Citi and the Center Combat Unemployment and Workplace Discrimination

New York City’s LGBT Community Center, Citi, and 40 participating corporations are addressing the “rampant unemployment” among the LGBT community with the inaugural Economic Empowerment Week LGBT Career Fair. The event builds on the success of the Center’s annual LGBT career fair, which debuted in 2005. This year’s event offers workshops, panels and networking opportunities to connect job seekers with employers.

While finding employment is difficult for job seekers of any sexual orientation and gender identity, the LGBT community faces specific challenges. Currently in the U.S., 29 states allow workers to be fired because of their sexual orientation, and in 34 states workers can be fired for being transgender.

“The Center helps real people with real issues every day, and employability of the LGBT community is one that must be addressed in a serious, meaningful manner,” said Center Executive Director Glennda Testone. “It’s wonderful how the exhibiting companies at our career fair are showing that they value the LGBT community, and that their priority, first and foremost, is to build teams of the best and brightest professionals possible.”

Supported by locally-based corporations, neighborhood businesses, community groups, LGBTQ student associations and business chambers, the fair points a spotlight on the employability of the NYC LGBT population and has grown substantially every year. This year’s LGBT Career Fair will showcase over 40  companies, welcome more than 800 job seekers and feature the Gay Coaches Collective, SAGEWorks and over 20 industry professionals representing Citi, Saks Fifth Avenue, R Family Vacations, NBCUniversal, Electron Capital Partners, Entertainment Partners, ArtIntelligence.com and more for workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

The career fair will be held September 30, 2013, from 10am-3pm at the Citi Executive Conference Center, 153 E 53 Street, 14th Floor. Participants are invited to experience panels, workshops and networking opportunities, all while meeting employers that value LGBT diversity in the workplace. For more information and registration, visit gaycenter.org/economic-empowerment-week.