A note from Out & Equal
Out & Equal’s annual global Workplace Summit is the premier convening for thousands of professionals to exchange best practices, network, inspire, and chart our collective path of progress toward full LGBTQ+ workforce inclusion and belonging.
After extensive discussion with our partners and community members, Out & Equal is committed to moving forward with this year’s Workplace Summit event at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, September 11-14, 2023.
We understand that some have questions about this decision or even concerns, so would like to clarify how we got here.
LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged across the United States, including in Florida, where the virulent politics have captured global headlines for their cruelty towards some of the state’s most vulnerable, while also undermining the country’s core freedoms. For many in the community, Florida has rapidly become a hostile environment as new laws concerning healthcare, education, and the workplace take effect.
We strongly believe it is more important now than ever before to continue our necessary and urgent work.
Out & Equal has never wavered from our mission. Allowing the growing vitriol toward our community to stand unchecked as the “new normal” would be detrimental. We are steadfast in our commitment to our mission to ensure that every LGBTQ+ individual has equitable opportunities to contribute and thrive in workplaces of true belonging.
The safety of our community is paramount. We are devoting enormous care and resources—in close coordination with our various event properties, transportation partners, and local authorities—to ensure a secure event.
The Workplace Summit is a closed event, exclusive to known and vetted Partners. We have multiple teams in place to ensure the safety of our attendees and will continue to share relevant updates as the event approaches.
We respect anyone who decides they will not attend. Every individual invited by their company to the Workplace Summit deserves the space and support to navigate their individual concerns and circumstances related to safety and security. For those who decide to not travel, the e-pass attendee option will provide a terrific set of Workplace Summit experiences.
Out & Equal believes in the magic and real change we drive when we come together and devote our collective energy to a more equitable and inclusive future for the LGBTQ+ community. We thank you for your ongoing engagement and support as we continue to provide a critical platform for creating LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces and workplaces of belonging for all.