99.983% of people in advertising self-identify as heterosexual/straight according to a recent 4A’s survey on sexual orientation. If the data is accurate, that means 46 people in the US working in advertising are LGBTQ+. We know that isn’t true. But what these results are saying is that we have an industry culture where LGBTQ+ people don’t feel comfortable being themselves.
Mentor ONE
LGBTQ+ employee
for at least ONE
HOUR per month
for ONE YEAR.
It’s time to come out of the closet for more than the month of June – to take some important steps along the journey to publicly demonstrate to your employees, clients and stakeholders that you are an open and inclusive organization.
Equality is a start but being equitable with our fellow LGBTQ+ workers is critical. Knowing the difference and creating equity is key to an open, inclusive and safe culture.
For many years, LGBTQ+ people have been “tolerated”, and tolerance was the norm. Today it’s about full recognition and acceptance and being intolerant of anything less. Company cultures should also be intolerant of discrimination.
It’s time to come out of the closet for more than the month of June – to take some important steps along the journey to publicly demonstrate to your employees, clients and stakeholders that you are an open and inclusive organization.
Equality is a start but being equitable with our fellow LGBTQ+ workers is critical. Knowing the difference and creating equity is key to an open, inclusive and safe culture.
For many years, LGBTQ+ people have been “tolerated”, and tolerance was the norm. Today it’s about full recognition and acceptance and being intolerant of anything less. Company cultures should also be intolerant of discrimination…
Creating an inclusive culture for LGBTQ+ employees is a journey, takes commitment and starts at the top. And doing so is not just good for employees and the culture, it’s also good for business. Creating an inclusive culture reduces stress and improves health for LGBTQ+ employees, increases job satisfaction and creates a more positive relationship with co-workers and supervisors.
We are asking agency leaders and owners to step up and commit these 3 actions to make advertising inclusive, welcoming and a safe place for LGBTQ+ employees. It’s good for them. And, good for you.
Creating an inclusive culture for LGBTQ+ employees is a journey, takes commitment and starts at the top.