What Out & Equal Workplace Advocates does

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 and headquartered in Oakland, California, dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion through corporate partnerships, events, education, and policy advocacy. The organization operates a tiered corporate partnership ecosystem spanning seven levels — Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Brass — with 206 participating companies that range from Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Disney, and Deloitte at the top to a long tail of Fortune/Global 500 enterprises. Its core digital platform, the Global Hub, is a virtual education and engagement center comprising a Resource Library, Community Message Board, ERG Registry, and Events Calendar, complemented by signature convenings including the annual Workplace Summit (4,000+ attendees, 150+ sessions) and the Leadership Forum.

The organization monetizes primarily through annual corporate partnership subscriptions and event registrations, with the Workplace Summit functioning as the flagship revenue-generating program. Its product portfolio extends beyond convening into Strategic Advisory Services, Learning & Development, an ERG Suite of Support, Global Impact Programs, Belonging Groups, and Recognition Programs, alongside recurring research and thought-leadership products such as the Breaking Barriers research series, Signal Through the Noise policy briefings, Reverberations global briefings, the Business Case for Inclusion, and the annual Pride Guide. Distribution is direct-to-enterprise via partner account management, supplemented by self-serve digital access through the Global Hub and city-level regional receptions. The organization has played an instrumental role in major legal milestones, including mobilizing over 200 companies to file an amicus brief supporting the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court ruling, and operates globally across North America, LATAM (Brazil, Chile), APAC (India, Philippines, Australia), and Europe (UK).

Name

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Legal name

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Website

https://outandequal.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 that partners with 206 global companies to advance LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion through a tiered membership program, the Global Hub digital platform, and the annual Workplace Summit convening 4,000+ professionals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workplace Inclusion Consulting and DEI Advisory

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Business Associations (81391), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Organizations (BPAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Workplace inclusion consulting
• Corporate diversity programs
• Employee resource groups
• DEI training services
• LGBTQ workplace advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Partnership Membership: Companies join as tiered partners (Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, Brass) to gain access to Out & Equal's programs, resources, events, and ERG community for advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
2. Event Registrations: The organization generates revenue through ticketed events including the Workplace Summit (4,000+ attendees), Leadership Forum, and regional/global gatherings. These are primary revenue-generating programs.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with global corporations to advance LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. It sells tiered corporate partnership memberships (Titanium through Brass) and delivers a suite of programs including the annual Workplace Summit (4,000+ attendees), Leadership Forum, Strategic Advisory Services, Learning & Development, ERG Suite of Support, and Global Impact Programs. Its flagship digital offering is the Global Hub, a virtual education and engagement platform with a Resource Library, Community Message Board, ERG Registry, and Events Calendar.

Product overview

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of programs, platforms, and resources for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The core platform is The Global Hub, a virtual education and engagement center featuring a Resource Library, Community Message Board, ERG Registry, and Events Calendar. The organization delivers signature events including the annual Workplace Summit (4,000+ attendees) and Leadership Forum, complemented by Learning & Development offerings (Partner Learning Meetups, Allyship Programs) and Strategic Advisory Services. Their resource library includes The Signal Through the Noise (monthly policy briefs), Reverberations (quarterly global briefings), the Breaking Barriers Research Series, ERG Best Practices Guide, Business Case for Inclusion, Pride Guides, and Talking Policy, Not Politics guides. The organization operates a tiered partnership model with Bronze through Titanium tiers, providing partner-exclusive access to confidential advisory services, research, and events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Global Hub A one-stop-shop virtual education and engagement center for organizations, diversity and inclusion practitioners, employee resource groups, and professionals working for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Features a Resource Library, Community Message Board, ERG Registry, and Events Calendar.
• Workplace Summit Annual flagship conference bringing together 4,000+ professionals in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion for four days of practical strategies, networking, and community building.
• Leadership Forum Signature convening for inclusion leaders to gather, grow, and build The Business of Belonging.
• Strategic Advisory Services & Thought Leadership Confidential advisory sessions providing partners with guidance, community, best practices and analysis of the current public policy environment including private roundtables and one-on-one support.
• Learning & Development On-demand and live training focused on inclusive leadership, intersectional allyship, and culture-building, including Quarterly Partner Learning Meetups.
• ERG Suite of Support Dedicated hub of tools, training and thought leadership for building high-impact LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups that strengthen internal culture and accelerate business goals.
• Global Impact Programs Programs supporting LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion across global markets including regional research and partner support.
• Recognition Programs Programs recognizing organizations and leaders advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Belonging Groups Programs and resources supporting the development of belonging and community within organizations.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

86 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, flagship, core, standard and entry.

• WTWsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2024WTW sponsored the Out & Equal Chicago reception on October 23, 2024, providing event support and engagement for the LGBTQ+ workplace equality community in the Chicago region.
• AppleflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerApple is a Titanium-level partner in Out & Equal's corporate partner ecosystem, participating in programs to advance LGBTQ+ workplace equality through the organization's global initiatives, events, and advisory services.
• Bank of AmericaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank of America holds Titanium partner status, engaging in Out & Equal's suite of programs including advisory services, learning and development, and ERG support for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Dell TechnologiesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDell Technologies participates as a Titanium partner, contributing to and benefiting from Out & Equal's workplace equality programs and annual summit.
• DeloitteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeloitte is a Titanium-level partner, engaging with Out & Equal's strategic advisory and learning programs for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion across its global workforce.
• ExperianflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperian holds Titanium partner status, participating in Out & Equal's programs to advance LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and ERG development.
• JPMorgan ChaseflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJPMorgan Chase is a Titanium partner actively involved in Out & Equal's summit, advisory services, and global programs for LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
• The Walt Disney CompanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisney participates as a Titanium partner in Out & Equal's corporate ecosystem, contributing to and benefiting from LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion initiatives.
• Wells FargoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWells Fargo is a Titanium partner in the Out & Equal ecosystem, engaging in strategic programs and events for LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
• Ernst & Young (EY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEY holds Platinum partner status in Out & Equal's corporate partnership ecosystem, participating in strategic advisory, learning, and ERG programs.
• Fidelity InvestmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFidelity Investments is a Platinum-level partner engaged in Out & Equal's programs for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and ERG development.
• UnitedHealth GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnitedHealth Group participates as a Platinum partner, engaging in Out & Equal's workplace equality programs and advisory services.
• AccenturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccenture holds Gold partner status, contributing to and participating in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs and global events.
• Capital OnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital One is a Gold-level partner in Out & Equal's ecosystem, engaging with programs for LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
• ChevroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChevron holds Gold partner status, participating in Out & Equal's programs and events for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Paul HastingscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaul Hastings is a Gold partner engaged in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• Discover Financial ServicesstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiscover is a Silver-level partner in Out & Equal's corporate partner ecosystem.
• HSBCstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSBC holds Silver partner status in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• IntuitstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntuit participates as a Silver partner in Out & Equal's ecosystem.
• JCPenneystandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerJCPenney holds Silver partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• Marsh McLennanstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarsh McLennan is a Silver-level partner participating in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• Morgan StanleystandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerMorgan Stanley holds Silver partner status in Out & Equal's corporate partner ecosystem.
• ToyotastandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerToyota is a Silver partner engaged in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality programs.
• AbbViesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbbVie is a Bronze-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion ecosystem.
• AltriasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAltria holds Bronze partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• Cisco SystemssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCisco is a Bronze partner participating in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality programs.
• ComcastsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerComcast holds Bronze partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• Eli Lilly and CompanysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEli Lilly is a Bronze partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• EnbridgesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnbridge holds Bronze partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• GSKsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGSK is a Bronze-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJLL holds Bronze partner status in Out & Equal's corporate partner ecosystem.
• Johnson & JohnsonsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohnson & Johnson is a Bronze partner engaged in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality programs.
• Liberty MutualsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiberty Mutual holds Bronze partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• McDonald'ssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcDonald's is a Bronze partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion ecosystem.
• Merck & Co.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMerck holds Bronze partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• MicrosoftsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicrosoft is a Bronze partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• Procter & GamblesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProcter & Gamble holds Bronze partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• SAPsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAP is a Bronze partner participating in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• SodexosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSodexo holds Bronze partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• StarbuckssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStarbucks is a Bronze partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• TargetsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTarget holds Bronze partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• WalmartsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWalmart is a Bronze partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• Abbott LaboratoriesentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbbott Laboratories is a Copper-tier partner in the Out & Equal corporate ecosystem.
• AIGentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIG holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion ecosystem.
• AirbusentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• Air ProductsentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir Products holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• AXAentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAXA is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• BarclaysentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarclays holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• BayerentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBayer is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• BechtelentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBechtel holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• BECUentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBECU is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• Best BuyentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBest Buy holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• BlackRockentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlackRock is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality programs.
• BPentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBP holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• Bristol Myers SquibbentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBristol Myers Squibb is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• Capital GroupentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital Group holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• CargillentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCargill is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• CitientryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCiti holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem for LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
• Constellation EnergyentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstellation Energy is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's programs.
• DuPontentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuPont holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• EssilorLuxotticaentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEssilorLuxottica is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• ExelonentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerExelon holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• GE AerospaceentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGE Aerospace is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• GE VernovaentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGE Vernova holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• General MotorsentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral Motors is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• ExxonMobilentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerExxonMobil holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• PepsiCoentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPepsiCo is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• NikeentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNike holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• SalesforceentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalesforce is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion programs.
• T-MobileentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerT-Mobile holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• United AirlinesentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Airlines is a Copper-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives.
• VanguardentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerVanguard holds Copper partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• VerizonentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerizon is a Copper-level partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• WPPentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWPP holds Copper partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG)entryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCG is a Brass-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion ecosystem.
• HiltonentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHilton holds Brass partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• NovartisentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNovartis is a Brass-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality programs.
• AT&TentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAT&T holds Brass partner status in Out & Equal's partner ecosystem.
• IBMentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBM is a Brass-tier partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace programs.
• AramarkentryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAramark holds Brass partner status in the Out & Equal partner ecosystem.
• The Nature ConservancysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit and academic partner in Out & Equal's ecosystem, participating in cross-sector LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion initiatives.
• AARPsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAARP is a nonprofit partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion ecosystem.
• Cedars-SinaisupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedars-Sinai is a nonprofit and academic partner engaged in Out & Equal's programs.
• Washington State Office of EquitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington State Office of Equity is a government partner in Out & Equal's LGBTQ+ workplace equality ecosystem.
• Washington State LGBTQ CommissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington State LGBTQ Commission is a government partner collaborating with Out & Equal on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• PFLAGsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPFLAG is a community partner in Out & Equal's ecosystem, collaborating on LGBTQ+ community advocacy and workplace equality.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GLAAD: GLAAD is a leading LGBTQ+ media and communications advocacy organization. While more media-focused, it competes for corporate LGBTQ+ sponsorship dollars and partner mindshare in the same Fortune 500 buyer set that Out & Equal serves.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Human Rights Campaign is a leading LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization with a Corporate Equality Index and extensive corporate engagement model. It directly competes with Out & Equal for LGBTQ+ workplace-focused corporate partnerships and policy advocacy attention.
• Catalyst: Catalyst is a global nonprofit focused on workplace inclusion and gender equity. It serves Fortune 500 corporate partners with research and advisory services and competes with Out & Equal for corporate DEI budgets, particularly on research and executive learning.
• PFLAG: PFLAG is a longstanding LGBTQ+ community and family advocacy organization, listed as a community partner of Out & Equal. It is directly comparable as a mission-driven nonprofit operating in the LGBTQ+ advocacy and support space.
• National LGBTQ+ Task Force: The National LGBTQ+ Task Force is a national LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization. It overlaps with Out & Equal on policy advocacy and movement-building, though its scope extends beyond workplace inclusion to broader civil rights.
• Center for Workplace Inclusion (CWDI): Center for Workplace Inclusion is a nonprofit focused specifically on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. It overlaps directly with Out & Equal's workplace inclusion mission and serves a comparable corporate buyer audience.

Broad incumbents

• Diversity Best Practices (Working Mother Media): Diversity Best Practices is a membership and advisory organization serving corporate DEI leaders across multiple dimensions of diversity. It competes with Out & Equal for corporate DEI partnership dollars from the same buyer set.
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): SHRM is the largest professional association for HR practitioners and offers DEI content, training, and events. It is a broader incumbent that intersects with Out & Equal's HR and inclusion practitioner audience but is not LGBTQ+-specific.

Regional players

• Stonewall (UK): Stonewall is the UK's leading LGBTQ+ rights charity with a strong workplace and corporate partnerships program. It is comparable as a mission-aligned peer with similar partnership-tier structures, but operates primarily in the UK market.
• Workplace Pride (Netherlands): Workplace Pride is a Netherlands-based nonprofit focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces, primarily serving European corporate partners. It is a regional peer that operates in adjacent geographies where Out & Equal is expanding via its Global Impact Programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/outequal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/out-&-equal-workplace-advocates
• Instagraminstagram.com/outandequal
• Xx.com/outandequal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Out & Equal Workplace Advocates