As awards season returns this year with renewed celebrations of excellence and impact, it’s worth remembering a moment in 2021 that placed the Philippines on the global stage of workplace inclusion.
The Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), the leading organization of companies championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Philippines, was named a finalist in the 2021 Outie Awards by Out & Equal, one of the most prestigious global awards for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
PFIP, a strong partner organization of Out & Equal in the Philippines, was recognized in the Belonging & Equity Visionary category – an honor shared with international corporate giants Bank of America, Capital One, and Dell Technologies. The category acknowledges organizations that go beyond representation and visibility, instead building systems, cultures, and practices that truly embed belonging, equity, and intersectionality into the workplace.
“To be recognized alongside global leaders in inclusion validated years of work done by our member organizations and volunteers. It was a proud moment not just for PFIP, but for the entire Filipino LGBTQ+ community,” said Weena Ekid, then Chair of PFIP and now one of its Trustees.
Founded in the United States, Out & Equal is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving LGBTQ+ workplace equality around the world. It partners with Fortune 500 companies and influential institutions to create inclusive workplace cultures where everyone belongs.
The Outie Awards, held annually as part of the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, celebrate the transformative work of organizations and individuals across the globe in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion at work.
PFIP’s inclusion as a finalist was not just a proud milestone—it was a testament to how far Philippine workplaces have come in building safe, equitable, and empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ talent. Through programs like the Bahaghari Awards, Rainbow Youth Academy, and its DEIB leadership masterclasses, PFIP has redefined what grassroots corporate advocacy can achieve in the global south.
“Inclusion is not a trend – it’s a responsibility. And being recognized internationally showed us that our advocacy can resonate far beyond borders,” Ekid added.
As PFIP prepares for another year of events, initiatives, and recognition including the upcoming Bahaghari Awards 2025, the organization’s continued commitment to visibility, equity, and pride remains unwavering.
Its 2021 Outie Awards nomination is a reminder that impactful work in LGBTQ+ inclusion doesn’t go unnoticed – and that Filipino leadership in this space is truly world-class.
