BEING QUEER IS A SUPERPOWER.

Are you ready to change the world for the better?

What if you realized that the very thing that makes you different is what makes you powerful? Some of the world’s foremost LGBTQ+ icons believe that being queer is a superpower — and we agree with them.

The ability to reframe your queerness as a strength, an asset and a source of power is life-altering. It’s the backbone of the Authentic Leaders Program — the journey from self-acceptance to self-authority helps queer folks unleash their true selves on the world.

Here’s why we believe that being queer is a superpower, and how Authentic Leaders commits to empower the LGBTQ+ heroes around us:

• Queer people embrace their inner strength. The power of accepting and sharing your authentic self is an act of strength that should be celebrated.

• Powerful LGBTQ+ role models embrace their queerness. Read how leaders like Laverne Cox, Nikki Hiltz and Adam Lambert draw strength from their identities.

• It’s our responsibility to nurture queer leaders. Queer leaders provide vital value to their workplaces, their communities, and those seeking love and encouragement.

• Let’s love our queer community forward. Authentic Leaders nurtures LGBTQ+ people into powerful leaders. We love you for the leader you are — and are meant to be.

Being Queer = Embracing Your True Strength

Superman is a fascinating superhero to many queer folks. That’s because, like many of us, his “secret identity” is actually his heroic self.

Other superheroes lead everyday lives, only donning their cape and costume to save the world. Superman was born a hero — he chooses to dress up as Clark Kent to disguise himself.

This decision to “hide in plain sight” is so relatable to queer people. It can be awkward, uncomfortable or even painful to dress up as something you’re not. But what if, just like Superman, you were born to be a hero all along?

Superman is the total opposite of most superheroes. And that’s so empowering to queer folks — what makes Superman different is what makes him unstoppable.

That’s what makes the decision to take off your disguise so powerful. Claiming your authentic identity as an LGBTQ+ person is an act of strength — you claim the hero inside of you.

This is the journey that Authentic Leaders graduates take. We take great pride in unleashing the power within these queer superheroes. They transform uncertainty into strength, and dare to activate the self-authoritative heroes within themselves.

Queer Icons Embrace Their Superpower

Some of the world’s most notable LGBTQ+ icons and leaders claim their queer identities as a superpower. And they’re right!

Trans actor, activist and fashion icon Laverne Cox stresses that personal identity is about freedom. 

“By truly embracing transgender equality,” Cox says, “I believe we can all begin to define what it means to be a man or a woman on our own terms and liberate ourselves from the gender oppression we impose on ourselves and each other.” 

Adam Lambert is one of today’s most respected, versatile singers. His song and music video, “Superpower”, is Lambert’s declaration of queer identity and self-love.

Team USA Olympian and distance runner Nikki Hiltz told USA Today that being transgender and non-binary is their superpower.

"I feel like I have a superpower being queer out there," Hiltz proclaims. "I feel like no matter what, before the gun goes off, I am loved and supported. That just allows me to run free."

Authentic Leaders Loves Our Queer Leaders Forward

Your queerness is a gift — embrace the uniquely powerful LGBTQ+ leader you were born to be.

Authentic Leaders has a responsibility to love our queer leaders forward. We view “inclusion” as a lovely first step — but it must lead to continued support, promotion and empowerment.

Our Authentic Leaders Program offers the backing and commitment that our LGBTQ+ talent sorely needs — we don’t just listen to queer people, we assure them they deserve to be heard by everyone. 

As the Authentic Leaders manifesto states (in part):

“You are a one-of-a-kind gift to the world…

Your individuality is your superpower. Your queerness is your gift.

Together, we will unleash it to make the world better.”

This is how we unleash new generations of LGBTQ+ heroes. And we couldn’t do it without the wonderful folks at our partner companies.

Our Partner Organisations Empower LGBTQ+ Heroes

Authentic Leaders is blessed with a network of outstanding business and community partners who nurture and empower LGBTQ+ people in and out of the workplace.

Our partners at Deloitte Australia view LGBTQ+ inclusion as a social responsibility. 

“We believe the power of ‘allyship’ is a critical element of LGBT+ diversity, whereby our people support the rights and wellbeing of their LGBT+ colleagues,” the Deloitte website states. ”Allyship isn’t just passive support, but part of our everyday actions - visibly and vocally supporting LGBT+ people inside and outside of Deloitte.”

PwC’s global leadership commitment includes the Shine LGBT+ community and inclusion network. 

“With a focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership and teamwork, Shine helps our people be their authentic selves and do their best work,” they explain. “Shine is about creating opportunities and fostering advocacy and allyship.”

We are grateful for the dedication and commitment our partners have towards nurturing queer talent. We encourage them to continue to transcend inclusion and build the LGBTQ+ superheroes of the future!

Nurture the LGBTQ+ Hero Within You — And Next to You

You’re reading these words because, in your heart, you know they are meant for you.

If you’re a queer leader waiting for the moment to claim your inner superhero, then consider this your call to be brave.

If you’re a brand seeking to better support its LGBTQ+ talent, we are here to clear the path and show you how.

Join Authentic Leaders on our mission to create a more authentic world, where all queer people feel safe, inspired and fulfilled.