Le replay du programme des récompenses ainsi que la liste complète des lauréat.e.s, est disponible en ligne : https://rolesmodeleslgbt.fr/

IGLTA VP named ‘Role Model’ in 2021 L’Autre Cercle Awards

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The French association’s annual awards highlight individuals who stand out for their leadership in promoting LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion

PARIS (12 October 2021)—L’Autre Cercle, the French association dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, today named the recipients of its 2021 “LGBT+ and Allies Role Model Awards.” IGLTA Vice President-Global Partnerships, Clark Massad, was among 26 honorees in the category of “LGBT+ Role Models Directors.”

This distinction is awarded to LGBTQ+ members of executive management teams “whose professional achievements, career path, values ​​or social role are considered as a role model for other LGBTQ+ people, and who contribute, through their commitment and visibility, to a positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.” Massad joined IGLTA as a volunteer in 2009 to support the association’s French membership and became a member of staff the following year, overseeing European outreach.

"We're very proud to see a member of our executive staff recognized by this prestigious group, which is so committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “We have an incredible team at IGLTA, and this is a testament to Clark's many industry contributions."

The ceremony was pre-recorded in the studios of Radio France and aired on 12 October on L’Autre Cercle’s LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook accounts. Massad participated in the roundtable discussion “I’m Out, Now What?” as part of the pre-recorded event.

“It truly is an honor to have my work as an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights for the past 30 years recognized by L’Autre Cercle,” Massad said. “I’m proud to be a part of this distinguished group of people who have contributed their time, energy and passion to promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in the workplace. At IGLTA, every day is about Pride in who we are, what we do, and how we can make travel more inclusive and welcoming to all—which means we share many common values with L’Autre Cercle in our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. My hope is that the commitment demonstrated by all the Role Models will serve as an example to younger generations, inspiring them to be their authentic selves and continue this important work.”

Awards also were presented in the categories of Ally Directors (27), LGBT+ Role Model Leaders (30), and LGBT+ Young Professionals (11). Created in 2019 and placed under the High Patronage of the President of the French Republic, the objective of the Role Model Awards is to further the commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace in France. By highlighting these influential LGBTQ+ leaders and/or decision-makers as well as allies, it reaffirms the need for LGBTQ+ visibility in the workplace. The event is always held in early October around World Coming Out Day to amplify this message.

Photos available upon request: loann.halden@iglta.org.

About IGLTA

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 80 countries. In 2012, the philanthropic IGLTA Foundation was launched to support the mission of the association and its membership through education, research and leadership development. For more information: iglta.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.

About L'Autre Cercle

Created in 1997, L’Autre Cercle is the benchmark French association promoting inclusion of LGBT+ people in the workplace. Its values ​​are respect, humanism, independence, commitment and pragmatism. L’Autre Cercle strives for a fulfilling professional environment, inclusive and respectful of people in all their diversity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition to its observatory role, the mission of the Association is to support organizations and promote best practices. L’Autre Cercle unites more than 160 public and private organizations that have signed the LGBT+ Charter of Commitment, bringing together more than 1.6 million employees and agents.