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.
With so many nonstop problems challenging our community, there’s seldom a space for young talent to explore a very simple idea: how their LGBTQ+ identity is an advantage for their career advancement. And it can be. Yet the business of ideas, not actively creating workplaces that source new viewpoints, leaves money on the table.
The space for change starts in conversation and relationships, and so COME OUT TO WORK is a solution — a publishing conversation powered by DNA. The discussion highlights how leaders can create safe, open and welcoming workplaces and culture — so LGBTQ+ people can unleash their full creative expression.
Project Violet is an inclusion network inspired by COME OUT TO WORK. 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 9-month mentorship program, starting in the Fall of 2024. 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 14, 2024.
Project Violet Schedule
June 1 – Aug 15: Applications accepted for Mentees/Mentors
Aug 15: Mentees/Mentors applications closed
Aug 16 – Sep 15: Mentees/Mentors matching
Sept 16: Mentees/Mentors matches announced
Sept 30 – Oct 4: Mentorship virtual training sessions
Oct 15: Mentorship begins
Resources
The mission of Come Out to Work 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.