Leaders of the 2SLGBTQ+ community have made and continue to make critical advancements in protecting the human rights of Canadians. Part of this journey includes breaking down barriers in career advancement and employment opportunities. In honour of Pride month, here are upcoming events and resources that career professionals can use to support clients who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
Did we miss an event you think should be included? Comment below or email careerwise@ceric.ca, and the article might be updated to include your event.
ProPride series (Pride at Work Canada) [Events]
Multiple dates
Pride at Work Canada is marking its 15-year anniversary and will honour the talents, strength and leadership of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace. The 2023 ProPride series celebrates the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders across Canada and the vital role that they play in creating more equitable workplaces.
Winnipeg ProPride
June 1, 2023
This in-person event is free and open to everyone. An evening to for attendees to expand their networks and make meaningful connections with other like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Webinar: Advancing Two-Spirit and Indigenous Inclusion in the Workplace
June 14, 2023
This event is exclusive for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and Community Partners. Visit these pages to find out if your organization is a Proud Partner or a Community Partner. This discussion will provide valuable insights into the experiences of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBQTIA+ employees and jobseekers in accessing and retaining affirming employment, and share best practices for hiring and retaining 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous talent.
Toronto ProPride
June 19, 2023
This in-person event is free and open to everyone. An evening to network and connect with those who are passionate about advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and creating a more inclusive work environment.
Victoria ProPride
June 27, 2023
This hybrid event is free and open to everyone. An evening of learning with LGBTQIA+ migrant leaders, as well as networking and connecting with diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders, and 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals and job seekers.
Building A Competitive Advantage (The Conference Board) [Conference]
June 8-9 | Brooklyn, New York
This two-day conference is designed for senior executives working in diversity and inclusion, talent management, human resources and employee engagement. It aims to help diversity, equity and inclusion professionals amid a deep-rooted company culture of belonging and inclusion, during an uncertain economic environment, potential budget cuts and calls for reaction to world events.
DEI – Pride in Tech (Dice) [Networking event]
June 14 | Virtual
This event will bring together technologists and diversity-focused employers in a safe and inclusive space. It provides one-on-one networking through text, voice and video, and the opportunity to connect with recruiters who value diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and are currently hiring for their open positions.
CGLCC Business Summit 2023 (Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) [Summit]
June 14-16 | Kingston, ON with virtual option
The 10th annual Global 2SLGBTQI+ Business Summit and Supplier Diversity Forum features experiential workshops, keynote speeches and networking. The three-day summit offers the opportunity to connect one-on-one with 2SLGBTQI+ and allied members, certified suppliers, corporate and government partners.
WorkPride 2023 (MyGWork)
June 19-23 | Virtual
This series of events is free for professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and anyone who believes in workplace equality. Each year, WorkPride welcomes thousands of virtual attendees from around the globe to network, share best practices, and learn strategies to help create workspaces that are inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
The IGLTA Foundation Fellowship Program (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) [Program]
Application deadline: June 30
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) fellowships aim to help LGBTQ+ individuals achieve their professional goals and contribute to the growth of the travel and tourism industry. They have three unique fellowship programs for LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing careers in travel, tourism and hospitality: the David Martin Small Business Fellowships, Building Bridges Fellowships for students, and PATA Building Bridges Fellowship for young professionals. Travel Fellowship recipients will attend the IGLTA Global Convention (taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Oct. 4) with travel expenses paid.
2023 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) [Conference]
Aug. 15-18 | Denver, Colorado
The program will deliver networking and engagement opportunities for more than 2,000 LGBTQ and allied business leaders. Educational programs include inspiring keynote speakers, the annual B2B Boot Camp for Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers and more. Price: Visit the registration page for various options ranging from $649 (US) to $1,449 (US).
O4U conferences (Out For Undergrad) [Conferences]
Multiple dates and locations
Each year, Out For Undergrad invites a diverse class of high-achieving LGBTQ2+ students to their conferences. Their mission is to inspire them to pursue ambitious careers and achieve their full potential. Students are welcome to apply for these upcoming conferences. Travel and accommodations are covered for selected students.
- Digital Conference – Sept. 8-10, 2023 | New York City
- Engineering Conference – Oct. 20-22, 2023 | Paul, Minnesota
Additional reading
- 5 Interviewing Tips for Transgender and Non-Binary People (Indeed) [Article]
- 12 resources for supporting LGBTQ2+ clients’ career development (CareerWise) [Article]
- Affirmative Career Counselling with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients: A Social Justice Perspective (Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy) [Study/Report]
- lgbt [Job board]
- Your Journey: A Career Guide for Trans and Nonbinary Students (University of Toronto) [Guide]
