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November 12, 2024
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OutNEWS

OutNEWS – Election Reflection

by Todd Sears

In this week’s OutNEWS: Election Recap

I know a few things. 

One, the country just elected a convicted felon who wants to trample the rights of minorities. Two, because the next four years are going to demand that people of conscience stand up and fight back like never before, the work that Out Leadership is doing matters now more than ever. Three, as an eternal optimist, I still believe in humanity.

During Donald Trump’s first term, I, like so many LGBTQ+ Americans, found myself on high alert, always in shock, quietly fearful of the awful things the person who held the highest office in the world would say about me, my life, and those I care about. I’d wake up every day to something hateful he’d tweeted or some awful proposal about how he could use my country’s system of government to create fear and drive masses of people to support his agenda. But back in 2016, America was deeply fortunate to have core structures in place, including career civil servants who had worked under many Presidents, both Republican and Democrat, who always put our Country’s interests first. Sadly, too many of those patriotic Americans left civil service, and the leadership structures and norms of decency I understood to be core to America were upended.

But then, Joe Biden was elected. I will never forget the feeling when I learned he’d won, and the weight that was lifted not just from my shoulders, but from my soul. I hadn’t truly realized how burdensome it was to live under such negativity and hatred. Upon reflection, I can only liken it to the feeling of being in the closet for the first 18 years of my life. Suffocatingly painful, but doing what I needed to do, never letting anyone know how I really felt.

This week, that weight has returned. But I, and Out Leadership, will not be pushed back into the closet.

We’re going to grow stronger. Our already vast global network includes the most equality-minded and (not coincidentally) the most successful and innovative businesses and business leaders from across dozens of industries. We have brilliant thought leaders, passionate activists and advocates, and media superstars. We even have Olympians on our side. Many of them have already reached out to me, reaffirming their support and reassuring me that they don’t equate Trump and America.

Despite how it may feel today, tomorrow, and in the weeks and months to come. Please know that you are not alone. You are a part of something much bigger–and much stronger–than the future resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue would have you believe. Together, with our allies around the world, we will protect the equality we’ve won, gain new ground no matter how tough the opposition, and hold those who call themselves our allies–no matter who they voted for–accountable for standing up with us and for us. And, as always, Out Leadership will be here to show them how to do it successfully, profitably, and authentically.

That’s the other thing I know.

Todd G. Sears

Founder and CEO

Out Leadership

Here’s what you need to know this week…

#1
Sarah McBride becomes the First Openly Transgender Person Elected to Congress

Pictured above: Sarah McBride and Todd Sears in Sydney, Australia.

Delaware state Senator Sarah McBride won the State’s only House seat on Tuesday, making her the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, and highest ranking ranking elected Transgender politician in history!

“Tonight is a testament to Delawareans that here in our state of neighbors, we judge candidates based on their ideas and not their identities,” she said at Delaware’s Democratic election night celebration Tuesday night.

Sarah ran on a platform focused on increasing the minimum wage, reinforcing reproductive rights, and affordable health care. She made strides in her last term on the senate, and was able to pass universal paid family and medical leave across Delaware.

We’re so excited to see Sarah in Congress and can’t wait to see what she does. Sarah is a huge friend and supporter of Out Leadership, having spoken so eloquently at our OutNEXT talent program for emerging LGBTQ+ Leaders last year.

#2 
Todd Sears will Moderate a Panel at the Reykjavik Global Forum 

Todd Sears will be taking the stage as a moderator at the Reykjavik Global Forum in Iceland next week. The Forum aims to address the pressing need for increased representation of marginalized groups, including individuals from the Global South, LGBTQI+ communities, young people, and others frequently excluded from positions of influence.

It comes at a crucial juncture when human and women’s rights are facing escalating challenges, with anti-gender movements gaining traction and a concerning rollback of protective legislation and policies. In this climate, ensuring diverse and inclusive representation in decision-making processes is more vital than ever to safeguard progress and promote equitable outcomes.

Todd’s participation as a moderator is a continuation of Out Leadership’s dedication to championing diversity and inclusion, not only within the organization but also on a global scale. If you happen to be in Iceland his panel is on Tuesday 12th at 13:55.

#3
Historic Wins for LGBTQ+ Candidates

Out Leadership is excited to see a wave of historic victories for LGBTQ+ candidates across the United States, shattering glass ceilings and diversifying representation at the state and federal levels.

Keturah Herron became the first out LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the Kentucky State Senate.

Rashaun Kemp made history as the first out gay Black man in the Georgia State Legislature.

Gabby Salinas broke barriers as the first out LGBTQ+ woman and first out Latinx person elected to the Tennessee state legislature.

Molly Cook secured her position as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Senate.

Julie Johnson became the first out LGBTQ+ person from a Southern state elected to Congress.

Aime Wichtendahl will be the first out trans person in the Iowa state legislature.

Emily Randall will be the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina in U.S. Congress.

These victories mark a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in government, particularly in regions with historically conservative political landscapes. Huge congratulations to each and every one!

#4

Return on Equality™ Summit 2024 Continues in Two Weeks with the Launch of our Annual Board Diversity Research Report

#5
Out Leadership’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index Highlights Growing Polarization and Urges Companies to Champion Equality

Out Leadership’s State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index assesses the legal and social environments across U.S. states for LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on the economic impact of inclusion. The index evaluates each state on legal protections, youth and family support, political and religious attitudes, health access and safety, and work environment. States with stronger LGBTQ+ protections, such as New York and Connecticut, scored the highest, reflecting a more inclusive environment that boosts business growth, talent retention, and productivity. Meanwhile, states like Arkansas and Florida rank among the lowest due to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, particularly targeting transgender individuals.

​​In 2024 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ laws (mostly anti-Trans) were introduced in state legislatures across the nation. Even more alarmingly, for the second year in a row, the Out Leadership State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index has found that the political, social, and economic standing of LGBTQ+ Americans has declined.

The changes in this year’s Index reflect prevailing trends in American politics and culture. The political and cultural environment in the United States has become increasingly polarized with LGBTQ+-friendly states becoming increasingly inclusive while the worst states for equality become evermore hostile to equality and freedom.

Now, more than ever, businesses need to leverage their economic power to propel LGBTQ+ equality forward in the states in which they conduct business. In doing so, businesses will simultaneously benefit from the favorable business conditions created by a free and inclusive economy. To ensure the continuation of this vital research and advocacy, your company can sponsor Out Leadership’s efforts to drive LGBTQ+ equality and create inclusive business environments across the nation.

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