The episode you’re about to hear is one of nearly a dozen conversations a part of the show’s podcast mini-series, The Business of Belonging, brought to you by Out & Equal. Out & Equal is the premier global nonprofit organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
In this particular episode, we’re focusing on the LGBTQ+ Movement’s History as it relates to the workplace here in the United States…and we know…
LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion goes beyond “food, fun, and famous people” during Pride celebrations. It goes beyond flashy public relations statements made by a CEO. More often than not, it begins with a small group of thoughtful, committed LGBTQ+ employees and allies willing to collaborate with organizational leaders to upend invisible workplace barriers they endure.
Over the past few decades, significant outcomes have resulted from this type of workplace advocacy. On a national level, the U.S. Military's “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy was rescinded and replaced with allowing more queer people to openly serve at the world’s second largest employer, and in 2020 the U.S. Supreme Court banned employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Despite these enormous gains, LGBTQ+ people, particularly BIPOC, transgender, and nonbinary people - still endure employment discrimination, harassment, persistent microaggressions, and violence on-the-job. As a consequence, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to live below the poverty line, deal with suppressed wages, and fear their job security and prospects for advancement simply for existing.
To better contextualize the recent history of the LGBTQ+ movement, the journey leading brands have taken to include LGBTQ+ employees, and what’s likely on the horizon in the years ahead, I have the distinct privilege of interviewing someone I deeply respect and admire, Bob Witeck.