While organisational attention to workplace equality and inclusion has grown, many social groups continue to face disadvantages. LGBTIQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs) are emerging as crucial structures within companies, providing safe spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer employees, fostering alliances with allies, and advocating for systemic change.
Despite their growing presence, research on LGBTIQ+ ERGs remains limited, leaving questions about their effectiveness and the challenges they face. To address this gap, Leiden University hosted a symposium on 19 May 2022 at the Telders Auditorium, Rapenburg 73, where leading scholars and ERG representatives explored the promises and pitfalls of these groups.
The symposium featured presentations from Prof. dr. Anna Einarsdottir of York University and Prof. dr. Jojanneke van der Toorn of Leiden University. Prof. Einarsdottir shared insights from a major UK study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, examining how ERGs function within the National Health Service. Her findings highlight a shift in the role of ERGs—from primarily supporting LGBTIQ+ employees to driving broader organisational diversity, equality, and inclusion agendas. This raises important questions about the groups’ focus and impact on members, allies, and wider communities.
Prof. van der Toorn addressed the strategies organisations use to assess the needs of LGBTIQ+ employees, particularly those with intersecting marginalised identities, such as queer employees of colour. Her research underscores that while organisations invest in inclusivity, the voices of diverse LGBTIQ+ employees are often underrepresented or overlooked.
A panel discussion followed the presentations, featuring LGBTIQ+ ERG representatives who shared practical insights from their work and debated how these groups can effectively contribute to inclusive workplaces.
The event, organised by Prof. dr. van der Toorn, Dr. Eva Jaspers, Chenhao Zhou, Kshitij Mor, and Paula Hoffmann in collaboration with Academia@Workplace Pride, was free to attend and fully accessible, including live streaming options and wheelchair access.
For more information, the organisers can be reached at
