São Paulo – Accor, the global leader in hospitality and the Fórum de Empresas e Direitos LGBTI+ (LGBTI+ Business and Rights Forum), a business group that gathers large companies to promote LGBTI+ human right, organized the event. “Together to eradicate LGBTI+ phobia on Friday, May 16, in São Paulo. The meeting, led by TchaKa drag queen, was held the day before the International Day to Combat LGBTI+ Phobia on May 17. It brought together representatives from large companies, civil society, experts, and public authorities to discuss concrete ways to create more welcoming, diverse and safe environments.
The program included topics like the limits to what can be tolerated anymore, the challenges LGBTI+ individuals face in the workplace and the use of hospitality as an inclusion tool.
During the opening ceremonies, Antonietta Varlese Senior Vice-President of Sustainability and Communications for Accor AmericasThe company’s commitment on the subject was reinforced: Both our customers and employees will benefit from our understanding that welcoming differences and respecting them is important to create memorable experiences. Hospitality is all about people. We are committed in promoting a cultural of respect and appreciation for diverse people, and strengthening efforts to ensure LGBTI+ individuals have their rights recognized and guaranteed by society.
First conversation: “Panel with CEOs: Let’s change the things we cannot tolerateCaio Mgri, President, Ethos Institute and Reinaldo Blgarelli, Executive Secretary, LGBTI+ Forum, led the discussion. Executives such as Thomas Dubaere (CEO of Accor Americas), Rodolfo Eschenbach (President of Accenture Latin America), Rogerio Barreira (President of Arcos Dourados Brazil Division), and Elayne Correa (General Director of Saint Gobain) attended the debate.
Bulgarelli emphasized the importance of the opening to mobilise industry leaders to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all. We can work with our signatories at this event to promote inclusive practices within large corporations. It is time to end discrimination against LGBTI+ persons. We must and can promote a safe, healthy environment for all.
Bulgarelli.
Also present at the event was Raphael Calumby, Coordinator of Policies for Sexual Diversity – Secretariat of Justice and Citizenship of the State of São Paulo, who emphasized the fight against prejudice, as well as the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) actions in companies and in society so that all people can feel included. And Regina Célia Silveira, Municipal Secretary of Human Rights and Citizenship of the City of São Paulo, who emphasized the relevance of the presence of the LGBTI+ Forum in Brazil and the constant fight for spaces that need to be increasingly occupied within the Secretariat and organizations by diverse people, emphasized the care and support needed for people from the LGBTI+ community in situations of vulnerability and called on companies to join forces with the Secretariat of Justice and Citizenship of the State of São Paulo to develop social and economic development proposals to eradicate prejudice.
There were two more panels. The second panel, “I am LGBTI+ at work“, gathered representatives of initiatives including the UNHCR Refugee Business Forum and the Social Inclusion Business Network. Other initiatives included the Voluntary Board of the Women’s Movement 360 and the Business Initiative for Racial Equality. Reinaldo highlighted the areas that Brazil could occupy to advance DEI practices in the second meeting. The panel discussed the importance of leadership to transform discrimination into positive change, and also the differences between the American and Brazilian contexts in terms of the need for inclusion quotas that include black and disabled people at universities and work.
“The last meeting of the Day”The art of welcoming LGBTI+ travelers” featured Ricardo Gomes – President of the Brazilian LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism – Cesar Feragi – Adjunct Professor in the Tourism Course of UFSCar – Bruno Chateaubriand – Journalist and Former Gymnast – and Jorge Souza – Marketing Director of Orinter.
About Accor. A world-leading hospitality company
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group is one of the largest hospitality groups in the world, encompassing 45 brands, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly ones, and Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, Accor’s booking platform and loyalty programme, embodies its promise throughout and beyond your hotel stay. It also gives you access to exclusive experiences. Accor’s focus is on driving positive change through business ethics and responsible tourism. It also focuses on environmental sustainability, community engagement, inclusivity, diversity, and diversity. Accor’s mission is reflected by the Group’s purpose: Pioneering responsible hospitality, connecting culture, and with heartfelt caring. Accor was founded in France in 1967. The Group, which is listed in the CAC 40 Index on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange under the ISIN code FR0000120404 and the OTC Market in the United States (Ticker ACCYY), is also publicly traded on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange. Please visit for more information. group.accor.com Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram The following are some examples of how to get started: TikTok.
