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February 07, 2025
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AI Through An LGBTQ+ Lens

It’s only February, but I know I’m not alone in wondering how much the world will change by the end of this year. While we have to focus on the incredible US political situation that will drive major shifts, I’m also looking at something else with the power to transform workplaces and society globally that we’ve focussed on less so far –and wondering where isthe LGBTQ+ scrutiny on the evolution of AI and its potential impact on this community, particularly given the extraordinary investment in AI happening now?

Bias has long been one of the most significant risks with AI, and addressing bias remains central to LGBTQ+ progress and broader inclusive outcomes. AI systems learn from data—or the lack of it. We know there are challenges with LGBTQ+ data almost everywhere. If data is biased, those biases will likely be perpetuated and amplified. But knowing that and acting on it have always been two different things. The activity around identifying bias-related risks and opportunities in AI for different aspects of diversity like LGBTQ+ and addressing them is not yet widespread.

The time for LGBTQ+ community members and allies alike to engage with AI is now. The technology is here and evolving daily. AI applications are available in everything from corporate HR systems to government decision-making platforms impacting who gets ahead. Soon, AI agents will be more commonplace making decisions and solving problems on our behalf too. For the LGBTQ+ community, challenges like data privacy, systemic bias, and the risk of accidental “outing” pose real dangers if people aren’t paying attention. We’ve struggled to address LGBTQ+ bias with human-led systems—what happens when those biases become hard-wired in algorithms we don’t see or fully understand?

When Todd Sears first shared his vision with me for bringing organisations together to tackle critical issues—back when Out Leadership was still called Out on the Street—I was immediately hooked. Later when I moved into a global DEI role, I was always clear on the mutual benefits of a strong partnership with Out Leadership to bring diversity of thought and insights from the global membership into the solutions we were putting into place to help us optimise our outcomes. That was especially true during times of significant change. This is on of those times.

To ensure Responsible AI practices happen and meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, even those of us from non-tech backgrounds need to learn about this complex topic very quickly given that the impacts may be both internal and external. We have to pay attention to where others may not be looking yet, ask lots of questions, and collaborate across organisations as if the future depends on it.

My thoughts on the AI x LGBTQ+ conversations to start having re: our workplaces are here, but I’m learning as we go too. Out Leadership and I want to hear from you. What work are you starting in this space? Where should we take the conversation next? Drop us a line at info@outleadership.com and let’s get proactive. 

You can also read more on my thoughts about what businesses can do next when it comes to AI and the LGBTQ+ community here.

Birgit Neu
Senior DEI Advisor, Nexus LGBTQ

 

Birgit Neu is a London-based Senior DEI Advisor, lecturer, network leader, author and speaker.

What You Need To Know This Week…

Serving with Honor and Authenticity

In this New York Times piece, Bree Fram, a transgender Space Force colonel reflects on her military service, emphasizing that her identity as a transgender person is secondary to her commitment to the mission and the values of leadership, courage, and connection. Despite serving openly and honorably for years, including through policy changes and setbacks, the officer now faces the threat of removal from the military following the White House’s recent steps to reintroduce a ban on transgender service members.

Transgender individuals, like all military personnel, are judged by their performance, not their gender identity. The officer shares how serving authentically has made her a better leader, fostering trust, empathy, and resilience. She argues that excluding capable transgender service members weakens the military and undermines America’s core values of diversity and inclusion. History shows that expanding opportunities strengthens the force, and transgender service members bring unique perspectives and skills essential to national security.
Read the article

 

Corporate America isn’t abandoning DEI — it’s just rebranding it

Longtime Out Leadership friend and Global Advisory Board Member, Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law, along with David Glasgow, Executive Director, Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, weigh in on the current state of DEI and the false narrative that companies are pulling away from DEI efforts. Despite recent headlines suggesting a retreat from inclusion programs, the majority of major companies are still committed to these values.

While some, like Target and Walmart, have altered their DEI language or practices to reduce legal and political risks, the core focus on inclusion and belonging remains intact. These shifts are more about navigating current challenges—such as lawsuits and political pressure—rather than abandoning DEI goals altogether. Most corporations are simply adjusting their approaches, often in quieter ways, to continue fostering diverse, equitable workplaces. DEI is evolving, but it’s not disappearing.

Kenji and David also published Say The Right Thing, a how-to for addressing identity, diversity, and justice. It’s a must read!
Read the article
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Federal Funding Freeze

North Carolina Attorney General, Jeff Jackson, recently shared insights into his new role; one key point he emphasized was the importance of defending the rule of law, especially when power is overstepped. He highlighted a recent case where the president’s order to freeze federal funding was found to violate the Constitution.

Jackson’s office quickly challenged the order, and the court blocked it, reaffirming that when power is misused, there are legal mechanisms to hold it accountable. As Jackson put it, “It’s not about politics—it’s about defending the constitutional order on which civil society depends.” Very pertinent read that is reflective of today’s political dynamics, reminding us that very rarely does the abuse of power manifest without rigid checks and balances.
Read the article

Hope in the Age of Cynicism – Meltzer Center Speaker Series on February 14

To achieve an inclusive society, we need to build bonds of trust across our differences. Yet our society today is awash with cynicism and distrust, and the problem seems to be getting worse over time. As Professor Jamil Zaki, professor of psychology at Stanford University, puts it, “humanity has lost faith in humanity.”

In his new book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, Professor Zaki argues that despite its veneer of moral and intellectual superiority, cynicism is “a tool of the status quo” and a significant barrier to social progress. Join Professor Zaki in conversation with Kenji Yoshino (see above!), faculty director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, to explore the science of cynicism and ways to cultivate hope even in challenging times. The event will take place February 14 at 12PM EST and is open to the public!

Attendees of this event will automatically enter a raffle to receive a copy of Professor Zaki’s book. This event is part of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging speaker series and is cosponsored by the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center. You can learn more about this fantastic series here.

RSVP here
 

Out Leadership’s Visit to The Center
Last week, Out Leadership had the privilege of taking a tour of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) here in New York City.

The Center was established in 1983 at the height of the AIDS crisis to provide a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to respond to the urgent threats facing the community. Over the past 40 years, The Center has grown to meet the changing needs of New York’s LGBTQ+ community, delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center also features a plethora of queer art, including the Keith Haring Community Wing, as well as the ONLY queer bookstore left in the city (how cool?!).

We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about such an inspirational and historic space, and highly recommend visiting The Center if you have a chance. We are so excited to work more with them in the future!

 

Learn more about The Center

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