Sapphire Initiative

AIM

Sapphire is an initiative of Pride in Diversity that was developed to generate greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) people who identify or may be perceived as women in the workplace. This includes cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary people who may be perceived as female or feminine (regardless of their gender identities) and therefore may face many of the same challenges. This initiative seeks to engage with and provide this cohort with an opportunity to openly express and discuss some of these challenges in a safe, non-confrontational and professional environment, with the aim of creating a more inclusive workplace – one in which LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people can freely be themselves, and one in which there is a greater visibility of “out” role models.

It is important that workplaces feel inclusive for all people from all backgrounds, and we wish to engage with a wide a range of people as possible, to help us increase our understanding of the multi-faceted aspects of diversity experience within the workplace.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Understand and address the dual impacts of being a woman/non-binary person and LGBTQ+ in the workplace (often referred to as the double-glass ceiling).
Engage more LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people in workplace inclusion initiatives
Increase the visibility of out LGBTQ+ women and non-binary role models
Contribute to the growing body of international research on this topic.

TOOLKIT

The Sapphire Toolkit is all about helping workplaces better understand and support LGBTQ women and non-binary people who may be perceived as female or feminine. Packed with research, ready-to-use workshop templates, and creative event ideas, it’s a go-to resource for making sure these voices are heard and represented. Whether you’re running a network, planning events, or looking to boost visibility and belonging, this toolkit gives you the inspiration and practical tools to make real change.

BLOG POSTS

Our regular blog dives into the issues that matter most to the Sapphire cohort – both in and out of the workplace. From navigating career challenges and breaking stereotypes to celebrating identity and community, these posts shine a light on real experiences, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories. It’s a space for learning, sharing, and sparking conversations that help drive change.

Click here to download a PDF of our blog for International Lesbian Day – 8th October, 2025.

VIDEOS

EVENTS

We hold a number of events throughout the year, both in person and online. Our events are open to anyone who is a LGBTQ+ woman or is perceived as a woman, our allies, or anyone who would like to find out more about the experiences of the Sapphire cohort.

Check the Calendar of Events.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY from our International Women’s Day Event, held on 5 February 2026 at Victoria Pride Centre.

STAY UP TO DATE

Sign up to the Sapphire LinkedIn to stay up to date with what the Sapphire team is up to. This group is convened by Jess Mayers and Nita Mannering, both Senior Relationship Managers at Pride in Diversity. For more information you can contact Jess at jmayers@acon.org.au, and/or Nita at nmannering@acon.org.au – we are looking forward to hearing from you!

PUBLICATIONS

Cracking the Rainbow Glass Ceiling: Applying an intersectional lens: LGBTQ+ and gender workplace inclusion

2023 Pride in Diversity – Sapphire Initiative

In 2018, Pride in Diversity and GLEE@PwC partnered and co-authored ‘Where are all the women’ (“WAATW”), the first report of its kind, designed to understand “the lack of same-sex attracted women across LGBTI networks within Australia” and “how organisations might start to address this imbalance”.

Pride in Diversity’s Sapphire initiative has continued to build upon the initial research through analysis of the AWEI employee survey data received each year. Through this data we are able to drill down into the experiences of different populations within the LGBTQ+ umbrella. As a result, we have broadened the scope of the initiative.

To collect data for this research, PID looked at quantitative and qualitative data inputs from the AWEI employee survey, alongside a series of focus groups conducted with PID member organisations. Additionally, PID has partnered with University of Queensland to develop a series of academic case studies based on key themes affecting this cohort.

Click here to download

Sapphire Cohort – Academic Case Studies

Pride in Diversity’s Sapphire initiative has completed research and produced the “Cracking the Rainbow Glass Ceiling’ publication in an ongoing effort to assist organisations further understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ women (and those perceived and treated as women in their workplaces), identify specific barriers they may face, and learn from the experiences of organisations that have made positive strides in improving the experiences of this cohort. As part of this research, Pride in Diversity commissioned this series of academic case studies to study particular key areas of barriers to inclusion for this cohort.

Click here to download

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Sapphire Initiative

Empowering LGBTQ+ people who identify, or are perceived, as women to thrive in the workplace.