OutNEWS – Aussie Values

I’ve just returned from my home away from home–Sydney, Australia–with a sickening supply of Aussie energy and enthusiasm for the work of Out Leadership and the epic advances for LGBTQ+ equality that our partners, both corporate and nonprofit, have won across the continent (and beyond!).

I was in Sydney for our Australia Summit, which convened on the heels of some major equality wins, like the recent Equality Legislation Amendment, the ban on conversion therapy, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the 2026 census. LGBTQ+ progress in Australia has such momentum that Anna Brown, the CEO of Equality Australia, told me that 2024 “was the single largest year for progress” that she’s ever seen.

Speaking of CEOs, the CEO Dinner was a Summit highlight. Last year’s 45 CEO dinner was the largest gathering of CEOS in history to honor the 45th annual Mardi Gras. I wanted to get 45 prominent business leaders in the room for a celebration of progress that paired perfectly with World Pride. This year, the room was filled with the same energy, but with renewed vigor and commitment to protecting what we’ve won. Protecting “Aussie Values” was a sentiment shared with me by many, especially in response to the equality challenges and shocking negativity radiating from far too many in the United States.

Equally inspiring was our VIP Dinner, the MVP of which must be Mohammad Awad (of the Muslim Peers Project) whose speech (followed by two riveting rap performances) electrified the audience and was a first of its kind for an Out Leadership event.The event, which celebrated local leaders in the Australian community, also included Out Leaders Heston Russell and Gus Kenworthy (who, while not Australian, thrilled the audience with his powerful coming out story and how it has positively impacted every aspect of his life).

OutNEXT, OutWOMEN+, and the OutQUORUM events were each unique successes, with Citi CEO Mark Woodruff enthusiastically pointing out how LGBTQ+ inclusion on corporate boards is critically important not just for this generation of LGBTQ+ talent, but more broadly and intersectionally for future generations of all talented professionals.

I am so grateful for our global sponsors, partners, and hosts: HSBC, RBC Capital Markets, American Express, Citi, Abundium, and the Sydney Swans for their steadfast partnership. From such an incredible variety of industries, each partner’s participation represents a global and local commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality, both in the boardroom and out on the pitch.

As you know, the next few days and weeks will likely clarify the political and cultural landscape here in the U.S., which will certainly inform our LGBTQ+ equality “battle posture” for the next four years or more.
Whether we’re safeguarding our hard-won progress or advancing to secure even more, you can count on Out Leadership to always be responsive, strategic, and collaborative.

Now those are Aussie Values.

Stay strong,
Todd G. Sears
Founder and CEO
Out Leadership

PS. I’ve come home to some exciting–and bittersweet–changes at the office. We are looking for candidates to join the Out Leadership family in the roles of Chief of Staff (or Chief of Todd as the team calls it) and Manager, Digital Media & Communications (aka Social Media Superstar). While I’m sad to lose the iconic Leo Scheck–who took our social media and comms to a new level–and Eliana Jacobson–who is removing her marketing hat for Law School–I am thrilled for what lies ahead for both of them. Yes, their shoes will be hard to fill, but we’re excited to engage with new qualified candidates from the Out Leadership universe and beyond. Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in joining us. Details below!

PPS. I will never forget that cold morning on the steps of the Capitol of January 20th 2009 standing and watching the inauguration of President Obama, a turning point and start of a new era of hope and optimism. I know that has to happen again, and come January 20th next year, I hope to be there, in person, or in spirit. 

Here’s what you need to know this week…

#1 

Out Leadership is hiring!

Join the movement to advance LGBTQ+ equality full time! We have wonderful opportunities for two amazing new OutLEADERS to join our small but mighty team:

Chief of Staff
Out Leadership is on the hunt for a dynamic, proactive, and highly organized Chief of Staff to support our CEO, Todd Sears, and drive forward our high-impact initiatives. This role isn’t just a Chief of Staff; it’s more of a “Chief of Todd”—someone who can keep up with Todd’s fast-paced, global network and bring order to the whirlwind of his work and life. If you’re a natural problem-solver with a passion for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and thrive in a fast-moving environment, we’re looking for you.

As Todd’s Chief of Staff, you’ll not only manage his calendar but his life, triaging requests from leaders worldwide and helping him stay one step ahead. We’re looking for someone who’s strategic yet hands-on, who can balance big-picture thinking with tactical organization. In short, we need someone ready to jump in, bring structure to the day-to-day, and make an impact across our global reach.

Manager of Digital Media & Communications
Out Leadership is on the lookout for a creative and energetic Manager of Digital Media & Communications—our very own “Social Media Maven”—to amp up our digital game and bring bold storytelling to the forefront. This isn’t just any job; we’re looking for someone ready to shake things up and take us to the next level! If you’re a social media enthusiast who’s passionate about crafting engaging narratives, loves diving into fast-paced content creation, and is all-in for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the business world, this role is calling your name.

Click on the links to check out the job descriptions, and if you think you fit the bill, send your resume to jobs@outleadership.com/

#2

Michael Gunning goes Beneath the Surface in his new Sky Sports Documentary

As Black History Month draws to a close in the UK, international swimmer Michael Gunning has launched his own TV show ‘Beneath the Surface’ that premieres TONIGHT on Sky Sports Football Channel at 19.00. The new football documentary shines light on LGBTQ+ inclusion and race discrimination in sport, and gives insight into the life of Blackpool footballer Jake Daniels. Jake came out publicly as gay in 2022, making him the first openly out professional player since Justin Fashanu in 1990. Gunning’s documentary showcases Jake in a new light, allowing audiences to get to know him beyond the moniker of the ‘gay football player’.

It is Gunning’s debut documentary as both the director and producer, and hopes to continue sharing many athlete stories to help break down barriers across multiple sports. The former international swimmer visited Jake’s hometown in Blackpool, filming at locations such as the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower and Bloomfield Road Stadium.

A new article in Bloomberg outlines how the once-bright future for LGBTQ+ rights has been rattled by a conservative assault on corporate America’s engagement with issues of equality.

Exacerbated by the imminent presidential election, anxiety mounts as Donald Trump and allies invest heavily in anti-trans advertising in key swing states ahead of November 5. The conservative policy guide, Project 2025, recommends redefining “sex-based” discrimination to exclude protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, should Republicans regain the White House. Even if Kamala Harris wins, pressure from conservative groups remains strong, with the American Civil Liberties Union tracking approximately 530 anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide.

Out Leadership is ready to guide corporations through a challenging climate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, as companies like Ford and Lowe’s re-evaluate their approach under political pressure. Todd Sears, Out Leadership’s CEO, stresses in the article that meaningful progress now requires subtle, sustainable initiatives that align with business goals rather than relying solely on public metrics.

“It’s tone-deaf to expect companies to do the same things in the same way that they’ve done for 20 years,’’ Sears told Bloomberg. “The conversation we need to have is: How do we help companies move forward in this way so that they can continue to do it, versus naming and shaming?”

#4

Return on Equality™ Summit 2024: Out Leadership to Highlight LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Corporate Boardrooms

Running from November 18-21, 2024, the summit brings together LGBTQ+ senior executives and corporate leaders to explore the future of board diversity. It kicks off on Monday, November 18th, with a virtual session, “Board Diversity: The Impact of LGBTQ+ Representation at the Top,” discussing the business benefits of inclusive leadership.

On Thursday, November 21st, participants can attend OutQUORUM’s Board Fit Workshop, a hybrid session aimed at preparing senior executives for corporate board roles. This interactive workshop, part of OutQUORUM’s talent accelerator program, equips LGBTQ+ leaders with the tools needed for board positions.

With a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, the summit offers a space for leaders to engage with key research and strategies for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in corporate leadership.

#5

Love! Out Leadership Partners with The JustMarried Project

We are thrilled to announce our partnership advancing The JustMarried Project—a groundbreaking initiative that honors seven decades of LGBTQ+ heroes and their diverse love stories. This one-of-a-kind collection features the stories that captured the compassion of our nation and helped win the freedom to marry for all.

At the heart of this multi-platform project is Love: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality (2025), a beautifully illustrated coffee table book created in collaboration with Rizzoli Books, one of the world’s premier publishers. This engaging history features enchanting and triumphant love stories that have shaped our fight for equality and will be released in time for the 10th anniversary of marriage equality next year. It also benefits Family Equality.

 To further amplify these voices, a serialized podcast that delves deeper into these narratives will launch in Spring 2025. And there is a docuseries in development.

This unparalleled collection of brave LGBTQ+ history not only celebrates our past but also serves as a vital resource for future generations. It is a testament to the courage of those who have come out for love, seeking the dignity that comes with true equal citizenship.

In a time when our rights are under threat, The JustMarried Project reminds us that our love was right all along.

Join us in celebrating this important work.There are still a few weeks left to partner with The JustMarried Project before the book goes to print.  To learn more or get involved, visit  JustMarried.Us  insert website link.  https://www.justmarried.us/

Don’t miss this.  Live on Instagram, this weekend. A dive deep into the heart of the JustMarried Project—stories of love, courage, and how the power of your story can make a real difference as people head to the polls. @justmarriedus Sunday, Nov. 3rd, at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET.