First LGBTQ-owned mobile provider leverages profits to strengthen its community

Pridewireless_Wide_Logo-1024x407A gay man and a straight man start a cell phone company. Sounds like the setup for a big punch line, but in fact, it’s the genesis of the first, LGBTQ majority-owned and operated wireless company. Pride Wireless seeks to change the world, one cell phone at a time.

Each month, PRIDE Wireless will donate a significant portion of its profits through distributions to community organizations. PRIDE has already secured outside investment and is working to launch its service in October. Meanwhile, as PRIDE Wireless continues promising discussions with traditional start-up investors, it has also launched an Indiegogo campaign (http://igg.me/at/pridewireless) to engage its  community in the effort.

“Our intent is to channel significant profits back to groups supporting the health, safety and equality of the global LGBTQ community,” said Patrick Adams, openly gay CEO of PRIDE Wireless. “The more funding we can raise ourselves, the increased impact we can make in the global LGBTQ community. ”

In each country that PRIDE Wireless operates, it will identify and support worthy non-profits in areas like LGBTQ healthcare (HIV/AIDS, breast cancer), suicide prevention, anti-bullying, addiction, homelessness, employment & housing, as well as aging.

While the United States made a giant leap towards equality through the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling on June 26, 2015, it’s critical to remember that the global LGBTQ community has not achieved full equality.

“We’ve come a long way in winning the love battle in the US but the worldwide war for equality rages on,” said Adams,.  “In the US, it’s still legal in thirty states to fire someone or deny housing based upon their sexual orientation.  Now’s the time to leverage the same-sex marriage ruling and double our efforts to achieve full equality.”

Adams speaks from experience. Rapidly climbing the corporate ladder and taking his first executive role, Adams was fired from his job for being gay.  At the time, his state did not have LGBTQ employment non-discrimination protections.  Today, the US still lacks nationwide employment protections for LGBT people.

By launching a cell phone company that services LGBTQ consumers and their straight supporters, the PRIDE Wireless team saw a way to turn Adams’ unjust firing and his mobile & wireless experience into an opportunity to provide economic support to organizations advancing the LGBTQ community.

While PRIDE Wireless customers will benefit from the same phones and 4G/LTE networks, significant service plan savings, and discounts through its deals membership program, they will also have the added benefit of fabulous “gay” customer service.  Yet the biggest benefit is satisfaction from becoming a philanthropic partner with PRIDE Wireless. The goal is to advocate for, give back to and help advance the health, safety and equality of the global LGBTQ community.

The PRIDE Wireless team has already secured angel investments, a strategic partnership that grants cellular network access in 32 countries, and is in the process of deploying all systems required to achieve operational excellence. PRIDE Wireless is targeting Atlanta PRIDE on October 10-11, 2015 as the initial launch.

About PRIDE Wireless

Founded June 16, 2014, PRIDE Wireless is positioned to be the first global wireless company primarily managed by LGBTQ leadership and serving the LGBTQ community and its supporters. Through a custom developed philanthropic marketing strategy, PRIDE Wireless donates a portion of profits to organizations that support LGBTQ health, safety and equality.

PRIDE Wireless customers further benefit from the same phones and 4G/LTE networks as the major providers, all at lower prices. Customers can also enjoy a unique savings & deals club, while receiving fabulous “gay” customer service.  PRIDE Wireless’ goal is to change the world, one cell phone at a time.

To access the Company’s Indiegogo campaign, please visit http://igg.me/at/pridewireless .

To learn more, visit www.pridewireless.com. Follow our news on Twitter @pridewireless and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pridewireless . For access to company logos, hi-resolution images and screen shots, please visit: http://www.pridewireless.com/press/.

SOURCE PRIDE Wireless

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