Finances are personal. They touch every part of our lives, from where we live to how we plan for the future. So why shouldn’t your financial advisor understand your values, your life, and the things that matter most to you?

That’s where inclusive accounting comes in. At its core, it’s about creating a space where LGBTQIA+ clients feel safe, respected, and understood. Not just during Pride Month, but all year round.

And here’s the truth: financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s especially true for the LGBTQIA+ community, where outdated systems, legal gaps, and even a lack of understanding from financial professionals can make planning feel extra complicated. We believe it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Financial Realities for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Let’s talk facts. Discrimination in housing, healthcare, and employment still exists. It doesn’t just affect day-to-day life. It ripples into everything from savings to retirement planning.

According to recent research from the Center for American Progress, LGBTQIA+ adults are significantly more likely than non-LGBTQIA+ adults to face economic insecurity. That includes higher rates of job discrimination, housing instability, and limited access to financial services tailored to their needs.

And here’s where things get even more tangled: many financial systems still don’t fully reflect the realities of LGBTQIA+ families and individuals. Whether it’s understanding how to file taxes with a nontraditional family structure or navigating legal name and gender marker changes. These things MATTER, and when a financial advisor doesn’t “get it,” it puts unnecessary stress on clients who are already juggling a lot.

What Inclusive Accounting Looks Like (And Why It Works)

At its best, inclusive accounting isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. Inclusive accounting is about making clients feel like they can show up as their full selves.

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, that might mean:

• Having a CPA who uses the right name and pronouns without needing to be corrected
  
• Knowing your advisor understands how to support same-sex couples, blended families, or chosen family arrangements
  
• Feeling comfortable talking about gender-affirming healthcare costs, adoption fees, or estate planning that includes non-biological relatives

And from a practical perspective, inclusive accounting means really knowing the tax rules, credits, and deductions that apply. For example, how the IRS handles domestic partnerships, or which expenses related to surrogacy or medical care might be deductible depending on your situation.

When your accountant sees you, not just your numbers, it changes everything.

Creating a Financial Space That Feels Like Home

The best financial relationships are built on trust, and trust is built through language, respect, and action.

Here are a few things we believe every accounting firm (and really, every professional service) should be doing:

• Use inclusive language: This starts with pronouns but doesn’t end there. Be mindful of relationship status terms, family dynamics, and even intake forms. If it’s built for “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” it might not work for everyone.
• Stay informed: Laws and policies affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals evolve fast. We stay educated so clients don’t have to teach us about their own reality.
  
• Honor privacy and safety: Outing a client (even accidentally) is never okay. Everyone deserves to control who knows what, and when.

Inclusivity is about creating comfort and care. It’s how we do better for every person who walks through our door (or inbox).

Real-World Wins: What Inclusive Service Looks Like

Here are just a few examples of how inclusive accounting can make a difference:

• A same-sex couple in Florida adopting a child needed help understanding adoption credits and how to update their filing status. We walked them through every step, celebrating with them when the paperwork was complete.
• A transgender entrepreneur wanted to make sure name change documents were reflected across all financial accounts and records. We helped them update everything securely, with zero awkwardness or judgment.
• A nonprofit client asked how to make their employee benefits package more trans-inclusive. We helped review their health plan options and updated their onboarding materials for inclusivity.

These aren’t just “services.” They’re affirmations. And they matter.

Everyone Deserves a Seat at the Table

The financial industry is catching up, but we still have work to do. LGBTQIA+ clients deserve advisors who are not only technically skilled, but emotionally intelligent. Advisors who understand that “support” isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about being an ally in all the ways that count.

At Watson & Associates, we’ve always believed that good accounting means good listening. We’re here to help you manage your money, your goals, and your future with respect, transparency, and a genuine investment in who you are.

Whether you’re navigating LGBTQIA+ tax considerations, planning for big life milestones, or simply want an advisor who respects your values, you’re in the right place.