SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – At a time when the state and federal political landscape seems uncertain or even hostile to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, more than 100 senior and executive leaders from Fortune 500 and multinational companies and federal agencies will convene in San Francisco on March 28-29 for an in-depth exploration of the global landscape of LGBT workplace equality.
Business leaders are staying the course and continue to expand LGBT equality within their own companies and speak out when states like Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, and, most recently, Texas, launch legislative attacks on LGBT people. Unfortunately, South Dakota has just passed the first anti-LGBT legislation of the year, and dozens of other bills are pending that would roll back protections for LGBT Americans.
“Whatever the policy landscape, business leaders remain committed as ever to welcoming LGBT people into the workplace and ensuring all employees can thrive. Our country is stronger when we treat all workers equally under the law,” said Selisse Berry, Founder and CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.
Over the past 20 years, Out & Equal has won major victories for LGBT equality by working with business partners and the LGBT community. When Out & Equal started in 1996, four percent of Fortune 500 companies welcomed LGB people with inclusive policies – today that number stands at 92 percent. Yet in 30 states, LGBT people can still be fired for who we are or who we love.
Berry continued, “Together, we’ve transformed the American workplace for the better. But our work isn’t done: too many people still have to hide part of themselves at work or else fear the loss of a career they love. The voices of business leaders are as important as ever as we navigate the challenges to come.”
Below are highlights of those who will be speaking at Out & Equal Workplace Advocates’ Annual Executive Forum.
- Selisse Berry, Founder and CEO, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.
- Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah. Biskupski is the first openly LGBT person to be elected major of Salt Lake City.
- Wally Brewster,recognized diplomat and business leader. Brewster was the first person in a same-sex marriage to represent the United States at the ambassadorial level in the Americas as Ambassador the Dominican Republic.
- Clifton John Cortez, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Global Advisor, The World Bank Group.
- Ken Janssens, Managing Director, Global Technology, J.P. Morgan.
- George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort. Kalogridis, Walt Disney World’s first openly gay president, has made great strides to support LGBT leaders locally in Florida and across the globe.
- Cory Valente, R&D Leader and GLAD Global Network Leader, The Dow Chemical Company). Valente was named in the 2015 Top 30 LGBT Future Leaders by OUTstanding.
