Atlanta community is huge and cannot be ignored. We are definitely in the position to raise the bar.
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
Having been a member of the LGBT community for over 30 years, I have witnessed many circumstances that enforced discrimination of not only sexual orientation, but race, age, gender and religion as well. I have also witnessed Atlanta grow beyond many of the old boundaries that divided a group from society and come to the point we are today. I’ve learned that to find acceptance as an individual and businesswoman, I must accept those different from me as well. It is a two way street. Society includes people whose politics, lifestyles and identities are as different from me as I from them. To be successful in business, as in life, I believe we must learn to live and work with all people from all walks of life.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
The largest impact on my outlook has been the understanding that positive change occurs in ways that may not be measured by many or highlighted by the media. I believe the way to have a positive impact on unfair and unreasonable situations are to succeed regardless of the attempts to suppress or discourage. A successful business, property owner who cares for their property, ethical civic leader, strong community involvement and high voter turnouts can and does make a positive difference every day. It becomes difficult for even the most vocal opponent of our community to protest when success has the foundation of each of us individually taking responsibility to not only lead by example but raise the standards as well.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
My hobbies, depending on the time of year and time available, range from the Opera to back country backpacking. I enjoy reading, sports, music, travel, meeting new people and spending time with my family and friends.
My goals are to reach a level of success professionally and personally that allows me to contribute more to the growth of our Atlanta Community—all from the beach.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
The Bible. The Bible in and of itself is a great series of stories. It can provide direction, support, comfort and faith that the challenges of tomorrow, regardless of the circumstances or odds, can be conquered.
