The Outie Awards
Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Out & Equal has recognized more than 100 individuals, organizational practices, and ERGs across a range of categories whose work is proven to have advanced LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and belonging for all. Our finalists each year are role models, having demonstrated replicable inclusive leadership efforts in their organizations and beyond. The Outie Award is presented to winners at the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit, elevating the award-winners’ profile as an LGBTQ+ inclusion champion and providing employer of choice visibility for winning organizations.
A committee comprised of Out & Equal leaders and external subject matter experts review nominations against rigorous, globally-informed criteria.
We are excited to honor our 2024 Outie Award Winners during the 2025 Out & Equal Leadership Forum. Awards for each category will be presented during the plenary sessions and at Momentum, where we will celebrate this year’s winners with an unforgettable night of food, fun and entertainment.
Award Categories
Workplace Excellence & Belonging
The most prestigious of the Outie Awards, the Workplace Excellence and Belonging Outie Award recognizes an employer that demonstrates a historic and ongoing commitment to pursuing and implementing workplace equality for LGBTQ+ employees. This employer’s LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion initiative raises the bar and serves as an example for others, but also supports other organizations’ DEI efforts through active knowledge sharing and peer organization mentoring.
Employee Resource Group of the Year
The Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year Outie Award recognizes a particular ERG that has a proven track record of success. A top contender will be an ERG that is continuously elevating best practices, implementing intersectional and collaborative programming with other ERGs, and advocating for LGBTQ+ equality in its workplace.
LGBTQ+ Corporate Advocate
The LGBTQ+ Corporate Advocate of the Year Outie Award recognizes an LGBTQ+ individual who is actively advocating to improve their organization’s inclusion efforts, pushing significant adoption of best/innovative practices, benefiting LGBTQ+ employees and advancing their organization’s standing as a true leader in this work. Advocates are bold and are making a difference outside their workplace to drive change and equality in their community, their country, and the world.
Ally
Changemaker
The Ally Changemaker Outie Award recognizes an ally who has made a significant contribution to advancing LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This person is an action-oriented and intentional change maker. They are role models for others, uplifting the voices of the voices of marginalized groups, have shown a unique commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace rights, and have used their talents to further that cause, even if at some risk.
New Employee Resource Group Chapter of the Year
The New Employee Resource Group (ERG) Chapter of the Year Outie Award recognizes a chapter that has been established within the last two years (the organization ERG can have existed longer than that but the chapter must be new) and has made a bold impact at their company or nonprofit since launch.