European Pride Business Network

LGBTQ+ inclusion is not just the right thing to do, but it can also act as a powerful tool in business. Whether it be foreign direct investment, a boost to your tourism industry or the retention of highly skilled homegrown talent, working to improve the legal and societal inclusion of LGBTQ+ people via your staff, business and society can contribute to a strengthened economy. This week, our Director of Development Marco Greco will be addressing this topic during a panel discussion at Karpacz Economic Forum, joined by panellists Aoife Houlihan, Dominika Dörre-Kolasa, Maciej Kropidlowski and Jagoda Zakrzewska, and moderated by Agnieszka Kulikowska from Campaign Against Homophobia. They will be discussing how we can create more open and safe workspaces, and will ask the question, what role does business play in the development of an equal, non-discriminatory Poland?

We are building inclusive futures: What is our 💡WISE: Workplace inclusion for a sustainable Europe initiative path to LGBTIQ+ equality in Europe? We aim to change that by fostering environments where inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. Through innovative programs with our members, impactful mentoring, and industry-recognized awards, we are paving the way for a more equitable future. Join us on this journey to ensure that every workplace in Europe becomes a beacon of equality and opportunity. 🌈 Here, 👀 https://lnkd.in/d3RJ7hq9, we provide a summary of our upcoming activities aimed at fostering LGBTIQ+ workplace equality across Europe. EPBN members. 👏 AGPRO - Austrian Gay Professionals, L'Autre Cercle, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, Legebitra, network – Gay Leadership, REDI.LGBTI, QBW* - Queer Business Women*, Völklinger Kreis e.V., Wirtschaftsweiber e. V., WyberNet, Pride Business Forum, Federacja Znaki Równości, WeAreOpen - Nyitottak vagyunk, Workplace Pride, Work It OUT, çavaria

The World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence platform helps make sense of the complex forces driving transformational change across economies.   Open for Business is delighted to be a Co-Curator of the Forum’s Transformation Map on LGBTI Inclusion, which showcases OFB’s research on how the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals in socioeconomic life is fundamental for collective social progress and healthy economic development.   Our research shows that LGBTQ+ inclusion offers many social, legal, and economic benefits: it fosters diversity and innovation, strengthens the rule of law and human-rights protections, enhances productivity, attracts talent, and stimulates growth. The map is co-curated by Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive Officer, Fernando Alonso Pérez-Chao, Director of Global Engagement, together with the fantastic World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Team, including Sakshee Singh and Abhinav Chugh.   https://lnkd.in/gV9J589G

🔍This is the second part of an EUobserver investigation looking into how anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation narratives in Europe show similarities and connections to Russian propaganda. Findings show that these campaigns are not only widespread but also highly influential in shaping public opinion and policy. By identifying the origins and methods of these campaigns, we strive to develop targeted strategies to combat disinformation. Our project, Search Guardian, aims to illuminate these disinformation pathways to better counteract them. 👁️🗨️ https://lnkd.in/djxS75we

🎙️ In the latest episode of the Justice Matters podcast, Kristopher Velasco of Princeton University discusses dismantling the global anti-LGBTQ movement and his advice for LGBTQ activists: bit.ly/3SrXi7G

🌍 EPBN 💡WISE Initiative: Workplace inclusion for a sustainable Europe spotlight: Italy 🇮🇹. As part of the WISE initiative, we're taking a closer look at the state of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace across Italy, based on the latest findings from the "Tortuga-Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change 2024" report: 👀 https://lnkd.in/dB5FsJdP. Key insights from the report reveal a complex picture: 📈 Inclusion and economic development: There's a clear positive correlation between LGBTIQ+ inclusion and socio-economic growth. The most inclusive regions in Italy are 61% wealthier than the least inclusive ones. 🗾 Regional disparities: Despite progress, there's a significant inclusion gap between Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, with substantial differences even between neighboring areas. ➖ Stagnant progress: Although Italy has reversed a negative trend in LGBTIQ+ inclusion since the introduction of civil unions in 2016, it still lags behind the European average, indicating the need for continuous efforts. 🌈 As part of the EPBN WISE initiative, we’re dedicated to making workplaces across Europe truly inclusive, where everyone can be their authentic selves. In the coming weeks, we'll shine a spotlight on LGBTIQ+ workplace equality among the EPBN WISE consortium members. Stay tuned for more insights. 📉 EPBN members. 👏 AGPRO - Austrian Gay Professionals, L'Autre Cercle, Associazione EDGE > LGBTI+ leaders for change, Legebitra, network – Gay Leadership, REDI.LGBTI, QBW* - Queer Business Women*, Völklinger Kreis e.V., Wirtschaftsweiber e. V., WyberNet, Pride Business Forum, Federacja Znaki Równości, WeAreOpen - Nyitottak vagyunk, Workplace Pride, Work It OUT, çavaria

Big changes are speeding our way! 🚗 💨 Starting next year, same-sex couples can enter "partnerships" with rights similar to marriage. How should your company adapt? We've got you covered — in both English and Czech. Join our free webinar and get all your questions answered. 🇬🇧 English webinar: September 24 at 4:00 pm 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTujZAuJ  🇨🇿 Czech webinar: October 1 at 4:00 pm  👉 https://lnkd.in/e9qwYZZ4 #pridebusinessforum #lgbtq #workplaceequality #partnership #webinar

Florida’s official tourism site, Visit Florida, has quietly removed its LGBTQ+ travel page, which previously highlighted the state’s LGBTQ-friendly beaches, Pride events, and more. The page’s disappearance coincides with Florida’s rank of 37th on the 2024 Out Leadership State LGBTQ+ Climate Index, underscoring the state’s deteriorating environment for LGBTQ+ rights under Republican-led policies. These restrictive policies are driving significant economic consequences, as families seek inclusive environments elsewhere. Additionally, top educators and students are leaving the state, leading to a brain drain in its universities, while businesses and conferences withdraw investments, resulting in over $1 billion in economic losses and further threatening the state’s financial health. #ReturnOnEquality #LGBTQ #LGBT #gay #lesbian #bisexual #trans #Florida #LGBTQEquality #BrainDrain

In a troubling development, Bulgaria has passed a new law banning so-called "LGBTQ+ propaganda" in schools, joining the ranks of Hungary and Russia, which have already implemented similar censorship laws. This move marks a significant setback for human rights in Europe, particularly for the LGBTIQ+ people. 👀 POLITICO Europe: https://lnkd.in/d-HhhtuJ. 🛑 At EPBN, we are extremly concerned about the growing trend of anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation across the continent. These laws not only violate fundamental human rights but also threaten the progress we've made in creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. 😥 As we witness similar discussions emerging in Slovakia, it's clear that the fight for LGBTIQ+ equality is far from over. EPBN remains committed to championing workplace equality and advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their orientation or gender identity. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to stand united against such discriminatory laws and continue our mission to promote inclusivity across Europe. We must ensure that the hard-won rights of the LGBTIQ+ people are protected and upheld in every country.

🧠 Businesses need to do more to support the mental heath of LGBTQ+ people. myGwork's latest survey showed that: 🔴 3/4 of LGBTQ+ professionals worldwide stated that their employer does not currently provide any mental health support or training at their workplace. 🌈 This highlights the mental health difficulties LGBTQ+ professionals face in society, and that actions need to be taken by businesses to ensure LGBTQ+ people have the correct support to allow them to be their best in the workplace. 📩 Download the complete report here: https://lnkd.in/ed8GhZFq #MentalHealth #LGBTQ #Research #DEI