Yesterday, I had the privilege of bringing together scholars, practitioners, and organizational leaders at the Telders Auditorium at the University of Leiden for a day of learning, dialogue, and connection on LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. Hosted in collaboration with Workplace Pride, the symposium offered rich insights grounded in both research and practice.
Program Highlights
🔹 Keynote 1 – “LGB with the T: The Challenges and Opportunities of Allyship”
Prof. Luke Fletcher explored why allyship—often celebrated as a win-win solution—can be far more complex in practice. He discussed barriers that limit its effectiveness and the risks of backlash, especially amid growing global efforts to divide the LGBTIQ+ community and target trans and non-binary people. His keynote emphasized the urgent need for meaningful, united allyship to support our trans and non-binary colleagues, customers, friends, and family.
🔹 Keynote 2 – “Beyond For or Against: Understanding Employee Support for DEI Policy”
In my keynote, I shared findings from Yonn Bokern’s PhD project, showing that employees and managers are not simply “for or against” DEI policy. We identified five nuanced profiles—Champions, Ambivalents, Bystanders, Reluctants, and Opponents. Understanding these motivations helps organizations tailor strategies that build knowledge, motivation, and capability for genuine and sustained inclusion. See the handout in the comments.
🔹 Panel Discussion – Staying the Course in a Shifting DEI Landscape
Moderated by Kshitij Mor, panelists Fauzia Aouden (NS), Giovanni van Leeuwen (Capgemini), Looi van Kessel (Leiden University), and Luke Fletcher (Manchester Metropolitan University) reflected on the keynote insights and discussed how organizations can navigate pushback, maintain clarity of purpose, and keep inclusion efforts grounded in evidence and impact.
Community & Connection
Conversations continued over coffee and tea, creating space for new collaborations and reinforcing our shared commitment to more inclusive workplaces.
In the afternoon, I hosted a small-group academic meeting with colleagues from Sweden, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, where we learned about exciting new research by Amanda Klysing and Yasin Koc.
I am exhausted but deeply inspired. The day demonstrated how research, practice, and open dialogue can come together to build workplaces where everyone can belong and bring their authentic selves.
A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for contributing to such a thoughtful and energizing day. 🌈
