In celebration of Pride Month, we want to celebrate the students and schools who are demonstrating their commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ voices, rights, and representation in their communities.
Over the past two decades, LGBTQ+ rights have seen substantial advancements globally. Many organizations have actively improved LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion within workplaces. And yet, significant gaps and challenges remain.
According to McKinsey’s 2024 Women in the Workplace report, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially LGBTQ+ women and trans individuals, continue to be notably underrepresented at executive levels within major corporations.
Meanwhile, in 2025, fewer than ten openly LGBTQ+ CEOs lead Fortune 500 companies, with only two women and none identifying as transgender. Moreover, approximately 38% of LGBTQ+ employees remain closeted at their workplaces, highlighting ongoing challenges related to workplace culture and inclusivity.
To cultivate truly inclusive societies, higher education institutions must embed diversity and inclusion within their educational programs and campus environments. By promoting inclusive policies, curriculum, and campus cultures, universities can significantly influence societal change and acceptance.
Around the world, graduate schools continue to demonstrate their commitment and allyship to LGBTQ+ communities. Through dedicated initiatives, inclusive events, supportive student organizations, and comprehensive diversity programs, these institutions are leading the charge to a more inclusive future.
Let’s take a look at how this higher ed institution supports LGBTQ+ inclusion in business in a very impactful way.
Every year London Business School (LBS) hosts EUROUT, a student-led business conference centered around current LGBTQ+ issues. Run by the Out in Business (OiB) club, EUROUT is one of LBS’s flagship business conferences.
Held yearly in November, this year the school celebrates the 15th anniversary of the event. Bringing together delegates, employers and activists from around the world, the conference aims to address current topics at the apex of global business and LBGTQ+ rights.
Over three days, over 30 schools and 500 delegates join the EUROUT event in London. The event aims to inspire diversity and inclusion in the business world and beyond, and serves as a valuable opportunity for LGBTQ+ professionals to network with thought leaders and top organizations from around the world.
This year’s theme is ‘LEARNING from LEGENDS, LEADING with PRIDE.‘ EUROUT 2025 is celebrating the LGBTQ+ trailblazers that exemplify what being the best leaders for the future business community looks like.
Past speakers at EUROUT include:
As a historically underrepresented group, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to increase their presence in universities. In 2025, at leading schools across the globe, you’d be hard-pressed not to find an LGBTQ+ student club.
Here are just a few:
LGBT Models is an LGBTQ+ student association at EDHEC Business School, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the campus community.
Erasmus Pride is the official LGBTQIA+ student association at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Established in 2011 and officially recognized in 2020, it boasts over 200 members and offers a variety of social and educational events.
The ILRT is an initiative at ESMT Berlin that brings together students, faculty, and staff to prioritize values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It collaborates with student clubs like ESMT Pride Impact Club to foster a more inclusive environment.
Gabelli Pride is an active student organization at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ students and promoting inclusivity within the business school environment.
OUTSEAD is INSEAD’s LGBTQ+ student club, aiming to create an inclusive atmosphere on campus and provide a social network for LGBTQ+ community members and allies.
The Rainbow Resource Center (RRC) at Santa Clara University educates, empowers, and celebrates the experiences and identities of the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a space for students to coordinate educational events and training.
UniGay is the LGBTQ+ student organization at the University of St.Gallen, representing and supporting gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. It has been instrumental in initiatives like Pride Month at HSG.
The LGBTQ Center at the University of Virginia fosters the development of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies. Established in 2001, it offers programs, outreach, and services to support the LGBTQ+ community.
UTampa Pride at the University of Tampa is an open-minded, welcoming community for LGBTQ+ students and uses Facebook and Instagram to publish news and updates about meetings and events. UTampa Pride serves to raise awareness and address issues pertaining to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and trans+ people, while providing a safe environment for support.
For over 20 years, London Business School’s Out in Business (OiB) club has been providing a support network for their LGBTQ+ students and allies. The club hosts professional networking events, provides on-campus support and holds legendary social events for more than 900 members. From monthly mixers to the year’s biggest party, Rainbow Party, at London’s iconic Heaven nightclub.
PRIDE, is a Student Club at Harvard Business School. MBA students and partners form an association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) folk. PRIDE work to build community, foster professional development, and encourage advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation at the school and in the business world.
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