It was just a week ago that we kicked off the 2024 Out & Equal Leadership Forum, a convening focused on and dedicated to inclusive leadership and amplifying the change agent within each of us. As I interacted with the hundreds of attendees and took in as much content as possible, I couldn’t help but be inspired and introspective.

Leadership Forum was filled with rich discussions, insightful learning sessions on topics of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, and plenty of opportunity to connect and build relationships with attendees from our Partner community. Beyond that, our focus on bolstering individuals’ capabilities to become better changes agents means that we have truly unleashed a new cohort of professionals who will return to their workplaces better equipped to do this important work at a time it’s needed most.

I have been filled with pride at what the team re-imagined for this event (previously known as the Executive Forum) and am reminded of the importance of community and the power it holds—especially in times of uncertainty and when illumination and clarity is required to cut effectively through the disinformation and noise. While there were many moments that stayed with me, I want to share a few highlights.

Number One. In one of our mainstage discussions, we released findings from a new Out & Equal report titled, Talent on the Move-Where Do We Go From Here? This research, which was made possible by funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation, examines how the changing US legislative landscape and the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ bills are impacting the LGBTQ+ workforce experience and the actionable steps employers can take to effectively respond.

Here are a few of the topline findings:

The report’s findings kicked off critical discussions about the current moment we find ourselves in, why the LGBTQ+ community needs action paired with authentic allyship, and how businesses and their leaders have been and must become changemakers driving greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

Number Two. At Out & Equal, we know that the LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith. It’s intersectional and comprised of groups and individuals with varying experiences and needs. And unless all are recognized and prioritized in workplace inclusion and belonging efforts, our movement toward greater and lasting workplace equity cannot and will not succeed.

As part of our work, we are aiming to support employers in leveraging the full talents of the LGBTQ+ workforce particularly, transgender and nonbinary leaders. It’s why heading into Leadership Forum, we also released Where the Margins Meet the Corner Office: Five Leadership Insights from Transgender and Nonbinary Leaders.

The key takeaway: When transgender and nonbinary leaders are genuinely supported and encouraged to bring the fullness of their expertise, identities, and life experiences to their executive roles, they unlock a wealth of opportunities and advantages for their organizations.

Throughout Leadership Forum, the insights highlighted in this body of work drove meaningful discussions and conversations about the future of work, the value of difference and diversity, and the importance of creating workplace cultures rich in inclusion and belonging so all individuals can bring their authentic selves to work, contribute to their fullest potential, and thrive.

Number Three. Our “Light Up the Night” themed Momentum closing reception reminded me that even in the most challenging of times, our movement is filled with light, joy, and strength. As individuals and as a community, we can never forget our resilience or the power we possess. Nor can we lose touch with our ability to create a brighter future for ourselves and the world.

By convening and building community, we can share learnings, have the difficult conversations, and discuss how we can continue to advance and expand the movement to ensure we’re widening the path behind us with each interaction, and so much more. We can be reminded of our power and how we are an unstoppable, growing, and radiant force.

And while Leadership Forum has concluded, I am filled with energy and looking forward to the convenings that lie ahead from our Global Impact Forums this spring, to summer Pride celebrations, and the 2024 Workplace Summit in the fall.

I’ll see you there!

We are in a moment when the voices and actions of a few are attempting to dim the light and progress of an entire movement. And while it may seem overwhelming, we must remember our potential, our strength, and our value. In times of adversity, doubt, and challenge, Queer joy and resilience will always outshine and persevere.

Each one of us possesses this light inside of us that when nurtured and joined by others is magnified. It becomes a beacon of hope, connection, truth, and safety. Every day in our workplaces, LGBTQ+ people–and their allies–work relentlessly to illuminate paths toward inclusion and belonging.

And through the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, we will harness, nurture, and grow that light. We will remind our collective community and the world of the brilliance and power we—the LGBTQ+ community and our allies—hold. We will remind them that we are an unstoppable, radiant force.

Workplace Summit, the largest LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion event in the world, is an Out & Equal Partner exclusive event. Learn more about becoming a Partner.

Act Now: Submit Your Learning Session Proposal for the 2024 Out & Equal Workplace Summit

Programming—from mainstage plenaries to learning sessions—at Out & Equal’s Workplace Summit not only celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging but provides a platform for best practice and leading-edge content sharing, meaningful discussions, and tangible solutions-oriented actions to advance LGBTQ+ rights and well-being. By fostering an environment of empathy, collaboration, and allyship, our impactful programming—that in 2023 consisted of 100+ mainstage events, panels, and interactive workshops over 4 days—inspires positive change within the workforce and beyond.

Put your best foot forward! With only 90 workshop sessions available, and more than 400 submitting organizations, our learning sessions represent the very best in emerging trends and strategies. Lead with your most compelling work in LGBTQ+ workplace belonging, policy, and advocacy.

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, May 24.

More information regarding registration will be announced in the coming weeks.

Recognition and Representation Matter: Submit your Nomination for the Outie Awards Now!

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Out & Equal has recognized more than 100 individuals, organizations and workplace initiatives, and Employee Resource Groups across a range of categories whose work is proven to have advanced LGBTQ+ workplace equity and belonging for all. Our finalists each year are role models, having demonstrated replicable inclusive leadership efforts in their organizations and beyond.

The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, July 10. The Outie Awards are presented to winners at the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit, elevating the award-winners’ profile as an LGBTQ+ inclusion champion and/or organization.

Out & Equal has a rich history of convening with measurable and lasting impact. From our annual signature events such as Workplace Summit and Leadership Forum, to our Global Forums and regional convenings, our gatherings have always been, and continue to be, designed to bring together renowned thought leaders, key workplace stakeholders, and influencers to solve the most pressing issues facing—and create innovative opportunities to advance—LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion.

We are thrilled to be offering multiple in-person, Partner-exclusive gatherings around the world in the coming weeks in Latin America (LATAM), the American South, and Asia-Pacific (APAC).

These events will bring together executives, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging and HR practitioners, ERG leaders, workplace inclusion changemakers, and other influencers to partake in trailblazing discussions and workshops, peer-to-peer education on innovative best practices, and networking with leaders actively making change within each region.

Together, in these spaces, we will continue working towards creating workplaces and workplace cultures where LGBTQ+ employees and allies belong, thrive, and contribute to greater impact.

Learn more about each of our upcoming, Partner-exclusive events below

May 9, 2024

Registration is now open!

Submit a nomination for the LATAM Forum Excellence Awards!

June 6, 2024

Presented by Airbus

Registration is now open!

July 16, 2024

Registration will open in the coming weeks!

At Out & Equal, we work with the world's leading and most influential companies—and the inclusive leaders in these organizations—to advance LGBTQ+ representation, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. 

We’re proud to welcome Avantor Sciences and BlackRock as our newest members of the Out & Equal Partner Community.

Join the Out & Equal Community