Virtual Panel: LGBTQ+ Women and the Impact of COVID-19

Despite progress, a lot remains to be done for the LGBTQ+ community within the workplace. LGBTQ+ employees often face hostility and fear, which can prevent them from bringing their full selves to work. Now, with COVID-19, LGBTQ+ individuals have seen a higher percentage of job loss and job reduction than the national average.

We also see a gap between the experiences of LGBTQ+ men and women in their workplace experiences. Catalyst research has shown that LGBTQ+ women reported being out to a smaller proportion of their workgroup than did LGBTQ+ men. While, according to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2018 report, lesbian women experienced more demeaning remarks about themselves than other women, and over 70% of lesbian women have experienced micro-aggression in the workplace.

Sodexo, TD, IBM, and CBC, in collaboration with Catalyst, invite you to discuss the experiences of LGBTQ+ women, where we will share issues and challenges as well as best practices. Hear from our keynote speaker and panel to learn how to face these challenges head-on, celebrate the progress made, and consider what a more inclusive workplace will look like post COVID-19. Together we can create inclusive workplaces where all employees feel they can bring their authentic self to work

Panelists:

Margot Slattery, Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Sodexo

Heather Richardson, VP Sales, TD

Kimberley Messer,  VP Business Development Leader – North America Workforce Diversity & LGBT Markets, IBM

Ty Hyland, Production Planning Scripted & Digital Content, CBC

Panel Moderator:

Tanya van Biesen, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada