Discrimination threatens to invade everyday areas for LGBTQ people on a daily basis. LGBTQ homeowners can experience fears of judgment or discomfort when they have to take care of and fix their home. With the industry being overwhelmingly dominated by straight white males, queer homeowners may be concerned about the unfriendliness of contractors and other construction professionals.
No need to worry for Rainbow Roofers customers. Based in the Atlanta metro area, the company is the only roofing and exterior construction company in the country that specifically caters to the LGBTQ community.
“There’s a lot of prejudice,” Gerry, who owns and runs the company with his partner, told Georgia Voice. “I’ve heard comments from other roofers and often the prices are higher for LGBTQ people. You’d be surprised.”
Although Rainbow Roofers is a relatively new company, it is the culmination of decades of experience from Gerry, his partner and members of their crew. The Company offers roof replacements, roof repairs, fixed roof systems, new construction roof installations, roof inspections, exterior design services, emergency assistance and insurance claims. They service all types of roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal shingles, tile, slate shingles, and cedar shingles.
Gerry’s vision is not only to make LGBTQ homeowners feel more comfortable, but also to create a space for LGBTQ people looking to contract.
“The overall goal is to hire community workers, educate young people and give them a new career path, and provide homeowners with a more approachable contractor that welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or race,” he said. “This is my dream. I want something that is very convenient for people in the community.”
According to a 2015 survey by Architects’ Journal, 85 percent of gay contract workers surveyed had heard homophobic comments at work in the past year, 22 percentage points higher than the general construction industry average of 63 percent. Only 27 percent of gay construction workers felt comfortable speaking openly to colleagues about their sexual orientation.
These numbers are consistent with Gerry’s personal experience. While he said he rarely experiences discrimination in his day-to-day dealings with clients, he felt uncomfortable around other contractors at roofing conventions and other industry events.
“People take a double look at you and wonder what business you have in what you do,” he said.
While Gerry prefers to hire within the LGBTQ community, Rainbow Roofers also employs a number of allied crew members — including several women, who account for just 10.9 percent of the total U.S. construction workers in 2022.
At Gerry, it’s all about taking care of customers and their homes in a personal, friendly and open manner.
“The most important aspect of the house is the roof,” said Gerry. “It’s what protects everything down there… I’m the boot on the ground. I am part of my job. I enjoy what I do.”
Going forward, Gerry’s greatest hope is eventually to expand Rainbow Roofers and make it accessible to other LGBTQ homeowners and families outside of Atlanta.
To schedule a free in-home consultation with Rainbow Roofers, you can visit rainbowroofers.com or call Gerry at 404-680-6777.
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