LinkedIn Unveils The Belonging Blueprint to Support LGBTQ+ Professionals at Work

LinkedIn released The Belonging Blueprint, a powerful new resource designed to help LGBTQ+ professionals navigate the complexities of the workplace. Combining data-driven insights, expert career advice, and real-world tools, the guide offers actionable strategies to support queer professionals at every stage of their careers—from first job to C-suite.

This initiative is more than just a guide—it's a bold statement of intent. As national conversations around inclusion and identity intensify, LinkedIn is stepping forward with a clear message: LGBTQ+ professionals deserve workplaces where they can show up fully and thrive unapologetically.

One statistic highlighted in the guide underscores the need for change: only 35% of LGBTQ+ professionals feel completely safe bringing their whole selves to work. The Belonging Blueprint aims to shift that reality by helping job seekers identify inclusive employers, understand red flags, and find ways to build community and resilience—even in environments that aren’t quite there yet.

“There’s no one way to be queer at work,” said Andrew McCaskill, LinkedIn Career Expert. “For some of us, being out and vocal is non-negotiable. For others, especially early in their careers, it’s more complex. But here’s the bottom line: no matter where you are on your journey, you deserve a workplace where you don’t have to code-switch, shrink, or explain yourself just to feel safe or seen.”

McCaskill emphasizes that authenticity in the workplace shouldn’t come at the cost of mental health or ambition. The Blueprint offers guidance on questions to ask during interviews, how to spot inclusive policies, and what true belonging actually looks like in practice—not just in corporate taglines.

“Before you say yes to any job offer, you have to ask yourself the real question: Will I be celebrated here, or just tolerated?” McCaskill added. “Because that difference is everything. A truly inclusive workplace doesn’t just hire LGBTQ+ talent—it builds policies, benefits, and leadership pipelines that reflect a true commitment to equity.”

The Belonging Blueprint is part of LinkedIn’s broader effort to create a platform where LGBTQ+ professionals are empowered to build thriving careers. While one guide won’t solve every challenge queer professionals face, it’s a meaningful step toward transforming today’s workplaces into safer, more supportive environments where everyone can succeed.

For LGBTQ+ professionals navigating today’s often-unforgiving job market, The Belonging Blueprint is more than a guide—it’s a roadmap to empowerment.