Dear *|FNAME|*

Throughout June, visible support of the LGBT+ community has risen to an all time high this month. We have seen hugely uplifting messages of love and support from friends and allies around the world. This incredible response and sense of unity has also been visible across global business.

The recent shootings are a poignant reminder of the importance of Pride and its meaning for LGBT+ people around the world. Embracing diversity and uniting against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are more important than ever. New research from Pride in London suggests that 74% of LGBT people feel the need to hide their sexual orientation. In an age that celebrates liberty, openness and diversity this is still incredibly high and highlights why Pride is still so relevant.

We are particularly proud at how visible our OUTstanding member firms have been throughout the month, launching inspiring campaigns and educational activities designed to align diverse communities. We’ve seen public messages of support from Google, JP Morgan, SAB Miller & Dow. We’ve seen multiple organisations publically align themselves to LGBT+ inclusion and equality: PwC and BNP Paribas hosted a series high profile events; Bloomberg released a powerful global LGBT+ endorsement; senior leaders at  IBM have re-pledged support; and Barclays, British Land, King and SAB Miller have taken sponsored Pride festivals across the world.

Every step of progress proves that when we work together to celebrate diversity and champion our differences, we make the world a better place for everyone.

Happy Pride from everyone at OUTstanding.

It’s been three OUTstanding years, but in light of recent events, the need to stand up, unafraid to be who we are, is greater than ever.

OUTstanding was founded to prove that LGBT+ executives could be visible, safe and successful in business, but our employees don’t stop being who they are when they walk out of the office door; we must be visible in our support at all times, in all places.

We want to profile your role models who are going above and beyond to make the workplace more welcoming for everyone. With your support, we can make this the most inspiring, wide reaching and impactful lists to date. Share with your networks, help us to raise the profile on social media, and nominate your role models now.

You can nominate now for the following 3 categories:
Top 100 Leading LGBT Executives
Top 30 Ally Executives
Top 30 Future Leaders

Nominations close on Friday September 2nd In order to be entered into the judging process all nominees must submit supporting information by Monday September 12th. The final lists will be revealed on Tuesday October 25th.

Good luck!

To mark the end of our third financial year, we're delighted to add another two FTSE100 firms to our network of corporate supporters. Please join us in welcoming Diageo, the beverage giant, and global engineering group GKN.

And as our network grows, so does our team. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dee Sekar, who will be leading our D&I efforts and bringing her years of expertise in the legal sector to the table.

Thank you for your continued support!

Best wishes,

The OUTstanding team