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TED BRUNER
When you’re president of the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, you need to stay as visible as possible. It’s a role that suits Ted Bruner just right, and with him at the helm the AGLCC is growing by leaps and bounds.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
I’m the current president of the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC). Since the AGLCC is a member-based organization, I try to keep myself as visible as possible to our members and our corporate sponsors. I do everything I can to support and promote our slogan of “Advocacy Through Economics.”
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, within the next 5 to 10 years, same-sex marriages will be legalized here in the State of Georgia. Once that milestone is achieved, I can only see great things for the entire Atlanta community—furthering of equal rights and strengthening the economy. Same-sex couples entering into the union of marriage will rely more on each other as opposed to a dependency on public assistance programs. Also, can you just imagine the number of weddings that will take place in Piedmont Park on any given weekend? It will be a great day for local wedding planners, photographers, florists, restaurants, hotels, etc. The list goes on and I hope to see this happen some day… But I guess I need a date first!
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.
I was living in a different city before Atlanta and I was starting a new relationship. I was very excited about the relationship and I apparently shared too many personal details about this person with my friends. Well, it clearly got back to the person, and he ended the relationship immediately! I learned to keep certain things private and to always use discretion—even the largest of gay communities can be very small at times.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
I’m fortunate because I was very clear at an early age about who I was; I also had a very supportive family growing up. As a result, I’m very comfortable with where I am today. I never wonder about things like “what would I be like had I been born straight?” It’s not even a question for me and I have a very positive outlook for my future. We have so many great resources within our community to help the youth who may be struggling with their identity.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
My volunteer work with the AGLCC and my position with Cox Enterprises keep me very busy! Spending time with friends on a regular basis is a must, and I love supporting the various functions and events around the community. Also, I definitely find time for lots of weekend getaways.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
I would definitely want a travel guide for the island so I could locate the nearest 5-star resort—I wouldn’t want to miss afternoon cocktails!
