Despite the gloom caused by the GST, impending recession and the Satellite crash, Australian gay and lesbian marketing firm Significant Others says that the gay market is still a good prospect for investors.

“Australia’s gays and lesbians are of course not immune to the effects of recession,” said Ian Johnson, Significant Others principal consultant. “What is important to remember is that the gay and lesbian market is one of the most attractive marketing opportunities when looking for potential high returns.”

Johnson cited the findings of a survey undertaken last year by Sydney Star Observer, which found that respondents had an average income of $55,234, that 54.7% were managers or professionals while 9.9% owned businesses, that only 8.2% had children, that more than half were in a relationship and that more than half had a tertiary qualification.

He also pointed to a Queensland Pride survey which showed that 87.3% of respondents were more likely to buy from companies which they perceived to be gay/lesbian-friendly.

“The fact is that the gay and lesbian market represents a potentially strong, loyal consumer group for a broad range of Australian companies,” said Johnson. “It seems clear that smart companies will see that Australia’s gay communities are an ideal marketing opportunity at a time when companies need to become even smarter.”