We know LGBTQ+ identity is an advantage for their career advancement — and it’s time we show the world.
99.983% of people in advertising self-identified as heterosexual/straight in a recent 4A’s survey. If true, that would mean 46 U.S. people in advertising are LGBTQ+. We know that isn’t true. These results really show an industry culture where LGBTQ+ people don’t feel comfortable being themselves.
Chosen Family partner DNA is committed to making our differences the difference in advertising — powering our resources here, for advancing workplace inclusion.
Project Violet is an inclusion network. The network connects agency leader Mentors with LGBTQ+ Mentees to build the support and workplaces that elevate queer perspective as a career and business advantage. Project Violet is a 8-month mentorship program, starting in the Fall of 2025. Mentors and Mentees will meet once per month for an hour and are provided advanced training and support to enable a successful mentorship experience. To become a Mentee or Mentor, complete the application below. Deadline is August 29, 2025.
Project Violet Schedule
June 30 – Aug 29: Applications accepted for Mentees/Mentors
Aug 29: Mentees/Mentors applications closed
Aug 29 – Sep 26: Mentees/Mentors matching
Sept 29: Mentees/Mentors matches announced
Oct 6-10: Mentorship virtual training sessions
Oct 13: Mentorship begins
Resources
The mission of Project Violet is to foster a more safe, open and welcoming workplace culture for LGBTQ+ talent in the marketing and advertising industry.
Legal and conservative opposition against our right to exist spurs more suppression and distraction, but the same climate also spurs activism through identification and storytelling. Here are some resources that will help you push forward in supporting this mission and recreate the workplace.