Out Leadership’s Post

I just finished reading "The Activist Leader" by Jon Miller and Lucy Parker. A particular timely, engaging and necessary read, as I believe that many in business in the US have lost their courage, voice and actions in this highly divisive, contentious and mind-boggling era. "...It's of enormous significance to see that there are people in business engaging with this great conundrum -- not in a grudging, half-hearted way but with energy, imagination and ambition to be part of the solution. There's not enough of them yet. But they are the future of leadership in business -- the activist leader. They are taking a clear-eyed look at the situation, they see what needs to change and they ask themselves, and of their businesses: what do we need to do to be part of the solution?" This week, Gallup released its research that showed that the #LGBTQ population is at the highest level ever (self-reported). Yet, at the same time, it seems like the attacks against us are also at its highest level in this century. We are not a political issue that companies must steer away from. These attacks are really about fairness, decency and human rights. It's about our ability -- and especially of our younger generations -- to thrive in a world filled with challenges, and opportunities. I do not think businesses need to speak out on every issue, but a way to think about our population is that we are their employees, future employees and customers and consumers. I hope more read this important book and join us on the activism front lines with "energy, imagination and ambition." And as Oklahoma State Representative Mauree Turner says, "your allyship must be seen in your actions."

TIIP - The Investment Integration Project's CEO William Burckart was recently featured in Inc. Magazine’s Pride in Business profile on “20 LGBTQ Business Leaders on Importance of Visibility.” Here's what he had to say: "There's this prevailing culture where gay people, broadly defined, were not included in these kind of circles of trust. They're not getting invited to the golf course to make new connections. They're not getting invited to the cocktail parties because maybe so-and-so's wife isn't comfortable with [same-sex relationships]. I think this reinforces the need for groups like StartOut, and Out in Finance, where you can find your community and then kind of leverage progress that's already been made by others." - William Burckart, head of TIIP - The Investment Integration Project, co-founder of Colorful Capital, and professor at Columbia | SIPA / Sustainable Investing Research Initiative (SIRI) Read the full article for insights from other #LGBTQIA+ leaders: https://lnkd.in/gJc2RBEP Happy #Pride! #impactinvesting #systemschange

I just finished reading 'Unbound' by Tarana Burke last night. The end of it was a bit more religious than I would like, but the other 5/6 was exactly what I needed to hear. Tarana's life work is the MeToo movement, with a community-based approach. She talks through the violence she has been through, and how that permeates through generations. As I'm sifting through these words and reflecting on it for nuggets that I can use to help make a better society, I'm also thinking of the 4th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. That we have a city commission that is saying that holding signs in their commission chambers is too hostile. We also have a police chief who understands data, but does not understand that systemic racism is a part of the equation for increased traffic stops for people of color. On June 28, 1970, on the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. From Marsha P Johnson, to Sylvia Rivera, to Harvey Milk, to Alan Turing, to Bayard Rustin, to Barber Gittings, to Audre Lorde, to Maya Angelou, and the list goes on.(https://lnkd.in/gDYKGqGf...) (https://lnkd.in/gNDyu2-G) Last month the State Department issued a global travel advisory for LGBTQ people (https://lnkd.in/g8MmCkcQ) citing that many countries do not have any protections for queer people. My point here is, remember your roots, understand your roots, and build a community and society that is better than that. We are here because of a white supremacist patriarchy, it just is what it is, there is no going back from that. We can make a better society, though. We can learn what happened, unlearn the harmful ideology, and move forward with diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our work. I think we really just need to be intentional about that and own our mistakes. I have a tough time saying Happy Pride because of how harmful the world is. Alas, there are so many people in that harmful world that I think need to hear and see a Happy Pride that I'll stick with it. #happypride #lgbtq #unbound #taranaburke #queer #blacklivesmatter #metoomovement #globaltraveladvisory #privilege #marshapjohnson #sylviarivera #itstartedasariot

Making positive changes needs to be fuelled with the right intentions💥 When asking questions or looking to make moves in the spaces you take up, you need to ask yourself what is your intention behind it. Is it to learn and make change or is it to tick a box? - Active inclusion needs to be met with the intention to create visibility, platforming people's voices, making consistent change and to be accountable in the actions you are taking, because it isn't just a one stop shop it needs continuity so that it can be embedded into your culture.💜 I know, that when we f**k up it can put us on the back foot and it can hit us hard, but from me to you, if you have the right intentions with developing knowledge, giving a sense of belonging, platforming and growing awareness you can get up dust yourself off, be accountable and keep showing up for greater movement for active inclusion - I've got your back team💛 Silence isn't support and it is okay to talk about all things surrounding D&I - trust me it makes a difference when we open up to conversations and give ourselves compassion on not fully understanding lived experiences but we can validate, respect, champion and be the best ally we can be!💜 I see you, I hear you and I am there for every single one of you🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 #beyondthebinary #inclusion #rightintentions #lgbtqia #transgender #queer #community #visbility #belonging #voicesheard #businessowners #culture #makingchanges #norainbowwashing #mentalhealthmatters #rippleeffects #love #pride #showingup #allyship #speaker #education #awareness #knowledge #authenticselves #equality

❤️🖤💛💚 Black History Month Webinar: Black Women and the Glass Cliff Continue learning with real-time insights at our 13 February webinar, Black Women and the Glass Cliff. In this session, experts will discuss the “Glass Cliff” phenomenon—where women, particularly Black women, are elevated into high-level leadership positions during periods of company turbulence or poor performance. As a result, they face even more scrutiny, aggression, and lack of empathy, making it harder for them to perform at their full potential.   Register: https://lnkd.in/eANQFmwv #BlackHistoryMonth #AfricanAmericanHistory #businessdevelopment #governmentcontracting #smallbusinesses #businessowners #founders #nonprofits #entrepreneurs #sbe #dbe #mbe #wbe #lbe #mwbe #wosb #edwosb #veteranowned #womanowned #supplierdiversity #minorityowned #wealth #lgbtq #smallbusinessresources #smallbiz #grants #startups #disabledowned #funding

In June 2019, I saw a New York City awash in rainbows. As a gay man, I felt embraced. The city was filled with love for the #LGBTQ population. I was thankful to the companies that proudly "showed" that they were for us. Yes, there were growing conversations about pinkwashing and questions about whether the corporate world was using Pride to serve their needs. Yet, I welcomed all the support -- especially as we were still in the days of the last presidential administration -- where there was no positive words about #queer people. Fast forward to today and it feels like the rug has been pulled out from us, and we are no longer as welcomed to the table as we once were. Efforts toward our full inclusion are seen as "tricky," "political" and "partisan." Worry about being called "woke" seems to have put our once staunch corporate allies into a closet where so many of us long hid. I ask where is the outcry over book bans, against the legislation that seeks to erase us and prevent our young people from growing up as they are, and public officials who call us "filth?" Where is the recognition that in the U.S. we are still being treated as "less than" (see this week's research from the Kaiser Family Foundation) causing us to be more quiet about who we are. We didn't choose to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer; we are who we are. I don't think of us as political or partisan, yet many try to make us their political issue. And while not every parent is supportive of their queer offspring, the loving ones also want to protect us. So, back to Pride. I'm suggesting to the many good companies out there that they "Don't 'Show Up' for Pride." This may seem antithetical from me. I don't agree. I've often cited what Oklahoma State Representative Mauree Turner's said: "Your allyship must be viewed through your actions." Putting a rainbow or easy-to-create filters for social media is easy; it requires little effort. Having your LGBTQ colleagues share their stories in June may make you feel good, but does it really push back on the legislation that is advancing against us or the bullying that is plaguing our young people? While "showing up" is positive and visibility matters, it's more about the visibility of our population. We will show up during pride, as we do every single day of the year in good times and bad. "Don't 'Show Up' For Pride" isn't about being ungrateful for your support. But we don't just need your support during in June. We need it every month as well. And we don't need more rainbows without actions attached to them. David Mixner's "Stranger among Friends" (1996) begins "The President and I were born three days apart. There was one difference. He could pursue his dreams, while I felt I could not." Look around and see the truths about our population today. So, yes, please join us -- but with tangible actions and commitments to help us achieve full equality, belonging, fairness -- and our human rights.

This #BowTieWednesday knows you are amazing just as you are. That's all I know so far. Warning: This video features me playing ukulele and 'singing' P!nk’s ‘All I Know So Far.’ It’s best enjoyed with the sound off. Any pitch or rhythm accuracy is purely coincidental. Enjoy at your own risk! "Stay unfiltered and loud, you’ll be proud of that skin full of scars!” - P!nk When I came out as a lesbian at 21, I did a lot of soul-searching. My first girlfriend was Chris, a nice non-gendered name that could have provided me with cover if I chose the closet over authentically being myself. But I realized that if someone is important enough to know my relationship status, they should also know me for my queerness. Biases grow in the dark, and the only way to influence change is to be that change. While there was some fallout, the connections that mattered most became fierce allies carving their own path to redemption. 🌈✨ 5 Takeaways from Being Unapologetically Out in the Workplace ✨🌈 1. **Authenticity Matters:** Being true to yourself fosters happiness and builds trust. Intersectional alliances have been the most powerful for me. 2. **Visibility Drives Change:** Challenge stereotypes through visibility, paving the way for acceptance. Don't let others believe you represent for all 'like you.' We are each gloriously unique. 3. **Role Modeling:** Being out and proud inspires others. You’ll be surprised by who shows up more authentically because of you. 4. **Advocacy and Activism:** Use your platform to champion rights for underrepresented minorities. Your voice matters. Raise it up! 5. **Building Allies:** Cultivate a network of supportive allies. In the mid-2000’s a colleague once told me “I absolutely support you and Megan getting married. But I do not support gay marriage.” As a bridge builder, I sometimes maintain the patience of Job to meet people where they are and bring them along for the journey. Living openly as an LGBTQ+ professional requires courage and commitment. By advocating for inclusion and fostering supportive networks, we can create fulfilling careers and contribute to a more equitable world. #PrideAtWork #LGBTQInclusion #AuthenticityMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #Visibility #Resilience #WorkplaceEquity #LGBTQAdvocacy #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion Feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments! Let’s support and uplift each other! 🌟

Another amazing day at the Out & Equal Summit, Day 2. Here are a few more reflections: 1. Denying any parts of your identity will lead to a dichotomy of who you believe you should be and who you are at your core. This is true for any intersection of your identities (ethnicity, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, etc.). Embracing yourself wholly for you are is the first step in allowing others the gift of knowing you too. 2. People may surprise you. Believe in people. Show them who you are. They can take it or leave it— but if they leave it, they’ll never know what they’re missing! -Morgan Haldane 3. The power of having queer spaces, where you can completely unwind and connect with other members of the community is something we all need. But the number of these spaces is dwindling. 20 years ago we had over 200 dedicated lesbian spaces across the US, we are now down to just about 20. 4. Allies are the changemakers, but remember Allyship is a verb, not a noun. Your actions can make a life changing difference someone. Being welcomed and embraced by my first managers at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Sherah Fairweather and Bo Denniston undoubtedly shaped the trajectory of my career, and my confidence that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. I will never be able to repay you! The fear I felt coming in the door of such a conservative business has all but disappeared. #lgbtq #outandequal #summit #equality #intersectionality #bankofamerica #merrilllynch

Why Not Speak Up? So many #leaders, #entrepreneurs, #celebrities and others in the public eye are afraid to speak up about important #social issues because they’re afraid of being ‘cancelled’. And while that is a real fear, there is an increased expectation on those with a platform and reach to use their influence for good. When you speak up about important social causes you will gain haters. But here’s the part most people don’t take into account: you actually gain more followers, more fans, more customers and more loyal employees. 📊 Consider these stats: - 91% of consumers prefer to buy from organizations that support a good cause. - 75% of employees want to work for companies with a purpose beyond profit. These numbers highlight a fundamental aspect of human behavior – the desire to connect with entities that have a clear, positive impact. 🌟 While we might not have as many concrete stats about celebrities, the anecdotal evidence is strong. When Taylor Swift started to speak out against #misogyny and #sexism, yes she gained haters, but she gained more fans who didn’t even know her music, particularly adult women, and they became fiercely loyal. Similarly, when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson began using his platform to advocate for education, his Instagram following surged by over 20 million. Certainly there are some marginalized people who can’t speak up about some issues because it just isn’t safe for them, but the majority of those with a platform are missing out on an opportunity to help a cause they care about while also aligning with and gaining support from those who share the same values. #itsyourtime #leadership #socialchange #climatechange #socialjustice #lgbtq

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! House of Inclusion posted this VERY on-point image on the rainbow washing that is about to flood our social feeds soon. And I was speaking to some friends just last week about how much damage misplaced efforts can do to legitimate causes. The biggest damage that I have personally witnessed is people with unchecked privilege making #pridemonth, or any other diversity observance, about themselves, and their efforts, rather than about the communities that should ideally be discussed and celebrated. For instance: ⚡A very popular, Indian, cis-het, "influencer" couple spoke about their sexuality, and used incredibly misplaced imagery as part of a popular tabloid's Pride Month issue last year. ⚡A DEIB & Allyship advocate once said to me, "If queer people have so many opinions, they should come out and set an example for others, and contribute to these causes openly so that processes can be made better. We are doing the best we can." ⚡Another cis-het volunteer once said they were "privileged" that people chose to come out to them. And these are just the most audacious examples for what I am trying to say, but there are many more. This seems harmless but it speaks of an underlying issue. Pride Month is not about cis-het people or insentient organizations to suddenly identify with the queer cause. Advocating for something is different from claiming space that was never theirs to claim. The focus must always be on the goal of the observance - inclusion for the #lgbtqiaplus community, and highlighting their history, struggles, successes, and future. If the focus shifts to chasing clout and treating this month as just another media/PR opportunity, the risk is that people will treat this with even more apathy than there is now. A common argument in favor of this approach is, "We are trying to be amazing allies." Well, amazing allies don't insert themselves into everything. They act with grace and cheer on the beautiful and unique individuals they are championing allyship for. It's not about them and their efforts, it's about what the efforts can do for the community and their progress. 🌈 This Pride Month, let us all try to be mindful of where the fine line between allyship and tokenism lies, and make every effort count. Systemic change, affirmative action, and acts of solidarity, for the win! ❤️ #smusings