Description

More than one in three LGBTQIA+ adults live with a disability—significantly higher than the general population. This engaging and thought-provoking session explores why this disparity exists and what it means for individuals navigating both LGBTQIA2S+ and disability identities.

Through a blend of research, storytelling, and media clips, the presentation highlights the realities of double marginalization, identity conflict, and the impact of representation on mental health and well-being. 

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how inclusion, support, and visibility can transform the experience of coming out within the disability community.

This session is designed for audiences of all backgrounds and offers valuable insights for creating more inclusive, affirming workplaces and communities.

If your company has a B/ERG that addresses disability and ability topics, invite them to join your Pride B/ERG for this virtual event, and then maybe have a conversation about ways to collaborate in the future.

Guest Speaker

Fiona Dawson (she/her)
Author, Filmmaker & Speaker
Free Lion Productions

Fiona Dawson (she/her) is an Emmy®-nominated filmmaker, speaker, and founder of Free Lion Productions, and serves as the Senior Director of Partnerships at the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. A proud bisexual, cisgender immigrant woman living with a non-apparent disability, she uses storytelling to advance LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion and equity.

Her award-winning work includes TransMilitary (SXSW Audience Award) and a New York Times op-doc. Fiona was honored by the Obama White House as an LGBT Artist Champion of Change. She is a #1 bestselling author and an acclaimed speaker who has presented to global leaders and audiences of thousands. Her book “What Does That LGBTQIA+ Label Mean? Explaining the Spectrum of Gender and Sexuality with Humor and Ease” is available here! 

Fiona’s company, Free Lion Productions, is an NGLCC-certified LGBTBE© business. Fiona also serves as Senior Director of Partnerships for the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. 

• LGBTQ+ & Allied ERGs/BERGs and workplace affinity/employee networks
• Inclusion, HR, Talent & Culture professionals
• Corporate community engagement, philanthropy, and CSR leaders
• Supplier inclusion and procurement professionals
• People managers committed to building inclusive teams
• Business leaders and executives championing equitable workplaces

ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE

The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance was developed exclusively for Chamber Impact Partners to facilitate engagement and learning between LGBTQ+ & Allied Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) leaders, human resources, talent recruitment, supplier access, and leadership professionals engaged in belonging and inclusion efforts within their companies in Houston and beyond. 

Is your company interested in becoming a Chamber Impact Partner and participating in LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Programming? Learn more here.

If you have questions about the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance or eligibility to attend this event, contact Ryan Wilson, Director of Corporate Relations: ryan.wilson@houstonlgbtchamber.com or 410-459-4670.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE PROGRAM SPONSORS

By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.