October 2024

As businesses continue to navigate the global landscape, staying informed about LGBTQ+ developments is essential for fostering inclusivity and driving impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. In this newsletter, I review a wide range of sources to carefully curate the most relevant global news, so you don’t have to. These insights are designed to equip you with actionable takeaways for your organisation, keeping you informed of the developments that matter most.

Global Developments Impacting Business

UK & Europe:

• UK Government Updates: Despite long-standing promises from the UK government to ban conversion therapy, no legislation has been enacted yet. Campaigners expressed disappointment after the topic was absent from the King's Speech in November 2023. Organisations should continue to monitor developments in this area over the next 100 days. Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/conversion-therapy-ban-uk-king-speech-b2423922.html
• Cura?ao & Aruba: The recent legalisation of same-sex marriage in these Caribbean nations is a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, providing an opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate their benefits and inclusion policies in these regions. Outright International Global Overview

Africa & Middle East:

• Rising Risks in Senegal and Liberia: Both countries are introducing or tightening anti-LGBTQ+ laws, presenting immediate concerns for companies operating or expanding in these regions. Ensuring employee safety and reviewing travel policies are critical considerations. Outright International Global Overview

Asia-Pacific:

• Japan’s Gender Marker Changes: New regulations allow individuals to change gender markers without surgery, a notable step toward greater inclusivity. Similarly, Thailand’s approval of same-sex marriage, effective January 2025, positions the country as a regional leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Outright International Global Overview

Business Implications for Leaders

Global developments in LGBTQ+ rights pose both opportunities and risks for multinational companies. Senior leaders must be proactive in addressing these issues to safeguard employee well-being and maintain compliance across various regions.

• Legal Compliance: Companies must stay attuned to evolving laws in key regions like the UK, Japan, and West Africa to ensure that internal policies remain inclusive and legally sound.
• Employee Well-being: In countries with restrictive LGBTQ+ laws, leadership should explore additional protections and support, including mental health resources and flexible policies for LGBTQ+ staff.

Research & Insights

• Imane Khelif Case Study: A balanced perspective on the athletic challenges faced by Imane Khelif and the complexities of public scrutiny around gender-diverse athletes. Read More
• Political Dog Whistles in the Corporate Space: Ford, Molson Coors, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, and other companies face criticism for aligning with “traditional values.” Be aware of how political rhetoric can influence corporate culture. Read More
• World Health Organisation Study on Intersex "Normalising" Surgeries: Ethical dilemmas surrounding "sex-normalising" surgeries for intersex individuals are increasingly being scrutinised by global organisations. Read More
• Dr. Jill Biden at the UN LGBTI Core Group Meeting: Support for global LGBTIQ rights during her speech at the UN. Read More
• Out Leadership Study – "Out to Succeed 2.0": A new five-year study on LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. Read More
• Genital Modifications in Prepubescent Minors: Ethical considerations for clinicians on when to proceed with these modifications in minors. Read More
• HRC Foundation 2024 LGBTQ+ Climate Survey: More than 75.7% of LGBTQ+ adults state that a company’s rollback on DEI initiatives would significantly impact its brand reputation. Read More

Actionable Recommendations for Businesses

• Monitor UK Government Decisions: Pay attention to what the UK government says in the next 100 days regarding support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in light of ongoing discussions around conversion therapy bans and related policies. Read More
• Watch International Decisions: Some countries' decisions have been unexpected. Ensure the safety of employees, particularly in regions where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation may emerge. Outright International Global Overview
• Supporting Non-Binary Employees in the MENA Region: Inclusive organisations must navigate complex realities for non-binary employees in the MENA region. It’s important to review internal policies and offer additional support. Read More
• Case Study on Imane Khelif: Use Imane Khelif as a case study of the challenges gender-diverse individuals face when traditional notions of gender expression are imposed. Employees who do not conform to gender norms also face similar challenges. Read More
• Critical Thinking on "Traditional Values": Be wary of political dog whistles like "traditional values" used by the old guard and others to justify exclusionary policies. Apply critical thought when evaluating these messages. Read More
• Intersex Rights Reports: Review key reports on intersex individuals from the past quarter, including systematic reviews and ethical discussions that can inform healthcare and inclusion policies. Read More
• US-Based HRC Study on DEI Rollbacks: More than three-quarters (75.7%) of LGBTQ+ adults stated that a rollback in DEI initiatives would impact brand reputation. Senior leadership should consider this when evaluating company policies. Read More
• Event Dates & Speaker Opportunities: Take note of important upcoming events. If you need a paid speaker, I can help source one from my network, even if it’s not me.

About Cynthia Fortlage

Cynthia Fortlage is an award-winning leader, advocate, and speaker with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of corporate strategy, gender diversity, and human rights. Known globally for her insights on creating inclusive workplaces, Cynthia has worked with organisations in over 30 countries, providing education, mentorship, and training to support their diversity and inclusion goals. Her prior role on the board of Outright International, a UN Secretariat for LGBTIQ issues, provided her with invaluable global insights, which she now applies in curating relevant LGBTQ+ business news and actionable perspectives.

Through her storytelling, Cynthia engages audiences worldwide, bringing an authentic perspective on leadership, intersectionality, and belonging. Her mission: to foster environments where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are. Learn more about Cynthia’s work at www.cynthiafortlage.com .

Let's Work Together

Are you looking to foster a more inclusive workplace? Connect with Cynthia for speaking engagements, workshops, or strategic advisory opportunities to enhance your organisation's approach to diversity and inclusion. Whether it's curating impactful DEI initiatives, navigating LGBTQ+ issues in a global context, or inspiring your team through storytelling, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to support your business.

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