Out & Equal
Out & Equal is a United States nonprofit organization that advances LGBTQ+ workplace equality through advocacy, training, convening, and employer engagement.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Out & Equal, formally known as Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, is a United States nonprofit organization focused on LGBTQ+ workplace equality, inclusion, and belonging. Headquartered in Oakland, California, the organization works with employees, employee resource groups, human-resources professionals, senior executives, corporations, public institutions, and allied organizations. Its activities combine public advocacy with practical workplace services, including education, consulting, leadership development, policy guidance, networking, and large-scale events. The organization emerged from a series of collaborations among LGBTQ+ workplace initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area and a national conference organization. Selisse Berry began developing the Building Bridges program in 1996 while working with the United Way of the Bay Area. Building Bridges formed relationships with other local LGBTQ+ groups, and in 1998 it joined with A Group of Groups and Progress to create the Pride Collaborative. In 1999, the Pride Collaborative merged with COLLEAGUES, the organization associated with the annual Out & Equal Conference. This merger created Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and brought together the constituent programs that shaped the organization’s later national role. A central part of Out & Equal’s identity is its Workplace Summit, an annual gathering that brings together LGBTQ+ employees, human-resources specialists, corporate representatives, advocates, and other workplace leaders. The Summit combines training, professional networking, policy discussion, and recognition programs such as the Outies awards. The event has grown into one of the largest conferences dedicated to LGBTQ+ workplace issues; the organization reported more than 6,000 attendees at the 2019 Summit. Related convening programs include the Executive Forum, which is intended for senior leaders, the Momentum Gala, and international events addressing workplace equality across different legal and cultural environments. Out & Equal also provides structured learning and advisory services. Its program portfolio has included Train the Trainer, Building Bridges, LGBTQ+ diversity training, and a Transgender Intensive. Town Calls provide public educational sessions with invited speakers and question-and-answer discussions. The organization’s broader Global Hub and regional initiatives have extended its work beyond the United States, including programs and events connected with India, China, Brazil, and other international markets. The organization has participated in public-policy advocacy concerning employment nondiscrimination, military service, marriage equality, immigration, and the treatment of sexual orientation and gender identity under civil-rights law. It has supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, opposed the former Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, joined employer and organizational amicus efforts concerning LGBTQ+ equality, and supported immigration protections for binational same-sex families. Its approach generally presents workplace equality both as a civil-rights objective and as an organizational practice linked to recruitment, retention, leadership, and employee wellbeing. Out & Equal became an independent 501(c)(3) organization in January 2004 after years of support from the United Way of the Bay Area. It maintained a San Francisco headquarters until relocating to Oakland in late 2019 and established a Washington, DC office in 2015. Erin Uritus succeeded Berry as chief executive in 2018. Under Uritus, the organization pursued a repositioned strategy, expanded its sponsorship and service models, diversified its Summit and other programs, and introduced a refreshed organizational brand. Its stated vision is a global workplace environment in which people are equal, belong, and thrive.
History
Out & Equal’s roots lie in LGBTQ+ workplace organizing in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1990s. In December 1996, Selisse Berry was hired by the United Way of the Bay Area to direct Building Bridges, a training and coalition-building initiative. Initially operating with a very small staff presence from the Pacific Center in Berkeley, the program developed relationships with LGBTQ+ organizations across the region. By September 1997, Berry and the program had moved into United Way of the Bay Area’s San Francisco offices. In 1998, Building Bridges joined A Group of Groups and Progress in a collaborative structure known as the Pride Collaborative. The participating organizations shared a goal of helping LGBTQ+ people obtain safer, more affirming, and more equitable workplaces. The following year, the Pride Collaborative merged with COLLEAGUES, a national organization associated with the Out & Equal Conference for human-resources professionals and LGBTQ+ employees. The transaction created Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and established the organizational structure associated with the Out & Equal name. The 1999 merger also brought together major event programs. Progress’s Leadership Summit and COLLEAGUES’ Out & Equal Conference combined resources to create the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit. The Summit became the organization’s principal platform for education, networking, employer engagement, and recognition of workplace-equality leaders. Over time, it developed into a large national gathering for LGBTQ+ employees, human-resources professionals, corporate representatives, and allied institutions. Out & Equal operated for several years with institutional support from the United Way of the Bay Area. In January 2004, it became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its work expanded beyond conferences into training, consulting, policy advocacy, executive programming, employee-resource-group support, and public education. Training offerings have included Train the Trainer, Building Bridges, general LGBTQ+ diversity training, and a Transgender Intensive. The organization has also used Town Calls and digital resources to make workplace-equality education available outside its major in-person events. Internationalization became increasingly visible during the 2010s. Out & Equal held its first international Summit in London in 2012, bringing together workplace advocates, business leaders, and other participants to discuss LGBTQ+ inclusion across national settings. It subsequently developed or hosted activities connected with Brazil, India, China, and other international communities. The Executive Forum, first held in San Francisco in 2008, created a separate setting for senior executives to exchange practices and discuss organizational leadership. The Momentum Gala in San Francisco added a prominent fundraising and recognition event to the organization’s annual calendar. The organization has also engaged in United States public-policy debates. It supported employment nondiscrimination legislation, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and opposed Don't Ask, Don't Tell as inconsistent with effective recruitment, retention, teamwork, and equal treatment in the military workplace. It joined employer and nonprofit coalitions addressing sexual-orientation and gender-identity discrimination, marriage equality, and immigration protections for binational same-sex families. Before the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, Out & Equal was among employer organizations supporting an amicus brief concerning the workplace and administrative burdens created by unequal marriage laws. Out & Equal’s institutional footprint changed during the same period. It opened a Washington, DC office in 2015, complementing its Bay Area base. In 2018, founder and longtime chief executive Selisse Berry was succeeded by Erin Uritus, who had previously served on the organization’s board. Uritus oversaw a strategic repositioning that included new service and sponsorship approaches, expansion and diversification of the Workplace Summit, new programs such as the Global Hub and Southern Forum, further international activity, and a refreshed organizational brand. In December 2019, Out & Equal moved from its long-standing San Francisco headquarters to Oakland. The organization continues to present itself as a convener, thought leader, and catalyst for LGBTQ+ workplace equality and belonging.
- 2019
Headquarters moves to Oakland
[1]Out & Equal relocates its headquarters from San Francisco to Oakland.
- 2018
Leadership transition to Erin Uritus
[1]Erin Uritus succeeds founder Selisse Berry as chief executive.
- 2015
Washington, DC office opens
[1]A second office opens in Washington, DC, extending the organization’s national presence.
- 2012
First international Summit is held
[1]Out & Equal holds its first international Summit in London.
- 2008
Executive Forum launches
[1]The organization holds its first Executive Forum for senior leaders in San Francisco.
- 2004
Independent nonprofit status
[1]Out & Equal becomes an independent 501(c)(3) organization.
- 1999
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is established
[1]The Pride Collaborative merges with COLLEAGUES, creating the modern Out & Equal organization.
- 1999
Workplace Summit is created
[1]The Leadership Summit and Out & Equal Conference combine resources to form the annual Workplace Summit.
- 1998
Pride Collaborative is formed
[1]Building Bridges, A Group of Groups, and Progress combine their efforts in the Pride Collaborative.
- 1996
Building Bridges program begins
[1]Selisse Berry begins directing the Building Bridges workplace training and coalition-building program for the United Way of the Bay Area.
Products and positioning
A global LGBTQ+ workplace-equality convener and specialist nonprofit that connects advocacy, employer strategy, leadership development, training, and peer learning.
Conference and professional convening · 1999
Out & Equal Workplace Summit
The Workplace Summit is Out & Equal’s principal annual gathering. It brings together LGBTQ+ employees, human-resources professionals, employers, executives, and advocates for workshops, networking, organizational learning, and recognition. The program addresses topics such as inclusive policies, employee-resource groups, transgender inclusion, leadership, and global workplace practice. Its associated Outies awards recognize people and organizations that have contributed to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
Executive leadership program · 2008
Executive Forum
The Executive Forum is a multi-day meeting for senior business and organizational leaders. It is designed as a peer-learning environment in which executives can discuss LGBTQ+ inclusion, leadership accountability, workplace culture, and practical approaches to equality and belonging.
Recognition and fundraising event
Momentum Gala
The Momentum Gala is an annual San Francisco celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ activists, workplace-diversity leaders, and organizations supporting inclusion. The event combines awards and public recognition with entertainment and inspirational speakers.
Training and consulting
Workplace Equality Training
Out & Equal provides training and advisory support for senior management, human-resources teams, employee-resource groups, and individual employees. Known offerings have included Train the Trainer, Building Bridges, LGBTQ+ diversity training, and a Transgender Intensive, with an emphasis on practical workplace policies, inclusive culture, and organizational capability.
International conference and regional programming · 2012
Global LGBTQ+ Workplace Events
Out & Equal’s international events and regional programs connect employers and advocates across different national environments. Activities have included a 2012 Summit in London and programs associated with Brazil, India, and China, focusing on shared practices and the local challenges of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Publication · 2013
Out & Equal at Work: From Closet to Corner Office
Published in 2013, this anthology presents personal accounts from LGBTQ+ executives and straight allies who helped establish workplace policies and cultures supportive of LGBTQ+ employees. It extends the organization’s educational mission through narrative and workplace case experience.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015Marriage-equality employer amicus effort
United States
Out & Equal joined hundreds of employer organizations in supporting an amicus brief before the Supreme Court concerning the workplace consequences of state-level restrictions on same-sex marriage.
Outcome. The effort preceded the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized same-sex couples’ constitutional right to marry.
- 2012Global LGBTQ+ Workplace Summit
United Kingdom · International
Out & Equal convened its first international Summit in London, bringing together participants to compare workplace-equality practices and develop cross-border networks.
Outcome. The event became a foundation for subsequent international programming.
- 2010Business Case for Marriage Equality
United States
Out & Equal developed and promoted an employer-focused argument that marriage equality supports fair treatment and reduces the operational burdens created by unequal recognition of employees’ relationships.
Outcome. The campaign became part of the organization’s continuing workplace-equality advocacy.
- 2010Communities in Common
United States
Out & Equal launched a series of editorials written by diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community to highlight connections among communities and recognize the broader coalitions involved in equality work.
Outcome. The series broadened the organization’s public storytelling around intersectional community participation.
Brand decisions
2019
Headquarters relocation to OaklandOtherBackground
Out & Equal had been headquartered in San Francisco’s City Club building until late 2019.
Action taken
The organization moved its headquarters to Oakland while maintaining its broader Bay Area presence and Washington, DC office.
Aftermath
Oakland became the organization’s stated headquarters.
2018
Strategic repositioning under new leadershipStrategyBackground
Erin Uritus became chief executive after founder Selisse Berry, creating an opportunity to revise the organization’s operating and program model.
Action taken
Out & Equal pursued a revised strategic plan, new service-delivery and sponsorship models, expanded Summit programming, new digital and regional services, and broader international activity.
Aftermath
The organization also introduced a refreshed brand and expanded its role as a global workplace-equality convener.
2015
Support for marriage equality before ObergefellStrategyBackground
A patchwork of state marriage laws created unequal benefits and administrative challenges for same-sex employees and their employers.
Action taken
Out & Equal joined an employer amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to consider the burdens that inconsistent marriage laws imposed on workplaces.
Aftermath
The Supreme Court subsequently issued its nationwide marriage-equality ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.
2010
Support for Employment Non-Discrimination ActStrategyBackground
The organization advocated federal protection against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Action taken
Out & Equal issued public appeals encouraging supporters to urge members of the United States House of Representatives to advance ENDA and used Pride-related messaging to promote the measure.
Aftermath
ENDA advocacy remained part of the organization’s public-policy portfolio.
2008
Opposition to Don't Ask, Don't TellStrategyBackground
Out & Equal treated the military as a workplace and argued that exclusionary service rules undermined recruitment, retention, teamwork, and equal citizenship.
Action taken
Founder Selisse Berry issued an open letter to Congress and Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Aftermath
The position formed part of Out & Equal’s broader employment-equality and public-policy advocacy.
Recent events
- 2019
Workplace Summit attendance exceeds 6,000[1]
Other
The organization’s 2019 Workplace Summit was described as attracting more than 6,000 participants, illustrating the scale of its principal annual convening.
- 2019
Out & Equal relocates its headquarters to Oakland[1]
Other
After operating from San Francisco’s historic City Club building, the organization moved its headquarters to Oakland in December 2019.
- 2018
Erin Uritus succeeds Selisse Berry as chief executive[1]
Leadership change
Erin Uritus became chief executive after Berry’s tenure, beginning a period of strategic repositioning and program expansion.
- 2015
Out & Equal establishes a Washington, DC office[1]
Other
The organization opened a second office in Washington, DC, reinforcing its presence in both the San Francisco Bay Area and the national policy center.
- 2004
Out & Equal becomes an independent 501(c)(3) organization[1]
Other
After operating with support from the United Way of the Bay Area, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates became an independent nonprofit organization.
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