Discrimination Still Exists in Weddings

In today’s world, discrimination unfortunately remains present in the wedding industry. On a recent episode of The Tipsy Guest Podcast, host Marco Buenrostro welcomed back guest Winston Gaines from Gaines Entertainment to talk about how LGBTQ+ and minority couples often face unfair treatment when planning their big day.

Winston’s Honest Perspective

Winston is known for his straightforward honesty. He shared, “Anyone in our area that hears from me on a regular basis knows that I’m going to be an ally and a champion for anyone that’s treated differently, period.”
As a Black man who has faced discrimination himself, Winston pushes for equal treatment no matter someone’s race, orientation, or background.

Hidden Discrimination from Vendors

One of the toughest points discussed was how some vendors hide their bias. Winston shared a painful story about a same-sex couple who fell in love with a venue. After being strung along with false promises, the couple was finally told, “we don’t really support that lifestyle.”
This kind of behavior creates unnecessary stress during what should be one of the happiest times in a couple’s life.

A Call for Transparency

Winston asked vendors an important question: why not be upfront?
“If you’re not gonna let a gay man get married on your property because he’s gay, why not just put it on the website?” he challenged.
He doesn’t agree with discrimination but believes transparency would at least spare couples from wasted time and humiliation.

No Difference in the Work

Both Winston and Marco agreed—there is no real difference between working a same-sex wedding and a straight wedding. The services are the same. The only thing that changes is the name on the paperwork.
They also highlighted the need for inclusive language. Vendors should never assume who’s getting married and should avoid gendered assumptions.

Tokenism During Pride

The conversation also touched on “tokenism.” Some vendors show support during Pride Month in June but drop it the rest of the year. Winston’s advice was clear: “If you’re going to support, support all year long. Don’t just wait until June.”

Advice for Couples

For couples worried about discrimination, Winston had practical tips. He recommended resources like Texas Folx, a database of inclusive vendors. He also suggested asking vendors directly or relying on a wedding planner who knows which businesses are truly welcoming.

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges, Winston closed on a hopeful note. Most vendors in San Antonio and Central Texas are inclusive. While a handful of venues still discriminate, they are the minority. The industry is moving toward more acceptance every day.

Final Takeaway

This conversation is a reminder that all couples deserve respect and equal treatment. The wedding industry still has progress to make, but thanks to advocates like Winston and resources for inclusive planning, change is happening—one wedding at a time.

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EPISODE SPONSOR: MBP PHOTO BOOTH

MBP Photo Booth, San Antonio and Austin’s leading Photo Booth company since 2015, is proud to sponsor this episode! Whether you’re looking for a fun, interactive experience or a customized photo activation, MBP has you covered. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable!