Open for Business

Four regional programmes spanning sixteen countries. Five new research publications. One new coalition member (welcome BlackRock!). These are just some of the highlights from the past year of Open For Business’ efforts to advance LGBTQ+ equality around the world using the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Today as we launch our latest Impact Report on #IDAHOBIT2024, we reflect on both the challenges and successes of the past year and continue to activate business everywhere as a driving force for LGBTQ+ equality globally: https://lnkd.in/eJ4wJJnb

This year, we’ve been fortunate enough to meet with many activists, changemakers, philanthropists, policymakers and advocates across the globe to make the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion.   Last month was no different and at the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, we discussed the role that businesses play in advancing the human rights of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. From value chains to civil society partnerships, businesses are essential voices in advancing human rights for all. Their resources, expertise and influence make them powerful advocates for positive change.   Thank you for having us! 

Last year, MP Fox Odoi-Oywelowo became one of only two MPs who voted against Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), out of 557 lawmakers. Our recent report on the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Uganda estimates that the Anti-Homosexuality Act had cost Uganda between $470 million and £1.6 billion in its first year. We’re in gratitude to both MPs for speaking out against the law and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda.

Together with the UNDP, we met with key stakeholders from across business, civil society and government to raise awareness of the economic and social benefits of LGBTQI+ inclusion at our Inclusive Futures in the Caribbean: Mobilising Private Sector Support for LGBTQI+ People conference earlier this month. The event highlighted the huge potential for collective action and the critical role the private sector can play in LGBTQI+ inclusion. Together, we can build a future that celebrates diversity and unlocks the full potential of the Caribbean region. Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated!  

An exciting opportunity for someone with a fundraising and/or relationship management background to join Open for Business as Head of Partnerships! I've been working with Open for Business over the last few months and can vouch for the amazing and important work they do, making the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion. And a lovely team too 👏

A short but impactful trip ✈️ 🇺🇸 : On Monday we attended Outsummit, organised by Outright International and heard from activists around the world who are moving the dial in their contexts. Maria Sjödin reminded us of the strength that sits within our communities. Wonderful to see Elise Colomer-Cheadle (she/her/hers) too. On Tuesday we attended a briefing with Human Rights Campaign and heard from Kelley Robinson, who spoke about the importance of quiet advocacy, and DEI leaders from the business community about their plans for the coming year. In the evening we attended an LGBTQ+ holiday event with our partners at JPMorganChase. I was hugely honoured to meet Jamie Dimon and speak to him about their steadfast commitment to #LGBTQ+ diversity as a firm - a really important moment. Headed back today with full hearts. The years ahead may present challenges but there is extraordinary talent within the #LGBTQ+ community within business, civil society and government. Thanks as always to Marco Greco and to Thornall Hembrow (He/Him) and Brad Baumoel for their support for Open for Business and our work

Last week, we hosted our Winter Social for The 50 and friends, at Soho House on The Strand.   The 50 is an exclusive initiative from Open for Business that brings together the biggest and brightest leaders of today and tomorrow, to create a network, whose generosity and wealth of expertise and experience help us to fight back against the global anti-LGBTQ+ movement threatening the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ people.   To learn more about The 50 and to enquire about joining, visit: https://lnkd.in/dhEBEcug

The Open for Business team were pleased to attend a private sector briefing this morning in Washington DC, run by our friends at Human Rights Campaign. An enormous thank you to Kelley Robinson and the team for arranging such an insightful and timely event.

We're #hiring a Head of Partnerships. This is an exciting role in a fast-paced organisation committed to ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusion globally, which will see the successful candidate manage partnerships with many of the world’s leading companies. The closing date for submissions of applications is 3 January 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ebD4JM5t #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtjobs

We're #hiring a Head of Partnerships. This is an exciting role in a fast-paced organisation committed to ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusion globally, which will see the successful candidate manage partnerships with many of the world’s leading companies. The closing date for submissions of applications is 3 January 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ebD4JM5t #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtjobs