The Out & Equal Workplace has found a home in Tampa Bay. The group, which works to educate and empower LGBT organizations, HR professionals, will officially begin Tampa Bay operations this month with a kick off celebration.
On Friday, Aug. 7, The Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa will host the celebration for the group, which hopes to empower individual employees through programs and services that result in equal policies, opportunities, practices, and benefits in the workplace regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, or characteristics.
“I am very excited to be part of the core team that is bringing Out & Equal to the Tampa Bay area,” said Cheryl Madelle, co-chair of the Tampa Bay Regional Affiliate. “By extending their national mission and vision to our local level, Out & Equal will be able to provide much needed resources and training for our bay area LGBT workforce.
“By diversifying the talent pool, employers reap the benefits of recruiting and retaining qualified and diversified employees while building an inclusive workplace where all individuals know they are equally valued and respected.”
The key to success, according to co-chair Anthony Virostko, is for LGBTs to be themselves in the workplace and not hide their orientation or gender identity.
“By helping LGBT employees bring their whole selves to work each and every day, we at Out & Equal Tampa Bay can partner with employers to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce here in Florida,” Virostko said.
The kick off event at MCC Tampa starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the organization, visit OutAndEqual.org.