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The turn of the calendar is always a great time to think through how we can be more intentional and impactful in the work we do, the workplaces and community we build, and the opportunities we create for all individuals to thrive. It's fortuitous that as we enter a new year, we also celebrate Mentoring Month.
At the start of last year, we highlighted the value of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship, which included:
- Increased potential for advancement for those being mentored, coached, or sponsored, especially those who have been historically overlooked and/or marginalized like women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- New and diverse perspectives for those serving as mentors, coaches, or sponsors.
- Individuals bringing their authentic selves to work, feeling invested in the company, working towards their fullest potential, and advancing the company’s mission and impact.
And while what we outlined around intentional, inclusive leadership and the value of mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, and allyship continues to hold true, this is the year these inclusive leadership efforts must be supercharged. In research conducted by Out & Equal, we found that only 10% of LGBTQ+ people report that their organizations have an LGBTQ+-specific mentorship program.
Companies, and leaders across all levels in an organization, have an immense opportunity to play an even more active role in developing robust mentorship programs, directed at all talent existing within their organizations and with an intersectional approach in mind.
2023 was a difficult one for the global LGBTQ+ community. For example, in the United States more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced, while in Uganda, extreme anti-LGBTQ+ legislation became law. And while there were victories in 2023, we know these challenges will only continue in 2024 and our community cannot go it alone.
Now, more than ever before, we need companies to double down on their commitment to:
- creating cultures rich with inclusion,
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) efforts, and
- being intentional, authentic allies.
Not only is it the right thing to do, it is smart business too.
Out & Equal will always remain committed to advancing inclusion and equity for LGBTQ+ people in the workplace and beyond. We will always remain committed to supporting and create change agents within organizations. We will always remain committed to “The Business of Belonging.”
This year, we need allies and leaders to do the same.
Let’s move forward, united in a shared belief and reaffirmation that diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging are powerful values and ideals. We should not hide from them or issue apologies for upholding them. But rather, we must continue to embrace them as they strengthen us as individuals and teams, and help us create stronger organizations, communities, and societies.
Erin Uritus (she/her)
CEO, Out & Equal
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