LGBTQIA+ safe culture: is reversing homophobia at the C-level the key to progress?

Expert studies suggest that more than half of LGBTQIA+ employees still hide their identities in the workplace. Although tolerance and acceptance are becoming increasingly normalized, equal treatment and the number of opportunities is still far away from the standard. Despite significant progress in increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance, the general corporate culture around the world still has miles to go.

One of the primary responsibilities of the company’s leadership is to champion the corporate culture. As medium and beginner cadres mirror the practices and directions showcased within the C-suite leaders, it is imperative for the top layer of the company to represent the examples they advocate, to practice what they preach. Consequently, for companies to enable the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ employees and make space for their continuous growth, the organization must have a real-life example of such a leader in charge. Only thereafter, "res ipsa loquitur," the evidence speaks for itself.

The speakers at this panel will discuss:

• Avoiding conflict while fostering revision of homophobic rendencies in the C-level.

• What can conscious C-level leaders do to help foster positive transformation towards LGBTQIA+ employees across the organization?

• Common misconceptions and best practices to challenge homophobia in the workplace.

Speakers

Ezequiel Massa Head of Diversity & Inclusion at SAP Latin America & Caribbean

Dr. Yetta Toliver Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Xerox Corporation

Sneha Suresh VP and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (India and Philippines) at Wells Fargo

Aasha Tikoo Director of Strategic Partnerships at myGwork