LGBT Women in the Workplace is the Focal Point for National Coming Out Day

On October 11, the City of the Hague plays host to the launching of a new Workplace Pride program for Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Women.

"Participation of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women is essential to having our workplaces and LGBT networks fully reflect the diversity of our community. The launch of the Women@WorkplacePride program provides lesbian, bisexual and transgender women with new opportunities to connect, share, and develop their leadership," said Martha McDevitt-Pugh, co-initiator of the Women@Workplace Pride program and LGBT Network Chair at ING Bank.

Being an LGBT woman in the workplace has unique challenges. Role models are few and far-between, and existing networks may not entirely suit their needs.

These were among the findings of a diverse panel of top leaders from the private and public sectors who met in The Hague on National Coming Out Day. The panel identified how lesbian, bisexual and transgender women must navigate in a world where less is known about their specific qualities and explored how organizations can foster work environments that leverage the strengths of LGBT women.

Jet Bussemaker, Minister of Education, Culture and Science delivered a keynote address during the event and formally launched the Women@WorkplacePride program.

The Women@WorkplacePride program provides a platform to promote the leadership of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in the workplace and to increase the visibility of LGBT women as role models. LGBT women who are more resilient, flexible and creative benefit both employee and employer.

Join the lively National Coming Out Day panel discussion, with a particular focus on LGBT women, in The Hague on October 11!

Panelists for this Dutch-language discussion include:

Dineke ten Hoorn Boer (Gemeente Den Haag)
Janet Visbeen (PwC)
Martha McDevitt-Pugh (ING Bank)
Pallas Agterberg (Alliander)
Yuri Sebregts (Shell)

The Workplace Pride Foundation was initiated in 2006 and is the international platform for inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people at work. Its 48 members employ more than 3 million people worldwide and share the vision to "Change workplaces around the world to be truly inclusive, ensuring that Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgenders are fully visible, valued, empowered, and leading the way for others."

Doors open at 16:00 and the program will start at 17:00.