Equality is non-negotiable

Huge congratulations to all of the people in business recognized by OUTstanding and the Financial Times as 2016 Leading LGBT and Ally Executives. The depth and breadth of those in this year’s lists is broader than ever, topped for the first time by someone from Asia: Gigi Chao, the executive vice-chairman of Cheuk Nang Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed property developer.

I am equally proud to see that Accenture has six people named across the three categories: LGBT Executives, Allies and Future Leaders. Andrew Wilson, Simon Eaves, Marty Rodgers, Ramsés Aldana and Rica Paras, along with myself, work in a number of offices across the world including the U.S., U.K., Mexico and the Philippines.

These awards and the people being recognized demonstrate how far we have come and we should take a moment to celebrate their recognition. But we have so much more to do. I recently attended a cultural exchange between the cities of New York and Amsterdam. There was an artwork at the event, the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress. It is made from the flags of 72 countries where homosexuality is outlawed. Every time a country changes the law, the flag is swapped for a rainbow flag. That’s 72 countries where progress still has to be made.

Within the business environment, we still need to see improvements. The statistics back this up – 62 percent of generation Y LGBT graduates at university go back in the closet when they start their first job and 41 percent of employees do not feel comfortable coming out at work. But equality is non-negotiable. That’s how it is at Accenture and is how it should be in business everywhere.

However the growth of international networks in support of LGBT rights gives me hope for future improvements. All Out, a global movement working to build awareness for equality, mobilized more than 2,900 people to raise enough money to keep one of the only shelters for LGBT people in Eastern Europe going. All Out also partnered with Lush to sell a soap bar emblazoned with the hashtag #GayIsOK – and raised $425,000 to support LGBT groups.

Then there are the organizations seeking legal and regulatory change. I recently joined 4,000 people at the Out & Equal Summit as it celebrated 20 years as an organization. As a new board member for the organisation, I was encouraged to see over 110 different workshops, panel discussions, and programs focused on recruitment, law, policy, benefits, beyond LGBT diversity, transgender, ERG/BRG, global challenges, allies, bisexuality, professional development, LGBT marketing, in addition to general sessions.

Organizations like All Out, and Out & Equal not only provide vital support at every level, they are breaking new ground, helping establish the next wave of demand for recognition. We have seen some significant steps from business and government. Randy W. Berry was appointed as the first U.S. Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons and in September, the first UN independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, Vitit Muntarbhorn was appointed.

More organizations need to commit to ensuring an inclusive environment for LGBT employees across the globe. Embracing a diverse culture and inspiring collaboration provides a unique way of operating. At Accenture, we are dedicated to raising awareness and educating our colleagues about the LGBT community, while simultaneously supporting our LGBT employees worldwide. We need to see more organizations adhere to strict non-discrimination and meritocracy policies and provide a clear, open line of communication between employees and management. As I said before, equality is non-negotiable.