From Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry:

Happy Holidays from San Francisco!

As the holiday season approaches, I am pausing to remember the many strides made by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and our allies, in 2011 and ask for your continued support.

This year, we saluted the end of the US military’s Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, saw Massachusetts join the 13 other states with transgender inclusive non-discrimination laws, rejoiced at the passage of marriage rights in New York, and celebrated the growing number of workplaces that value the contributions of LGBT people.

2011 was also a wildly successful year for Out & Equal. The 2011 Workplace Summit in Dallas greeted more people than ever before. Over and over again, we heard from 2,600 attendees how inspiring the speakers, panels and programs were. We also welcomed the largest number of corporate, non-profit and government sponsors as our allies in creating workplace environments inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and characteristics.

This year, we have broadened the scope and impact of Out & Equal's work to reach more people beyond the United States by developing new global partnerships. And we are excited to take the spirit and energy of our Workplace Summit "across the pond" to London, July 4-6, for Out & Equal's first-ever Global Workplace Summit.

During this season of reflection, I also feel a deep sense of gratitude to the vast global family of workplace equality advocates: Out & Equal's Board of Directors, dedicated staff, regional affiliates, employee resource group and community volunteers, diversity committees, donors and our corporate, non-profit and government sponsors who continue to support this important work.

I hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Out & Equal's efforts to end workplace discrimination around the world. Only with your personal support can we continue building a world where no one has to choose between a career and being true to oneself.

Very happy holidays and best wishes for a fabulous 2012,

Selisse Berry
Founding Executive Director

Learn more about requesting Selisse Berry to speak at your next event.