Members of glamazon, our affinity group that provides networking and mentoring support for LGBT+ employees, attended the OUTstanding Gala dinner last night in London to recognise and celebrate LGBT+ and straight ally role models from around the world.

At the dinner, OUTstanding revealed their 2017 Top OUTstanding Lists (also published in the Financial Times), including the Top 100 LGBT+ Executives, Top 50 Allies, Top 50 Future Leaders and Top 20 Public Sector Leaders who are not only successful in their careers but are also creating supportive workplaces for LGBT+ people.

We were delighted to see that our own UK Director of Communications, Dan Perlet, was named in the 100 LGBT+ Executives list thanks to his work in championing and promoting diversity and inclusiveness across the UK business. “It is great to be able to support OUTstanding’s fantastic efforts making senior leaders more visible in the workplace so more people feel comfortable being themselves at work,” said Dan.

The list was published just one week after Amazon was named runner up for the Pink News Awards Business Equality Award out of nine companies shortlisted. Amazon was recognised for its work championing LGBT+ issues in the workplace by the Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn at an event which included speeches from the Prime Minister, the leaders of all the main UK political parties, celebrities and senior members of faith communities.

Glamazon has led a number of initiatives this year to promote diversity, inclusion and career progression for LGBT+ employees, including our participating in Pride which saw over 150 employees take part to help raise money for LGBT+ charities. Most recently, senior executives from glamazon were interviewed in DIVA magazine and the Gay Times for National Coming Out Day, providing advice to people thinking of coming out to their work colleagues.