The Last Page is dedicated to individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay.
This issue, we check in with Tom Christ of Outloud Enterprises. Christ has more than 20 years of experience in the home security and smart home industry and has served the LGBTQ community since 1999. He is currently an Authorized Dealer with SafeStreets USA, an Authorized Provider for ADT.
In 2018, Christ joined the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which is the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. Along with his husband, Billy Looper, Christ is owner of One Magical Weekend, founder of the KindRED Pride Foundation and creator of Santa’s Bike Force, which helps to give less fortunate kids that feeling of receiving your first bicycle during Christmas.
Keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers of your community.
What do you do professionally?
We own and operate an LGBT Certified Business Enterprise that specializes in smart home security. Our company, Outloud Enterprises, has several entities that sell and install residential and commercial security and also manage a company-wide referral program for ADT National Dealer Program. We have worked with ADT’s Authorized Dealer program for 12 years and have been in the security industry for almost 22 years.
How do you champion for the local LGBTQ community?
As small business owners, we strive to support other LGBTQ-owned businesses to provide all of our personal and professional needs (insurance, printing, swag, legal, accounting, etc.).
We also have a great referral partnership program with a number of local LGBTQ nonprofits and real estate professionals to provide financial rewards for anyone they refer to us.
We are sponsors of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, a national organization that champions LGBTQ housing issues and networking throughout the country.
What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?
The opinions, because they spotlight how people think about what’s happening all around us.
What is your favorite thing about the local LGBTQ community?
The LGBTQ community in Orlando has always been strong. I’ll never forget the first time we attended Headdress Ball. It was truly a one-of a-kind event and one of the best fundraisers anywhere I have lived.
Since 2016, I think the Orlando community, all of Orlando, has become more inclusive and supportive of one another.
What would you like to see improved in the local LGBTQ community?
I would love it if there was a more centralized LGBTQ district.
What is your favorite local LGBTQ event and why?
I love Come Out With Pride. We always have a booth and enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new friends. The day is always a great celebration and I have to say I love the fireworks.
What would you like our readers to know about you?
We are passionate about what we do: “We help protect families, pets, homes and provide peace of mind in our chaotic world.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in yourself and the value that you bring to others.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been the biggest challenge this past year?
COVID has limited the amount of time we can spend with our out-of-town family and therefore the loss of traveling.
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Identifies As: Gay
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Out Year: 2000
Profession: Business Development Professional
Role Model: Roger Staubach – he’s an exceptional person who loves his family, achieved tremendous success in sports and business yet always remained humble.
Autobiography Title: “It’s Never Too Late!”
Hobbies: Travel, exercise, cooking, family
