OutQUORUM is the first and only global initiative advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion on corporate boards. Launched in 2015, OutQUORUM has helped drive significant progress by analyzing board diversity policies of companies listed on the world’s stock exchanges, writing and advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusive board policies, creating a database of candidates for board seats, and preparing them to serve.
Peter Grauer, Chairman, Bloomberg LP
Ajay Banga, Former CEO, Mastercard
Jim Smith, Former President/CEO, Thomson Reuters Corp
In 2021 and 2022, Out Leadership published “Visibility Counts,” the first-ever study mapping the proxy statements of all Fortune 1000 and 33,000 NASDAQ companies to identify those that include LGBTQ+ in their definition of board diversity. Sponsored by Egon Zehnder and Ropes & Gray, the report provides the data to support OutQUORUM’s efforts to harness the power of business leaders to drive change.
In 2016, OutQUORUM, sponsored by KPMG, launched the BoardFit program, the first-ever program designed to prepare LGBTQ+ candidates to join corporate boards and to add value and be board-ready from day 1. As part of the program, OutQUORUM created the largest database in the world of board-ready LGBTQ+ candidates, with a specific focus on intersectionality, with 35% women and 12% BIPOC representation.
The case for diversity at the Board level centers on the notion that Boards must be representative of a company's key stakeholders – inclusive of all aspects of diversity such as women, people of color and LGBTQ+, and should be drawn from employees, customers, vendors and associates.
Out Leadership is a convener and long-standing member of the Diverse Directors Coalition which includes Black Corporate Directors, Latino Corporate Directors Association and Ascend Pinnacle. We work with these organizations to ensure our efforts are part of a broader push for diversity on Corporate Boards.
The annual OutQUORUM Summit brings together senior business leaders and nonprofit partners to move the needle on LGBTQ+ inclusive board diversity. The summit typically coincides with the publication of Out Leadership’s board diversity research, and engages outstanding speakers from business, the media, government, and beyond.
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs - Pfizer
Founder - Socos Labs
Head of Credit Solutions - Capital One
Senior Partner, Global Life Sciences & Healthcare - EY
Former Chief Executive Officer - Lloyds of London
A letter from Luanne Lim, Current events out of Asia, Out Leadership's Asia and Australia Summits
Global Workplace Survey “Out to Succeed 2.0” Illustrates Being Out at Work Continues to be Challenging for Transgender Employees, LGBTQ+ Women and People of Color
Key Findings on ESG Reporting Released Today During Out Leadership’s Return on Equality™, an LGBTQ+-Inclusive ESG at Inaugural Summit Hosted by Nasdaq
Business Leaders Emphasize Financial Benefits of LGBTQ+-Inclusive ESG at Inaugural Summit
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs - Pfizer
Founder - Socos Labs
Head of Credit Solutions - Capital One
Senior Partner, Global Life Sciences & Healthcare - EY
Former Chief Executive Officer - Lloyds of London
A letter from Luanne Lim, Current events out of Asia, Out Leadership's Asia and Australia Summits
Global Workplace Survey “Out to Succeed 2.0” Illustrates Being Out at Work Continues to be Challenging for Transgender Employees, LGBTQ+ Women and People of Color
Key Findings on ESG Reporting Released Today During Out Leadership’s Return on Equality™, an LGBTQ+-Inclusive ESG at Inaugural Summit Hosted by Nasdaq
Business Leaders Emphasize Financial Benefits of LGBTQ+-Inclusive ESG at Inaugural Summit