Out & Equal Workplace Advocates - 2007 Summit

2007 Out & Equal Workplace Summit

2007 Presenting Sponsor

Instructions: 2007 Workplace Summit archives are listed here alphabetically. Please right-click (control-click for Mac users) the links and download them to your own computer for best quality.

All the workshops we have recieved have been uploaded. If you do not see a workshop here, it my be that we do not have persmission to share it or were unable to obtain files of sufficient quality.

Please be aware that because of technical limitations, some audio files may include "dead air" at the beginning of the file - usually less than 5 minutes.

The 3 A’s of Allies: Attracting, Affirming and Activating
Julie Marshall, John Redmond
The Capital One LGBT Network doubled membership overnight by adding allies. Come find out how the transformation occurred and how allies have been educated, affirmed, and leveraged to provide support and culture change at Capital One. The workshop will focus on strategies to attract and retain allies and build relationships to achieve lasting positive results.

[audio recording (MP3)]

Aligning Network Activities with Business and Diversity Goals
Sam Rubino
The critical role that many ERGs play in the workplace is an important part in advancing a company's diversity objectives while professionally developing its members and providing networking opportunities among employees. Citi's Pride networks will share leading practices that identify, engage, and leverage the power of its networks in support of their company's business and diversity strategies. Shared programs include the networks' involvement in employment recruiting, community relations, professional development, heritage month planning, and business marketing.

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Allies: Who, Why, and How?
Glenda Russell
The Out & Equal Workplace Institute is proud to sponsor this workshop. It will focus on allies: who they are, what motivates them to take action in support of LGBT rights, and what LGBT people can do to invite and support allies' participation in our quest for equal rights. Based on extensive research and work in this area, the contents of the workshop will offer a model for understanding and encouraging ally involvement, as well as practical tools for use in your workplace.

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Alternative Families in Corporate America
Jennifer Chrisler, Olen Dodge, Maria Parks, Rodney Sweigart
The number of alternative families is growing rapidly in the US and around the world. Corporations are faced with the choice to offer domestic partner benefits to individuals with nontraditional families. This panel discussion will present three different family configurations and inform about the issues that alternative families face.

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The Art of Connections
Bob Witeck
Successful professionals know that curiosity is invaluable, and a way to learn and grow in their field. Networking allows curiosity to expand professional growth in powerful new directions, whether for the neophyte or executive. This hands-on workshop is aimed at Out & Equal's greatest strengths — leveraging connections and pathways for attendees to assess and stretch their contact skills, and invest time and energy at the Summit to advance their successes, learn from their failures, and become more adept at all professional and life connections.

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Benchmarking Workplace Equality: The HRC Corporate Equality Index Past, Present, and Future
Daryl Herrschaft, Samir Luther
Since 2002, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has invited large employers in the US to participate in the annual Corporate Equality Index survey. In the six years of the index, the number of large employers with perfect ratings has increased from 13 to 142 in 2006. Come hear what we found in the 2008 survey, including emerging best practices and trends, and what’s ahead for the CEI.

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Bias Related Issues Concerning LGBT Intimate Partner Violence: Effects on the Workplace
Kim Fountain, Clarence Patton, Patti Rios
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has a tremendous impact upon the workplace. While IPV has a tremendous effect upon a survivor, there are potential additional implications within the workplace—ranging from absenteeism and loss of productivity to significant health care costs and the potential for violence to occur in the workplace. Attendees will participate in outlining policies and procedures around IPV that are sensitive to issues for LGBT survivors and learn how to create a welcoming space in which survivors may choose to share their experiences through channels that will help to ensure their safety.

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Bisexual Colleagues: The Challenges They face
John Craig
We will explore the challenges faced by bisexual men and women in the workplace. Participants will learn about how pressures on bisexual colleagues are different from the pressures faced by gay men and lesbians; why bisexuals are often in the closet; the specific stigmas our society attaches to bisexual individuals. We will explore situations portrayed in the film Brokeback Mountain, which clearly illustrate situations bisexual or gay/married men may face in their lives.

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Black, Woman, Lesbian & Crazy: Laughing at Life
Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale
Experience warm, authentic, funny and poignant stories from the 50s in the South. I discovered I was Black, the 60s—a woman in a fog, coming out in the 70s, to the outrageous and courageous life in the new millennium. Come join me in a conversation about the intersection of race, gender, sexual orientation, and making a living. This workshop will explore the journey that makes us unique, strong, frightened, and aware.

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Breaking Through the Lavender Ceiling: Executive Panel Discussion
Jay Allen, Tara Bunch, Jim Freeman, J. Robby Gregg, Jr., Terry Hildebrandt, Kayla Shell, Margaret Stumpp
A panel of LGBT executives from leading corporations will share their experiences of being out in their companies. Learn the risks and rewards of being an out leader today. Topics covered will include developing a network of allies, the challenge of coming out every day, dealing with homophobic employees and peers, and the advantages of being out. The executives will share their stories and take questions from the audience.

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Bringing “Can We Talk” to Life in Your Organization
Jane Clark, Laurie Mancuso
The Lambda Network at Kodak will share the design of its “Can We Talk?” workshop by engaging participants in the experiential learning process that is the hallmark of this very effective workshop. The motivation for creating this workshop at Kodak was to provide a safe environment for non-LGBT participants to understand LGBT issues and vice versa. Participants will walk away from this experience with a good understanding of how they can apply this very effective technique back in their organizations.

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Building an Employee Resource Group
Jignasha Amin Patel
Jignasha Amin Patel, Director of Global Talent Sourcing and Inclusion at Freescale Semiconductor, will speak about driving inclusion in the workplace through employee resource groups. She will share insights into building a strong LGBT ERG through business alignment, leadership buy-in and commitment, structure and framework, and employee engagement.

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Building Executive Support for LGBT Workplace Equality and Your Employee Network
Ann Dunkin, Jeff Parker, Adam Wolf
Do you have an ERG but can’t seem to get anything to change within your company? This workshop will teach you how to build a supportive network of executives. We’ll provide you with tools and processes—such as benchmarking and Readers Theater—that you can use to raise executive awareness and create a business case for LGBT diversity. Learn how to use this new awareness to establish executive sponsors and an advisory board, creating the foundation for change.

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Changing With The Times: A Media Brand's Growing Commitment to Inclusion
Alan Flippen, Tom Kulaga, Linda Tepedino
The New York Times has undergone a remarkable transformation, from near silence on important issues like AIDS to extensive daily reporting and commentary on societal and workplace issues affecting our lives. We will trace this historic evolution from the pre-Stonewall era to today's comprehensive news coverage of a wide range of LGBT issues and discuss how this journalistic commitment is mirrored by unique marketing initiatives and community sponsorships. Internally, The Times has embraced LGBT employees and created an affinity group.

Note: The New York Times news department is separate from its advertising, circulation, and human resources departments, and makes decisions on coverage solely on the basis of newsworthiness, without regard to its business interests or its internal personnel policies.

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[Video Presentation 1 (WMV)]
[Video Presentation 2 (WMV)]
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[Video Presentation 5 (WMV)]

The Cost of Transgender Health Benefits
Elizabeth Goza, Mary Ann Horton
If your company supports full equality for transgender workers, you may be considering Transgender Health Benefits. How much will this cost? Why does this matter? Will we be faced with an army of transsexuals demanding that we pay for sex reassignment surgery? How many transsexuals are there, anyway? Come find out the answers.

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Creating ERG Partnerships—With One Another and With Your LGBT Community Center
Robbin Burr, Christopher Frith, Terry Stone, Leslie Ann Thompson, George Westerman
This workshop will share a variety of avenues in which ERGs network and how they utilize local LGBT community centers for support. Hear success stories about how ERGs assist one another in creating growth, influencing company policy, marketing their group in and out of the business setting and impacting the broader LGBT community and the important role local community centers play in that network success.

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Creative Use of Media for Excitement, Education, and Outreach by Lambda Network at Kodak ERG
Keith Powell, Dan Sapper
Lambda Network at Kodak will show you how to use contemporary and traditional media to bring excitement to your ERG's work. Lambda uses various media to communicate our messages for growth, education, community outreach, and product marketing. We'll show our examples of blogging, educational videos, flash-player invitations, live-action skits, newspaper articles, websites, photo galleries, and computer networking which build excitement and can be used repeatedly.

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Developing Written Workplace Guidelines: Transitioning & Gender Non-Conforming Employees
Brad Salavich, Riki Wilchins
Over 190 major corporations have implemented Equal Employment Opportunity Policies and/or workplace transition support guidelines that include gender identity and expression. The process of crafting comprehensive policies for gender non-conforming employees and written guidelines to help support workplace transitions can be difficult and time-consuming. Come hear from leaders in the field about best-in-class practices and their experience implementing them, and how GenderPAC’s sample policy guidelines can help your company stay ahead of the curve.

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Diversifying LGBT Minorities: LGBT with Disabilities
Elise Roy
It is already hard enough to be out with your sexual orientation at the workplace, but what about being out with your disability also? A lot of people feel that this adds just a bit too much color to the picture. This workshop will heighten awareness of the dual minority and address strategies for inclusion.

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Domestic Partner Healthcare Benefits Tax Inequity, An Update: What’s Currently Happening and What Can You Do?
Jennifer F. Martin
There has been a lot of progress in the past year toward attaining Domestic Partner Healthcare Benefits Tax Equity. This is an in-depth discussion on what is currently happening in Washington, DC. Learn what you can do to become more involved and how to get your company more involved in making this a priority. Come with your questions, your curiosity, and your passion for making real change. If you have a basic knowledge of the Domestic Partner Healthcare Benefits Tax Equity issue, please join this discussion.

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Drilling Deeper: Systemic and Expansive Education
Tony Arndt, Kelley Mobley, Liz Winfeld
Many organizations say that they are "conservative" or "old school" but not many can back it up like Chevron. So how is it that such a staid, conservative, and entrenched organization finds itself on the bleeding edge of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender role education at one of its refineries? How does the refinery manage to make the education mandatory for all employees and work to expand the program throughout Chevron Corporation? This is not like getting oil out of water, it’s harder. But it can be done, it is being done, and you can learn how.

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Effectively Managing Workplace Gender
Variant Expression
Paula Ison
This workshop provides specific examples of "gender variant expression," "gender variants," and "gender defenders," as well as ways that HR professionals can effectively manage these situations for win-win results. Aimed at human resource professionals seeking to increase their ability to identify and successfully manage workplace gender variant expression.

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Elephants in the Room: LGBT Issues that Need to Be Addressed But Often Aren't
Jeff Agnew, Amy Anderson, Scott Ballina, Carl Bennum
This session will focus on issues that LGBT leaders often face that do not have any "easy" answers. Gay men and lesbians—is it a myth that ERGs are predominately gay men? Professionals and client service—executive and client service professionals often have different needs and expectations from an ERG, how to handle multiple constituencies with a limited budget? Your personal life—we are all told we need to educate our colleagues about LGBT issues, but when do probing questions cross the line to our privacy? Why is LGBT lumped together and are there different issues that need to be addressed for each group?

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Emotional Intelligence: How It Impacts the LGBT Community
Eric Lutzo, Bonnie Mueller
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships. LGBT leaders influence their organizations daily. When empowered with tools to become more effective and influential leaders, they will increase the rate of change that occurs in their organizations around LGBT equality and workplace performance.

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ERG Challenges & Opportunities for Global
Organizations
Andrew McFarland, Denise Montana, Jean-Luc Vey
Representatives of the Deutsche Bank LGBT employee resource group in the Americas, UK, and Germany—and from the Bank's Global Diversity Team—will present concise information about our activities worldwide and identify some of the pros and cons of operating on a global basis. We will then facilitate a dynamic discussion among the participants, focusing on the key similarities and differences between regions and companies, as well as challenges and opportunities, to develop a comprehensive register of best practices.

[presentation files (PDF)]

ERG Milestones: Best Practices of Event Planning and Performance
Carrie Avritt, Heather Witham
Why would a typical June Pride event fail to meet the expectations of its organizers? What type of events would increase ERG membership the most? Has funding been an issue when planning an event? This cooperative workshop will study questions like these along with what makes an ERG sponsored event a milestone in the development of their group.

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European and Canadian Workplaces: Laws, Social Attitudes, and LGBT Identities
Philipp Braun, Janfrans van der Eerden, Yvan Lapointe, Jean-Luc Vey, Madelaine Vilgren
Activists from Europe and Canada discuss with business executives the challenges confronting companies in navigating diverse laws, social attitudes, and LGBT identities in their countries as they go about implementing LGBT workforce policies. In Europe, “ENDA” (in US terminology) is a reality in about 30 countries. The European Court for Human Rights has outlawed some anti-LGBT legislation, yet—especially in Eastern Europe—there is still strong social disapproval that has lead to attacks on pride demonstrations. In Canada, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, LGBT people have achieved legal equality, but there is still work to be done on addressing homophobia in social attitudes and in the workplace.

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Executive Sponsors: Use ‘em or Lose ‘em
Melinda Brown, Jay Burkett, Patrick Coulter, Mark Fox, Trung Tieu, Richard Wohletz, Louise Young
Executive sponsors are a vital resource to employee networks as mentors, advisors, and in the case of the LGBT networks, as highly visible champions. How do you build a good working relationship between network leaders and executive sponsors? PepsiCo, Raytheon, and Ernst & Young share their experiences in developing these relationships. Panelists will provide best practices for establishing, maintaining, and leveraging strong sponsor/leader relationships.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio recording (MP3)]

Gaining a Foothold in a Hostile Environment
Francisco Artavia, BJ Kamigaki, Lori Marin, Rodrigo Vargas Mora
Your company has an Equal Employment Opportunity policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity; yet your office, division, or country is still allowing a hostile environment. We will explore strategies and programs that will begin the process and get you ready to start building an inclusive workplace.

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"Gay and Gray" In the Workplace—And Beyond
Michael Adams, Peter Bopp, Imani Woody
What are the special opportunities and challenges awaiting gay-by boomers in the workplace and beyond? This engaging session combines the expertise of SAGE (the country’s oldest and largest organization serving LGBT older people) and AARP with provocative observations from one of the country’s foremost workplace strategists. The workshop is a must for human resources and diversity professionals, managers, and anybody who is, or will be, "gay and gray."

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A Gay Person’s Best friend is Black: Bridging the Civil Rights Divide
Joel A. Brown
As LGBT issues become more prominent, it is critical that LGBT advocacy groups align with other cultural groups for political efficacy, particularly the African-American community. However, most LGBT efforts to engage the African-American community to date have been myopic. By using a legal, political, historical, and sociological framework, this workshop offers LGBT leaders a savvy approach to engaging and (more importantly) partnering with the African-American community, as we collectively walk the road to full participation in American society.

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Gender Identity and Expression: How to Be
Inclusive in the Workplace
Amanda Simpson
We will examine why gender variant employees are becoming more visible in the workplace and explore the information that managers and co-workers need for the business to operate effectively. This will be an interactive workshop that builds upon the basics and works through the tools available to employers. Participants will discuss case studies, policies, and practices to familiarize themselves with techniques and skills they can use to shape an inclusive workplace.

[presentation files (PDF)]

Globalizing ERGs
Francisco Artavia, Dave Harris, Rodrigo Vargas Mora, Stephanie Stewart
Is your global company taking business to new geographies? Trying to conquer new workplaces and markets? Yeah, we thought so. But let us ask one more thing, have the ERGs in your company followed on that quest? Join us in an interactive discussion of the challenges and opportunities in creating LGBT ERGs in new geographies and learn from our experience at Hewlett-Packard in supporting new groups in Costa Rica, Canada, and the UK.

[presentation files (PDF)]
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How Do You Know if an Employer is REALLY Inclusive?
Tisa Jackson, Kate Ruddon
You’re thinking about changing jobs or even companies, but how do you know that your new department, manager, and/or company will embrace all of you? Your race? Your ethnicity? Your gender identity? Your age? Your sexual orientation? Come learn tips on how to investigate and navigate an organization’s culture. Look beyond the HRC index or companies’ ranking for people of color and women.

[audio recording (MP3)]

Implementing a Global HIV/AIDS Policy &
Training Program
Ernesto De La Torre
In 2005, Chevron began the two-year process of developing and implementing a global policy on HIV/AIDS and a training program for our managers and employees. Participants will gain understanding of the steps Chevron went through to create a global policy and training program and our commitment to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Topics covered will include policy development, training development, business drivers, long-term sustainability, and lessons learned.

[presentation files (PDF)]

Implementing and Maintaining an LGBT Corporate Initiative
Fernando Serpa, Christopher White
There are plenty of materials on corporate diversity initiatives and LGBT programs, but has anyone really set down the actual step-by-step process of starting a successful LGBT diversity initiative from scratch? If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to start with a clean slate, or you just want to see if you are going in the right direction, this session is for you. In this session, you will learn an easy recipe for LGBT diversity success at your organization.

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The Importance of Human Capital: A Quality Management Approach
Stasha Natia Goliaszewski
This workshop will illustrate the fundamental importance of an environment free of LGBT harassment to ensure continued professional growth and employee involvement, both of which are critical in a global marketplace. We will provide a very brief overview of the various quality management methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and Capability Maturity Model Integration. We will demonstrate methods of using these quality management tools to measure the effect of the workplace environment on the bottom line.

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ING's Gala Network—An International Company’s LGBT Past, Present, and Future
Bruce Anderson, David Pollard, Lee del Rosario, Carol S. Stern
ING's LGBT employee network is known as the Gala Network. The US Gala Network is the longest established gay and lesbian organization within ING, with membership exceeding 750. ING was named among the "Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign and it scored a perfect 100% rating for 2007. Now what? How does an international company with its global LGBT Network set higher standards and work to achieve them?

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Latin American and African Workplaces: Laws, Social Attitudes, and LGBT Identities
Linda Baumann, Gloria Careaga, Danilo Da Silva, Beto de Jesus, Belissa Andía Pérez, Marcelo Roman
Activists from Latin America and Africa discuss with business executives the challenges confronting companies in navigating diverse laws, social attitudes, and LGBT identities in their regions as they go about implementing LGBT workforce policies. In Latin America and Africa these laws range from criminalization (including the death penalty) to full legal equality, social attitudes are quite varied depending on culture and religion, and there are concepts of gender (identity) that are different from those in North America.

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Legally Joined Couples On The Move
Ray Flautt, Drusilla Quilley
With more countries granting marriage or civil unions rights to LGBT couples, it is becoming common for employees to ask "What about my spouse?" when being hired or relocating. This workshop is a round-table discussion session to gather data for actions and share them after the conference, as well as identifying steps we could take in the near future.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio presentation (MP3)]

Leveraging Gen Y to Promote a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Robert (Bob) Brownlow, Jim Culp, Jennifer Hambert, Vicky L. White
The current generation entering the workplace has grown up in a more inclusive environment due, in part, to the presence of LGBT characters in mainstream media. This creates a segment of a company's workforce that does not have the social barriers of older generations. This workshop will provide strategies and tools to help businesses and organizations better leverage Gen Y employees to support the creation and expansion of an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio recording (MP3)]
[Gen Y Jeopardy (PPT)]

Game Instructions: Game opens in PowerPoint. Click on the square for your clue. Read the answer, click forward to see the correct question. After the correct question has been revealed, click the small box underneath to return to the gameboard.

LGBT and HIV+ Immigration Discrimination: A Business Issue
Nikki Dryden, Adam Francoeur, Gordon Stewart
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender immigrants face unique challenges under US law. Immigration law refuses to recognize lesbian and gay couples and bans people with HIV/AIDS. This discrimination weighs heavily on talented gay employees—both foreign nationals and Americans with foreign national partners. Some of the best and brightest are leaving the US or not coming at all due to these laws. Come learn how Immigration Equality is working to end immigration discrimination.

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LGBT Issues in the Workplace 101
Patricia L. Oleska
Who are these lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people that I work with and what do they want? This presentation will address the basic issues related to sexual minorities in the workplace, such as coming out, domestic partner benefits, inclusiveness and creating an even playing field. The workshop is designed for the first-time Out & Equal attendee wanting to learn more about how to create an inclusive work environment in his or her workplace.

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LGBT Parenting 101: So You Want To Be
a Parent?
Chip Faught, Kai Hayes, Sherin Sakr, Russell Wallace
Thinking about becoming a parent? Concerned about figuring out what the issues are for an LGBT parent, let alone how to solve them? Join us for a panel discussion on issues LGBT people may face in the decision-making process of becoming a parent, as well as those issues and concerns encountered after becoming a parent. Furthermore, we'll share first-hand experiences of what assistance organizations can provide to LGBT people going through this process.

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LGBT Workplace Issues in India
Sameer D. Samudra
Have you ever wondered what LGBT workplace issues are faced by India, Inc.? India is the world's largest democracy and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. Come learn about the influence of Indian culture on LGBT workplace issues, current legal framework, the impact of American businesses opening doors in India, and relevant LGBT workplace initiatives and policies.

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[audio presentation (MP3)]

Make Real Change with Your ERG
Mickey MacIntyre, Pamela Strother
Your ERG can change the lives of LGBT people in your workplace and beyond. Our “realChange Process” will give you the tools to strengthen and build your existing base of leaders while creating a three to five year strategic plan that will take your ERG to the next level of growth and success. We’ll address the top issues you confront in advancing your goals: lack of engaged participants, limited financial resources, and difficulty determining in what directions to go.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio presentation (MP3)]

Male-on-Male Sexual Harassment: An Emerging Issue
Danny Baker, Riki Wilchins
One in seven new sexual harassment cases reported to the EEOC is now male-on-male: double just 10 years ago and growing quickly. In one high-profile case, Toys R Us was fined $250,000 and suffered millions of dollars of bad publicity. The aggressive sexual taunting or teasing that once passed for "boys-will-be-boys" locker-room horseplay is now highly actionable. It is a form of harassment that is intimately tied to both sexual orientation and gender expression. Learn about this new area of law, what your company needs to know, and what you can do about it.

[audio presentation (MP3)]

Managers and Supervisors: How Chubb
Reaches That Critical Audience
Kevin Hannan, Brian L. Pudenz
Many ERGs focus substantial time and effort influencing executives. After all, when they get it, everyone gets it, right? Well, not exactly. Many ERGs are finding that even when executives do get it, the same issues persist on the floor. Middle managers are the critical link, translating diversity strategies into reality. What's your organization's strategy for reaching them, or will you leave it to chance? In this session, you'll find out how Chubb tackled this challenge, and lessons learned along the way.

[presentation files (PDF)]

Managing Transsexual Transition in the Federal Workplace
Karen North, Ann Richmond
The federal workplace is a different environment from private industry. While covering some common basics, this workshop will provide a focused foundation to enable federal agency management personnel to manage the transition of an employee. It will address legal, cultural, and practical considerations with a goal of minimizing disruption to both the workplace and employee.

[audio presentation (MP3)]

The Mark of Progress: How Citi Developed Internal Support for Endorsing LGBT Equality in
Workplace Legislation
Kevin Jones, Ana Duarte McCarthy, Paul Thornell
Panelists will discuss how Citi came to support two vital pieces of LGBT workplace-specific federal legislation. Learn how this support came about: the considerations, the challenges, and the partnerships that characterize having a corporation focus on issues your employee resource group feels are critical.

[presentation files (PDF)]

Monitoring of Sexual Orientation in the Workplace
Will Martin
Monitoring is a powerful tool for mainstreaming sexual orientation as a diversity issue in the workplace. Stonewall, the UK based lesbian and gay lobbying organization, has assisted a number of major private sector organizations in implementing sexual orientation monitoring in their workplaces. In this workshop, Stonewall will present alongside three organizations, (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and KPMG), which have recently adopted monitoring of sexual orientation, exploring how they won support for it, how they implemented it, and their up-to-date experiences with it.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio recording (MP3)]

Navigating "Hot Buttons" and Triggering Situations
Kathy O'Bear
There is still significant resistance to addressing issues of sexual orientation, homophobia, and heterosexism in organizations. Diversity practitioners and other leaders may often feel triggered when they experience resistance or homophobic comments. Effectively managing ourselves in triggering moments requires significant self-awareness and skill. Participants will receive a workbook of handouts to help them continue to develop the competencies to navigate triggering events more effectively in the future.

[presentation files (PDF)]
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Out & Aging: A National Snapshot of LGBT Boomers
Kimberly D. Acquaviva, Paul Frene, Barbara Howard, Jean Quam
The MetLife Mature Market Institute and the American Society on Aging Lesbian and Gay Issues Network surveyed LGBT boomers. Results reveal a snapshot of the issues facing LGBT boomers including social support networks, the amount and type of care they provide and anticipate, retirement and advance planning, and hopes and concerns for the future. Findings provide helpful guidance for employers and those working with, planning for, and studying LGBT people in midlife.

[presentation files (PDF)]

Out & Equal: Organizing a Regional Affiliate
Stephen Gould, Mark Quigley, Paul von Wupperfeld
An Out & Equal Regional Affiliate provides the educational and networking opportunities of the Summit at the local level throughout the year. If you are considering forming an Out & Equal Regional Affiliate, or just want to learn more about the experiences of other regional affiliates, this workshop will provide you with some of the tools and best practices you need. In this session, you will not only learn how to affiliate with Out & Equal National, but the presenters will also share the strategies and tactics they followed to create an affiliate structure, build local support, and become a regional advocate for LGBT workplace equality.

[audio recording (MP3)]

Policy Tools for Transgender Workplace Diversity
Jillian T. Weiss
Based on the presenter's popular blog, "Transgender Workplace Diversity," this advanced workshop builds on last year's highly successful presentation, discussing policy tools for organizational responses to transgender workplace diversity, such as health care, recruiting, and marketing. It provides insights into policy recommendations for various foreseeable issues in the transgender context, such as transgender candidates, insurance policy changes, and transgender customers. Participants will receive a resource manual detailing and explaining a series of policy tools addressing transgender workplace diversity issues.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio recording (MP3)]

The Power of Internal Media Campaigns: Creating Internal Awareness around LGBT Contributions and Workplace Involvement
Allison Alavi, Jim Bellanca, Jason Bricker
LGBT issues are being tossed around in mass media, but within the workplace, the topic is generally avoided. Find out how a small grass-roots group of geographically dispersed individuals faced this issue by developing a campaign surrounding the contributions and leadership of the LGBT community. It attracted attention and was adopted as a diversity best practice by one of the leading providers of professional services. Capitalize on our experience, and make this a corporate imperative.

[audio recording (MP3)]

Punchline or Bottom Line? LGBT Inclusion in General Advertising
Mike Wilke
Hundreds of commercials have made reference to LGBT people, but for what purposes? Gay stereotypes, homophobia, and transphobia remain frequently used tools for comedy, but how are today’s quickly changing perspectives on the LGBT community being reflected in advertising? Are corporations ready for an increasingly LGBT-friendly world? What creative approaches work, or don’t, and why? Presented with numerous commercial examples and best practices guidelines.

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Putting the "Ex" in Your Employer's Excuses
Alphonso David, Gregory R. Nevins
Many LGBT employees work for companies that are sympathetic generally but offer some legal excuse why they cannot take certain concrete steps to support their LGBT employees. They may claim that they cannot recognize your marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership for benefits purposes due to ERISA or state law. They may claim that they cannot have a diversity program out of concern for the religious beliefs of other employees. This workshop will explore—and wherever possible debunk—various legal excuses offered by employers.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio recording (MP3)]

Security Clearance Issues: Special
Concerns for LGBT Scientists, Engineers,
and High-Technology Professionals
Ralph E. Brunson, Sharra E. Greer, Amy A. Ross
Protections for LGBT federal and government-contracting employees have eroded recently. This is especially critical for highly specialized professionals in careers that require security clearances. Guidelines that affect out LGBT employees are vague and lack standardized application. This workshop will explore how security clearance criteria have changed and what can be done by LGBT professionals to ensure full protection of their security clearance status.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio presentation (MP3)]

Starting a Successful Employee Resource Group in Your Government Agency
Liz Matzinger, Kim K. Nelson, Sharon Wong
Government agencies have unique challenges for LGBT employees, and best practices from the private sector cannot always be followed. This workshop includes panelists from NASA Goddard and the National Security Agency who have started and maintained active employee resource groups at their respective agencies, and management officials who have supported LGBT inclusiveness. Topics will include strategies for getting management support, engaging allies, and understanding and addressing the interests and priorities of your ERG constituency.

[presentation files (PDF)]
[audio presentation (MP3)]

Strategies to Survive Success: Energizing your
LGBT ERG
Ann Dunkin, BJ Kamigaki, Alex McKale, Stephanie Puentes
Your ERG worked hard to get an LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination policy, parity in benefits, and a 100% rating from the HRC. So why aren't people coming to the meetings anymore? We look at how to keep your ERG energized. Using case studies, you will learn what does and does not work at each stage of the ERG journey. Workshop participants will take away best practices and new ideas for energizing their own ERGs.

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Supplier Diversity 101: How to Build an All Inclusive Supplier Diversity Strategy
Theresa Harrison, Justin Nelson
Not sure how to build an inclusive supplier diversity initiative? Attendees can expect to hear an overview of the standards and procedures for National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) LGBT certification. In addition, Ernst & Young will discuss the experience of internal implementation and provide tools that can enhance the relationships between Corporate America and the LGBT business community.

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That’s So Gay!
Genevieve Girault, Jason Filippi, Stephanie Peel
How to speak out against LGBT negativity in the workplace. Have you found that it can be hard to respond on the spot when something negative is said regarding your company's LGBT initiatives or members? Many people are too polite, stunned, or don't know how to respond while trying to keep the peace. Instead, we should be speaking out gently but firmly to neutralize the offender. Join us for a discussion about negative comments in the workplace, and how to address them as an LGBT colleague or ally.

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Think Outside the Cubicle: Achieving LGBT
Workplace Equality by Partnering with a Local
LGBT NonProfit
RoMa Johnson, Daniel Whitman, Stanley Zareff
This workshop will explore how strategic community partnerships with LGBT organizations support workplace equality efforts. Learn how you can expand resources, increase employee participation with ERGs, and promote company pride and visibility while making a difference in the community. We will examine ways this has been done successfully and strategize ways to expand the reach of your efforts.

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Tips for Productive Schmoozing & Effective Use of the Elevator Speech
Gib Murray, Alice D. Walker, Roland Zuniga
Networking events are a way of life for LGBT employees and allies. Have you ever felt awkward or at a loss for words when entering a reception with business/diversity leaders or other ally ERGs? This workshop provides valuable tips for productive schmoozing at events and introduces you to the "elevator speech" to maximize the benefits for you, your LGBT organization, and your allies.

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Training Tips for Non-Trainers
Jaye Holly
The Out & Equal Workplace Summit was great. Now you've got to take this information back to the people at your job. Will your presentation influence and inspire them? This workshop will help you to be prepared to present information in ways that meet your audience's needs while ensuring that you get your information across. Learn to use presentation tools from PowerPoint to flip charts. Learn how to connect with adult learners. Most importantly, learn how to have fun when you're presenting!

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The Transgender Phenomenon: Individual and Organizational Implications
Lee Ann P. Etscovitz, Stasha Natia Goliaszewski
How companies handle transitioning employees ranges from firing to total acceptance of the individual. This workshop will present a model that explains the various stages the transsexual employee goes through. The workshop will also cover what the company goes through with an indication as to what typical corporate policies and procedures need to be modified to accommodate transition. The goal of this workshop is to present how a win-win situation might be developed.

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Using Market Intelligence to Inform your "Inreach" and "Outreach" Practical Insights from 25,000 Surveys and 100+ LGBT Focus Groups
David Paisley, Tom Roth
Community Marketing's researchers have recently completed a groundbreaking "Gay & Lesbian Consumer Index" study of LGBT consumers. Research offers deep insights into the perceptions, motivations, priorities, sensitivities, and emotions that often hide behind the data. Among the topics of discussion: how a company's internal policies and practices influence consumer purchasing decisions; well-meaning LGBT-themed advertising that can actually produce a negative impact; and why many young gay male-themed ads even turn off most young gay males.

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Understanding Key Issues in LGBT Civil Rights: An Overview for Individuals and Corporate Donors
Linda Bush, Jeff Krehely
Who are LGBT Americans and what issues do they face beyond equality in the workplace? This workshop will ground participants in the LGBT civil rights movement and includes an overview of LGBT Americans and the issues they face, a brief outline of the key organizations fighting for LGBT equality, and some facts about current movement funding levels and sources. Use this workshop to understand how LGBT workplace issues fit into a larger context, or to create a starting point for adding LGBT giving to your corporate philanthropy program.

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Understanding the LGBT Perspective in the Workplace
Cara Baiocchi, Sherry Hooten, Kevin West
Ever wonder "where did that come from" when trying to help or resolve an LGBT issue in the workplace? LGBT issues in the workplace are influenced by having different needs than straight counterparts. Join us to discuss the legal, societal, family, and employee benefits that create micro and macro inequities from an LGBT perspective. Background and real questions set the stage for discussion to start bridging the gap.

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Valuing LGBT Parents in the Workplace: Who We Are, What We Need, How to Keep Us
Jennifer Chrisler, Terrance Heath, Rob Keeling
More and more LGBT people are becoming parents. Estimates of children being raised by LGBT parents range in the millions. This workshop will introduce employers, HR professionals, and allies to the diversity of LGBT families and the unique challenges they face, especially in the workplace. Presenters will also provide strategies for including, developing, and retaining LGBT parents as loyal and productive employees. Topics of note: creating families, corporate support and legal change, managing on- and off-ramping of LGBT parents.

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Visibility and Profitability: Marketing to the
LGBT Consumer, a Win-Win for Your ERG and
Your Company
Andrew A. Isen, Joe Keenan, Michael Paulsen, Michael Singer
As brands continue to discover the power of the LGBT dollar, many marketing departments lack the expertise needed to reach this niche market. In this session you'll learn how to leverage your ERG as a resource to your company and generate a positive outcome for all involved. Learn what is important to marketers and how your ERG can be a part of the process. Learn to help align your brands with the LGBT market and recognize where additional expertise is needed.

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Why Bi? Creating Positive Workplace Dialogue
About Bisexuality
Heidi Bruins Green, Jamison Green
This workshop will build off the workshop offered during the 2006 Summit entitled "Why Bi? Understanding Bisexuality as a Workplace Issue." We will recap the lessons from the 2006 workshop, and then share information from several ERGs that have used the training to start dialogues within the membership of their ERGs about bisexuality. Participants will be able to deliver the training and begin the dialogue about bisexuality within their own groups.

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Winning Strategies for Securing Equal Benefits
Eric Bloem, Maureen Carlson, Ella Schiralli, Cathy Woolard
Employees at companies across the country are making change by creating an internal strategy and business case for equal benefits. By providing senior leadership with an undeniable, relevant case, small groups of employees at all levels have changed benefits policies for over a million employees over the last few years. This session will provide you with a way to network with people in your shoes and provide you with the tools you need to create a sound business case for your company leaders.

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Winning the Toaster Oven: Nike’s Successful LGBT Ally Recruiting Program
Caroline Allaker, Nick Athanasakos
Allies are some of the most effective and powerful advocates for the LGBT movement. Having strong allies as active members in your ERG brings a strong perspective on how to build awareness and drive change. Come participate in an interactive discussion of how Nike’s strategy for increasing ally support across the company worked to advance awareness and create new energy and momentum. Walk away with sample tools for implementing your own ally awareness and participation program.

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Workplace Impact of Media and LGBT Individuals
David Hall
The popular media often depicts LGBT individuals in a sensationalized way, a projection that some characterize as an attempt to create sexual panic. Combining sexual panic with HIV/AIDS, fear of gay men and bisexuals is often perpetuated. This workshop will examine popular media's construction of LGBT individuals and its relationship to HIV/ AIDS. The workplace impact of the continued dissemination of these stereotypes will be examined.

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