Despite legislation and a relatively positive environment in Luxembourg, prejudices still exist against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, particularly in the workplace. Companies are often faced with difficulties preventing discrimination, creating an inclusive work environment and ensuring their services are accessible. With support from the European Social Fund (ESF), corporate social responsibility network IMS Luxembourg has developed a project that not only aims to answer all of these questions, but also raises awareness of diversity in the workplace.  

'Employers Come Out!' is an online training course project that is being created, tested and launched by a team of LGBTI experts from across the network. It is designed to help companies find opportunities to be more inclusive – which should not only improve employees' well-being, but also help businesses to fulfill their social responsibilities. 

Yves Turi, of investment bank RBC Luxembourg, can see the benefits of a course like 'Employers Come Out!' – including ways in which it might have helped him when he was younger.  

‘We must show our differences to gain indifference,’ he explains. ‘In addition to other means, an e-learning course is a pedagogic way to walk this path, which would have probably made my life easier 30 years ago.’ 

The new 'Employers Come Out!' e-learning course is just the latest in a range of initiatives from the IMS network, all of which are aimed at promoting and encouraging the inclusion of LGBTI people. A series of workshops where members developed ideas for tools, best practices and projects was soon followed by the creation of a good practice guide, with written and video testimonials, and a guide to trans identity, which helps employers to support trans people in the workplace.