Last week, our Young@Workplace Pride board hosted a powerful and inspiring book interview with journalist and author Pim Blom, who joined us online from Hanoi to talk about his new book Through the Rainbow Ceiling (“Door het regenboog plafond”).
In this interview, Pim explores why a “rainbow ceiling” still exists in many workplaces today. He interviewed fifteen LGBTIQ+ leaders across business and government, uncovering honest, sometimes vulnerable stories about authenticity, leadership, and navigating environments that aren’t always inclusive.
During our conversation, Pim shared what struck him most while writing the book: the gap between the 18% of LGBTIQ+ people in society and the fewer than 1% represented in top leadership roles — and what organizations stand to gain when more queer leaders can rise without barriers. Our mentors and mentees reflected on the qualities LGBTIQ+ leaders bring to the table: empathy, resilience, perspective‑taking, and a deep understanding of inclusion.
A big thank you to Pim Blom for his openness, his storytelling, and for challenging us to think differently about representation and leadership.
Last month we came together for the Workplace Pride Annual Members’ Meeting and New Year’s Reception, hosted by ING in Amsterdam.
Together with our members, we: *Reflected on what we achieved in 2025 *Opened up honest conversations about the current DEI landscape *Looked ahead to our priorities for 2026
We were proud to hear from: Michiel Kolman 🏳️🌈 Koolman, Workplace Pride Co-Chair Joyce Kuiper, Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at ING David Pollard, Executive Director, Workplace Pride
What stood out most was your commitment. Across sectors and regions, you continue to lead by example in building workplaces where LGBTIQ+ people can truly be themselves. 📸 Event photos are now online here 🎬 Watch our 2025 wrap-up video that captures the impact of last year below!
Take a moment and ask yourself: how will you help move inclusion forward in 2026?
Technical support was provided by the team from AVEX NL
If you are interested in becoming a member of Workplace Pride in 2026, please contact info@workplacepride.org today!
Workplace Pride Reflects on a Challenging Year and Looks Ahead to a Milestone 20th Anniversary
As the year comes to a close, Workplace Pride reflects on a period marked by growing geopolitical complexity and uncertainty for many within the global LGBTIQ+ community. In this evolving context, member organisations continue to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion in different ways—some visibly and publicly, others more quietly and behind the scenes—each approach playing a vital role.
Despite these challenges, the Workplace Pride community remains strong, resilient, and deeply connected. The continued dedication of members, whether expressed openly or discreetly, has a tangible and lasting impact on creating safer and more inclusive workplaces worldwide.
Looking ahead to 2026, Workplace Pride will mark a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Two decades of advocacy, collaboration, and progress will be celebrated through a year-long programme of events and activities, honouring the partnerships and achievements that have shaped the organisation’s global movement.
The year will begin in January with the Annual Members Meeting, followed by the launch of the Workplace Pride Global Benchmark, now open for registration. Member participation remains central to shaping the insights and impact that drive meaningful change. Throughout the year, Workplace Pride will also host conferences in São Paulo, Warsaw, and Amsterdam, with the flagship international conference taking place during World Pride in August.
As preparations begin for the year ahead, Workplace Pride encourages its community to take time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. With gratitude for the trust, collaboration, and ongoing commitment of its members, Workplace Pride looks forward to a successful and impactful 2026.
Reflecting on a Day of Insight and Connection: LGBTIQ+ Inclusion at Work
On 13 November, the Telders Auditorium at Leiden University became a vibrant hub of learning, dialogue, and connection during a full-day symposium dedicated to LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Organized in partnership with Academia@WorkplacePride, the event brought together scholars, practitioners, and organisational representatives to explore emerging research, share practical strategies, and strengthen collective commitment to advancing inclusion.
Programme Highlights
Keynote 1 – “LGB with the T: The Challenges and Opportunities of Allyship”
Prof. Luke Fletcher offered a thought-provoking examination of allyship—often portrayed as a simple, universally positive act. He highlighted the real-world complexities: the barriers that limit its impact and the growing risks of backlash as trans and non-binary communities face intensified global polarisation. His call to action was clear: the current moment demands intentional, united, and meaningful allyship.
Keynote 2 – “Beyond For or Against: Understanding Employee Support for DEI Policy”
In the second keynote, I presented insights from Yonn Bokern’s PhD research, which reveals that employee attitudes toward DEI are far more layered than a binary “for or against.” The research identifies five unique profiles—Champions, Ambivalents, Bystanders, Reluctants, and Opponents—each shaped by different motivations, concerns, and needs. Understanding these profiles enables organisations to tailor their approaches and build the knowledge, motivation, and capability required for sustained inclusion.
Panel Discussion – Staying the Course in a Shifting DEI Landscape
Moderated by Kshitij Mor, the panel brought together Fauzia Aouden (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), Giovanni van Leeuwen (Capgemini), Looi van Kessel (Leiden University), and Prof. Fletcher for a candid discussion on the complexities of today’s DEI environment. Building on the keynote themes, they shared experiences on navigating resistance, staying rooted in purpose, and ensuring that DEI efforts remain grounded in evidence, impact, and resilience.
The exchange of ideas continued well beyond the formal sessions. Over coffee and tea, participants connected, reflected, and explored new opportunities for collaboration—reinforcing a shared commitment to creating workplaces where LGBTIQ+ people can thrive, contribute, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Thank You
A sincere thank you to all speakers, panelists, organisers, and attendees. Your insights, openness, and engagement made the symposium both inspiring and energising. Let’s continue moving forward—together.
Workplace Pride is proud to announce the successful launch of our 2025–2026 Mentorship Program, bringing together an inspiring and diverse group of 57 participants from around the world. Representatives from a wide range of organisations—including ABN Amro, Aegon, ING, Accenture, Ukumbini, De Nederlandsche Bank, Wolters Kluwer, Tommy Hilfiger, KLM, Kone, Lenovo, and many others—joined us for an energizing start at the Workplace Pride office in Amsterdam.
The kick-off began with an insightful introduction from Christine Holtkamp, who highlighted Workplace Pride’s mission and the importance of visibility, connection, and empowerment within the global LGBTIQ+ community. Participants then took part in interactive sessions—both in-person and online—to get to know one another and begin building meaningful connections across sectors and countries.
Program Goals
The Mentorship Program is designed to create impact on multiple levels:
• Connectivity & Networking By bringing queer professionals together from a wide variety of organisations, the program fosters community and cross-company collaboration. The first connection moment took place directly after the kick-off, with participants continuing conversations at a vibrant queer bar in Amsterdam.
• Empowerment Mentors and mentees have now been matched into small groups—each consisting of one mentor and one or two mentees—to embark on a six-month coaching journey. These pairings will focus on career development, personal growth, and navigating challenges unique to LGBTIQ+ professionals.
• Learning & Development Throughout the six months, participants will take part in specialised trainings. The first session, coming this December, will be led by Dr. Masuma Shadid—assistant professor in AI, queer data, and LGBTIQ+ rights at the Erasmus School of Law. Dr. Shadid will explore the impact of AI on LGBTIQ+ communities, offering critical insights into the evolving digital landscape.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to accompany this new cohort through the upcoming months of growth, connection, and shared learning.
Fear of missing out? The next edition of the Mentorship Program will launch in October 2026—so mark your calendar!
The 2025 Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala was nothing short of extraordinary! On Friday, 14 November, our community came together to honour excellence, celebrate progress, and recognise the organisations and individuals driving LGBTIQ+ inclusion forward in workplaces around the world.
Congratulations to the 2025 Impact Awards Winners!
🏆 Volunteer of the Year Thom Widdershoven – KLM
🏆 Role Model of the Year Karen De Lathouder – Eneco
🏆 Media Outreach Award You & I Media Campaign – APG
🏆 Ally of the Year Nazha Rustom – DNB
🏆 Network of the Year Arcus – Clifford Chance Amsterdam
🏆 Members’ Choice Game Changer Award Lenovo – Slovakia LGBTIQ+ Community & Integration Center
To all nominees and finalists across every category: thank you for your courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. You are the heartbeat of this community, and your work continues to inspire meaningful change across workplaces everywhere.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff, board members, volunteers, nominees, presenters, opening act Paul Morris, and of course, our winners. Your energy, dedication, and passion made this year’s gala a truly unforgettable celebration. 🌈
We continuously strive to elevate the experience for our community, and your feedback plays an essential role in shaping future galas. We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to complete our short survey.
Thank you once again for being part of this special event.
As we close this year’s chapter, we look ahead with excitement — because 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Workplace Pride. We cannot wait to celebrate two decades of impact, visibility, and progress with you next year. 💛💙💜
See you at the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Impact Awards in 2026!
The Rainbow Brief: Academic Insights on LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion
As Professor of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion at Leiden University, Jojanneke van der Toorn works closely with Workplace Pride to bridge academic research and organizational practice. Her latest work offers critical reflections on how organisations can create more inclusive, equitable, and psychologically safe environments for LGBTIQ+ employees worldwide.
Highlights Include:
Reflections on SOGI Data Collection: New research highlights that employees are more willing to share personal identity data when trust, transparency, and anonymity are prioritized.
More Biased, Yet More Informed? Findings on how perceptions of bias and expertise shift depending on whether researchers belong to marginalized groups.
Staying the Course in a Shifting DEI Landscape: Insights from the Workplace Pride Conference on why keeping identity central in DEI strategies is essential for lasting impact.
Upcoming Event: The 2025 LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion Symposium at Leiden University will gather global researchers and practitioners to explore the latest evidence-based strategies.
Through her work, Jojanneke continues to advance evidence-based guidance for HR and DEI teams while elevating employee experiences, trust, and belonging.
Want to dive deeper into Jojanneke’s latest research and recommendations? Discover the full Rainbow Brief and explore actionable insights to strengthen LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.
While societal attitudes toward diversity, equity, and inclusion appear increasingly polarized, our research led by Yonn Bokern shows that employees are not simply for or against their organization’s DEI policies. Instead, we identify distinct profiles of support, each driven by different motivations. The challenge, therefore, is not merely to overcome resistance, but to work with it—by listening, engaging, and better understanding the conditions that foster meaningful engagement with D&I policies.
The handout From Resistance to Gain (available in Dutch and English) summarises our research and offers practical advice to better understand support, hesitation and resistance and how to effectively deal with it.
Most important insights: 1. Support is more than for or against. Not everyone is distinct champion or opponent. There are also ambivalent employees, reluctants and bystanders. 2. Resistance often is not refusal. The group which is truly against D&I policy, is smaller than expected. More often, it involves unfamiliarity, insecurity or critical questions. 3. Managers are crucial. They typically see themselves as champion or reluctant: convinced of the importance of D&I, but sometimes critical on the execution. Their attitude and behavior strongly influence how inclusive employees experience their working environment. 4. Increase support by understanding profiles. Adjust your approach to your target group: appreciate champions, utilize the critical views of reluctants, inform ambivalents, activate bystanders and enter into dialogue with opponents.
Hosted by De Nederlandsche Bank | In collaboration with Workplace Pride, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and RVO
On Friday, August 1st, 2025, De Nederlandsche Bank opened its doors to host Stories from the Heart, a powerful and emotional gathering that brought together LGBTIQ+ human rights activists from across the African continent with members of the Workplace Pride community. Co-organised with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RVO, this annual event offered a rare and intimate window into the lived realities, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTIQ+ people in regions where acceptance is still far from guaranteed.
Held at De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam, the event served as a platform for global storytelling, dialogue, and deep reflection. It formed part of the RVO’s Building Bridges program, which connects local activists with international networks and corporate stakeholders committed to equity and inclusion.
This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Law and Practice,” highlighted the persistent challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities even in countries with progressive laws on paper. Five extraordinary speakers—each a leader in advocacy, law, youth empowerment, or social entrepreneurship—shared heartfelt testimonies and hard-won insights into their work. David Pollard opened the event along side keynote speakers: Artie Debidien from De Nederlandsche Bank and Jelte van Wieren from the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Their insights and commitment to progress set the tone for an event of learning, connection, and action.
Meet the Speakers
Gilbert (he/him) – Kenya
A globally recognised human rights lawyer and founder of PRISM Lab, Gilbert has played a pivotal role in strategic litigation to protect LGBTQ+ rights across Kenya. With a decade of experience, he continues to push boundaries in legal reform and queer political inclusion throughout East Africa.
Neo (she/her) – Lesotho
Neo is a powerful voice for LBQ visibility and youth-led inclusion in Lesotho. Through her work at QueerWorX and GoldenDykesEnt., she advocates for the social protection of queer people in public spaces, mental health support for LBQ women, and the integration of LGBTIQA+ voices in youth movements.
Aldovanda (Haldo) (she/her) – Mozambique
A seasoned advocate for young LBQ women’s health and rights, Haldo has over nine years of experience in feminist organising and program leadership. Through her work with POR ELA and other international partnerships, she elevates LBQ voices in public policy and grassroots activism.
JoJo (she/her) – Rwanda
Founder of Blossom Bridge Initiative, Josine is a seasoned activist and entrepreneur advocating for gender equality and the inclusion of LBTQ individuals and female sex workers in Rwanda. With over a decade of experience, she is a driving force behind regional human rights reform and social entrepreneurship.
Reon (he/him) – South Africa
A dynamic social impact consultant and founder of Impacting Youth, Reon empowers organisations to co-lead with youth in climate action, education, and multilateral reform. His diplomacy work bridges grassroots engagement with global development efforts, particularly through his advisory roles across Africa.
Reflections & Impact
Stories from the Heart provided a rare space for mutual exchange between activists and Workplace Pride members whose companies operate across international and often complex socio-political landscapes. Each speaker brought unique perspectives on resilience, strategy, and hope—highlighting how local action, when amplified globally, can lead to lasting change.
For many attendees, the event served as both a call to action and a reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for courage. As one audience member noted:
“Not everyone expects grand gestures—small steps can make a big difference. Start by doing what you can in your own community.”
Thank You
Workplace Pride sincerely thanks De Nederlandsche Bank for hosting, and our partners at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RVO for making this important gathering possible. A heartfelt thank you to Deborah Abrahams and Marie-Jeannine Citroen for their invaluable support and contributions behind the scenes—your work made this event truly special. Most of all, we honour the storytellers—activists, advocates, and changemakers—who travelled from across Africa to share their voices and illuminate paths toward inclusion.
Together, we continue to build bridges that span continents, identities, and hearts.
Workplace Pride Welcomes Essendi as Newest Partner at Amsterdam’s Iconic Pink Party
Amsterdam, July 24, 2025— Workplace Pride is proud to announce that Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator across Europe, has officially joined its global network of LGBTIQ+ inclusion champions. The partnership was launched in style during the festive 10th edition of the Pink Party, held at the iconic INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery Collection, a fitting setting for a milestone rooted in hospitality, pride, and visibility.
As a purpose-driven organisation with a portfolio of over 568 hotels in 22 countries, Essendi brings a powerful vision to the Workplace Pride community: to create and foster places that thrive — for guests, teams, and the wider ecosystem. With more than 20,000 passionate team members, a strong sustainability record (38% of hotels Green Key certified), and deep roots in Europe’s hospitality landscape, Essendi is uniquely positioned to make a positive and lasting impact.
David Pollard, Co-founder & Executive Director of Workplace Pride: “This partnership with Essendi highlights how inclusion can become a true business value. By embedding LGBTQIA+ inclusion into leadership, strategy, and culture, Essendi shows that hospitality can and should be a driver for equity and belonging.”
Essendi’s core values — caring for people, daring to innovate, and empowering teams to create impact — form the backbone of their business model and align closely with Workplace Pride’s principles of visibility, belonging, and transformation.
Martijn van der Graaf, COO Western Europe at Essendi: “Inclusion and diversity are not just values at Essendi; they are operational priorities. With Workplace Pride, we’re transforming commitments into action: inclusive leadership, safer spaces, and a culture where everyone can be themselves. Signing this partnership during the 10th PINK Party isn’t just symbolic, it’s a celebration of what we stand for.”
The Pink Party, now celebrating a decade of fostering community and visibility, proved the perfect moment to affirm this new partnership publicly—surrounded by members, allies, and advocates committed to a more inclusive future.
Jolanda de Smit, General Manager, INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery Collection: “Ten years of INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery Collection is more than an anniversary; it’s a celebration of the journey we’ve shared with our guests and team. We’ve built a place where everyone feels they belong, where people are seen, heard, and respected. Diversity and inclusion have never been trends for us, they are the pillars of who we are.
About Workplace Pride Workplace Pride is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTIQ+ people in workplaces worldwide. Through partnerships, research, events, and advocacy, it empowers organisations to embed inclusion and belonging at every level.
About Essendi Essendi is a leading hotel owner and operator in the economy and mid-scale segments in Europe. With over 568 hotels in 22 countries and more than 20,000 team members, Essendi combines dynamic asset management with hotel operations to unlock the full potential of each location. Driven by values of care, innovation, and empowerment, Essendi is committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, and thriving places for people and communities across Europe.
Top Performers Shine as Global Benchmark 2025 Reaches New Heights
Amsterdam, 10 July 2025 — Inclusive leadership is being redefined—and the 2025 results prove it. Workplace Pride announces the release of the 2025 Global Benchmark results, a comprehensive international assessment of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. This year’s findings highlight the outstanding efforts of organisations setting new standards for diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments.
Foremost among the accolades are the organisations that have scored above 90% on the Workplace Pride Global Benchmark survey, earning the title of “Advocate.” These trailblazing organisations are leading the charge in advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion in workplaces worldwide, setting new standards for broader societal change. This year, there are two new entries into the Advocate level: Kite Pharma EU B.V. and De Nederlandsche Bank. They join established Advocate organisations from previous years, including: Accenture, ING, PwC, RELX Elsevier, Shell, Sodexo, and Unilever.
We also extend our congratulations to the “Ambassador” organisations, which have scored between 70% and 90%. Their unwavering commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace is driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive society. This year, four new entries have achieved Ambassador status: ABB, Ministerie van EZ, KGG, en LVVN (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature), Robeco, and Tata Steel. They join established Ambassador organisations from previous years, including Aegon Ltd., KLM, Lenovo and The Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands).
The 2025 Global Benchmark results reveal a continued momentum, with standout progress from both new participants and returning organisations. In particular, we celebrate the efforts of Bynder, Tata Steel, and a.s.r. verzekeringen, each of which improved their scores by more than 20% compared to 2024—highlighting measurable action and sustained commitment.
David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, said: “The 2025 Global Benchmark highlights how, even in these difficult and challenging times for the LGBTIQ+ community, organisations are moving beyond awareness to real impact—leveraging data-driven strategies to build inclusive and sustainable workplaces.”
We also acknowledge the highest-performing organisations across various sectors and industries, including: Accenture (Private Sector and Services Industry), De Nederlandsche Bank (Public Sector and Public Administration), Unilever (Manufacturing), Kite Pharma EU B.V. (Healthcare, Pharma, and Biotech), ING (Financial & Insurance), RELX Elsevier (Information & Communication), KLM (Transportation & Storage), Shell (Construction, Engineering, and Utilities), Hogeschool Utrecht/HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Top-scoring Academic Institution), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands (Top-scoring Government Organisation).
The Workplace Pride Global Benchmark, launched in 2014 with support from the University of Leiden and global partners, is the leading tool for measuring LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. It provides organisations with detailed insights across eight key categories, Policy & Communication, Employee Networks, Workplace Awareness, Support & Benefits, Inclusion & Engagement, Expertise & Monitoring, Business & Supplier Engagement, and Societal Impact —enabling them to track progress and drive meaningful change.
Editor’s Note: For more information about Workplace Pride, please contact Executive Director David Pollard at david@workplacepride.org.
About Workplace Pride: The Workplace Pride Foundation is a global platform dedicated to enhancing the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals in workplaces worldwide. Launched in 2006, it has more than 130 member organisations, employing millions of people in nearly every country on the planet. For media inquiries and additional information, please visit www.workplacepride.org.
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