Out & Equal

Research shows that more individuals are identifying as nonbinary. And while we are seeing greater recognition and representation of this growing community, more needs to be done to ensure they are seen, heard, and validated. As we celebrate International Nonbinary People’s Day, let’s make sure we remain committed to building inclusionary workplace policies and practices that reflect the unique experiences and needs of this community. Let’s create spaces and workplace cultures where nonbinary people can show up as their authentic self and thrive. Let’s lead with belonging. #BusinessOfBelonging

We are very excited to share our July 2024 Newsletter, which includes: 👉An upfront from Out & Equal CEO Erin Uritus highlighting the need to "Double Down on Pride" 👉A recap of our Radiate Pride Reception Series 👉The next installment of our "In Conversation With..." series with Windō's Ken Janssens 👉Reflections from our Southern States Forum in Atlanta, GA 👉Information on Summit (including the extension of our Outie Awards deadline!) Be sure to check it out here: https://lnkd.in/e24NawWq #BusinessOfBelonging

In our conversation with Ken Janssens (he/him), Co-Founder and Head of Social Impact for Windō, he discusses his career journey, the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and how companies with a clear purpose that go beyond profit margins are more attractive to talent, especially Gen Z. All this and more will be featured in our July newsletter coming tomorrow! Until then, enjoy this thought-provoking discussion with one of our favorite thought-leaders working today in the DEIB space. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e6ncFN26 #BusinessOfBelonging

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