INTRODUCTION ODYSSEY FOR EQUALITY /
Introduction
Our sincere expectation is that by 2031, the diverse LGBTIQA+ community will find workplaces fully inclusive and welcoming. This group of talented, productive, engaged professionals will be able to bring their whole self to work and focus on their core professional responsibilities without fear of discrimination and inappropriate language or behavior. In recent decades, many governments, companies, NPOs, and individuals have made great achievements in LGBTIQA+ workplace inclusion. In the coming decade, we still face two primary challenges: • How to promote LGBTIQA+ inclusion in less progressive societies. • In so-called “liberal democracies,” how LGBTIQA+ inclusion can go beyond symbolic declarations to deliver concrete actions that bring about meaningful change? With these questions in mind, L’Autre Cercle, the largest LGBTIQA+ professional non-profit organization (NPO) in France, launched in 2020 the inspiring and ambitious project: “Odyssey for Equality: Think Inclusive, Dare Equality.” More than 100 professionals from 21 countries, representing 14 companies and 18 NPOs responded to the call for volunteers.
Together, they worked on the important question “What should the workplace look like in 2031 for LGBTIQA+ individuals?”
Over a six-month period and leveraging technology during a worldwide pandemic and national lockdowns, this cohort organized “Design Thinking” workshops every month and worked primarily within 6 streams:
• Long-term impact of transnational institutions on LGBTIQA+ topics. • Remote working and new technology: what are the opportunities? • Transgender inclusion in the workplace.
• How to raise awareness about intersectionality in the workplace. • Climate change: leverage or defiance for LGBTIQA+ progress? • Corporate governance and global influence.
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