Out & Equal

This June, to celebrate the meaning, power, and impact of Pride, members of the Out & Equal leadership team traveled across the country—to Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City—for our inaugural Radiate Pride Reception Series. And while Pride Month may have ended, the spirit, values, and meaning behind it has not and cannot. This is the moment to catalyze the power of Pride and double down on it. And as we do, at Out & Equal, we can't help but reflect on the energy and inspiration stemming from these events when our community came together proudly to say we are an unstoppable, radiant force.   So, whether you attended one of these events or you're curious about getting involved, we’d love to connect and welcome you! There will be plenty more programs and events focused on joy and illuminating the way forward toward LGBTQ+ equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and beyond! We don't want you to miss it.   Connect with us and Become a Partner: https://lnkd.in/dAgqSgTh   #BusinessOfBelonging

We are proud to celebrate and recognize Disability Pride Month! It's a poignant reminder that valuing difference and leading with inclusion and belonging are principles that we all must reaffirm and remain committed to. And while the community in the United States has made much progress since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there is more work to be done. Data from the Center for Research on Disability shows that "the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities sits at 32.8%; compared to 77.1% for those without disabilities." Our businesses, communities, and society cannot afford to lose on the talent, experience, and unique perspective that people with disabilities bring. Today, and everyday, we must ensure our workplaces are accessible and inclusive. We must ensure our workplace cultures lead with belonging so people with disabilities can show up to work as their authentic selves and thrive. For those asking how I can be an ally to the community, we strongly encourage you to follow your intellectual curiosity, seek knowledge, do your own research, and build empathy. A great place to start is by following organizations like Disability:IN which is leading the way in disability inclusion in the workplace. #BusinessOfBelonging

#PrideDay 🌈

Our CEO, Erin Uritus, shares a poignant and important message as we celebrate and recognize the nine-year anniversary of marriage equality in the United States. "In legally affirming same-sex couples’ right to marry, we as a nation became something greater too." 🌈 ❤️

We are incredibly proud to partner with Windō to highlight the value of LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging in the workplace. To help advance these principles, which are smart business practices that represent the future, transparency and an understanding of where organizations are on their inclusion journey is key. Read the complete "The LGBTQ+ Transparency Tiles" report, which spotlights the companies leading the way in LGBTQ+ DEI reporting here: https://lnkd.in/eykDMrzy And to those organizations looking to supercharge their inclusion journey, consider becoming a member of the Out & Equal Partner Community. #BusinessOfBelonging

Act now and submit an Outie Award nomination for an individual, organizational initiative, and/or ERG whose work is advancing LGBTQ+ workplace equity, inclusion, and belonging in measurable ways! The Outie Awards will be presented to winners at the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit, elevating the award-winners’ profile as an LGBTQ+ inclusion champion and providing employer of choice visibility for winning organizations. Submit a nomination by July 10 here: https://lnkd.in/erDUj5Y #OESummit24 #BusinessOfBelonging

On #Juneteenth (June 19), a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we are reminded that the work of equality, justice, freedom, inclusion, and belonging never stop. Black Queer people, who for too long have been historically overlooked and marginalized, have always played an integral role in fighting for and shaping the LGBTQ+ community. And they have done it in the face of adversities that other people have not, do not, and will not face. To this day, they continue to face unique challenges in and out of the workplace because of their intersecting identities. We must always remember that the LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith. The success of our larger movement requires gaining a better understanding of, and investing in solutions that mitigate or eradicate, these unique challenges. It requires that we raise up the voices who have done so much in the fight for equality. It requires we lead with inclusion and belonging. At Out & Equal, we’re committed to advancing the community and achieving our mission by understanding the experiences of all of the communities that make up our movement.  To learn more on what you can do, please revisit Out & Equal’s February 2024 Newsletter, which includes important resources and discusses both the power of intersectionality and how we can support Black Queer voices. Read the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eQyErAt5

The US Supreme Court decision of Bostock vs. Clayton County, GA, affirming LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace and beyond, was a historic and powerful moment for equity, inclusion, and belonging. Today, we celebrate this victory and double down on the work that lies ahead. #BusinessOfBelonging

At Out & Equal, we know that "The Business of Belonging" is smart business practice. Valuing difference and creating workplaces rich in inclusion and belonging advance key business strategies, improve talent retention and attraction, and increase brand loyalty. As the premier nonprofit working to advance LGBTQ+ representation, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and beyond, let us help supercharge your business success journey. Hear from members of the Out & Equal community about what a Partnership has meant to them and their organizations. Reach out and join the Out & Equal community now! Become a Partner | https://lnkd.in/dAgqSgTh #BusinessOfBelonging

It’s been eight years since the deadly mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, but my heart is still breaking.   For the 49 people killed that day, and all of the people who loved them.   For the Queer community in Orlando, especially Queer people of color.   For all the LGBTQ+ people who have been targets of violence and hatred.   Queer people should be able to experience joy without fearing the worst. We deserve to live safely and freely—at work, at home, at school, everywhere and without exception. Today, let’s find in our heartbreak the fuel to move forward. And let’s keep fighting for a future where everyone can live as their most authentic self. #PulseRemembrance [Photo source: AP/Orlando Sentinel Graphic/AP/Orlando Sentinel]